Pittsburgh Pirates avoid arbitration with Sanchez, Jones
By Matt Shetler
The Pittsburgh Pirates avoided arbitration with two of their four eligible players, when they came to terms with one-year contracts with both Gaby Sanchez and Garrett Jones.
Sept 2, 2012; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Gaby Sanchez (14) hits a single to drive in a run in the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Sanchez, who was acquired at last season’s trade deadline from the Miami Marlins, reached agreement with the team on a one-year, $1.75 million deal plus bonuses to avoid arbitration. He posted a line of .241 AVG/.323 OBP/.720 OPS a season ago with four homers and 13 RBI while in a Pirates uniform. However Sanchez is expected to play a bigger role this season, at least platooning at first base and the Bucs are hoping he can duplicate the numbers he put up in 2010 and 2011 when he hit 19 homers each season and combined to drive in 163 runs.
Jones is coming off his best major league season in which he posted a line of .274/.317/.832 with 27 homers and 86 RBI. He was outstanding against right-handed pitching, posting the second best overall line in baseball (.289/.332/.888) against righties. He will make $4.5 million next season.
That leaves the Bucs with two more arbitration eligible players in Neil Walker and James McDonald.
Walker is asking for $3.6 million while the Pirates are offering $3 million.
McDonald is asking for $3.4 million while the team is offering $2.65 million.