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Former Cy Young Award winner Eric Gagne avoided another difficult salary arbitration hearing with the Los Angeles Dodgers, agreeing Tuesday to a $19 million, two-year contract.
Gagne and the Dodgers agreed to the deal just before they were scheduled to exchange figures in salary arbitration.
He will get $8 million this year and $10 million in 2006. Los Angeles has a $12 million option for 2007 with a $1 million buyout, but Gagne has the right to void the option and become eligible for free agency. If he voids the option, he would receive a buyout of $250,000 to $1 million, depending games finished the next two years.
A year ago, Gagne was awarded $5 million by a panel of three arbitrators rather than his $8 million request. The right-hander won the NL Cy Young Award in 2003.
Gagne had a 7-3 record with a 2.19 ERA last season. He had 45 saves in 70 games, struck out 114 and walked 22.
He pitched three innings in two games of the NL division series, which the Dodgers lost to St. Louis 3-1. It was the team's first postseason appearance since 1996.
Reaching a deal with Gagne could help the Dodgers pacify fans angry about some of the team's other offseason moves.
The Dodgers lost offensive punch when they failed to re-sign free agent Adrian Beltre and outfielder Shawn Green, who went to Arizona. Beltre left for Seattle after having a career season. The team also cut loose outfielder Steve Finley, pitcher Jose Lima and second baseman Alex Cora.
A day earlier, Los Angeles reached a $9.9 million, three-year agreement with Gold Glove shortstop Cesar Izturis.
Gagne will close for a starting rotation that includes newcomer Derek Lowe, Odalis Perez, Jeff Weaver and Brad Penny.
Source: AP
Gagne and the Dodgers agreed to the deal just before they were scheduled to exchange figures in salary arbitration.
He will get $8 million this year and $10 million in 2006. Los Angeles has a $12 million option for 2007 with a $1 million buyout, but Gagne has the right to void the option and become eligible for free agency. If he voids the option, he would receive a buyout of $250,000 to $1 million, depending games finished the next two years.
A year ago, Gagne was awarded $5 million by a panel of three arbitrators rather than his $8 million request. The right-hander won the NL Cy Young Award in 2003.
Gagne had a 7-3 record with a 2.19 ERA last season. He had 45 saves in 70 games, struck out 114 and walked 22.
He pitched three innings in two games of the NL division series, which the Dodgers lost to St. Louis 3-1. It was the team's first postseason appearance since 1996.
Reaching a deal with Gagne could help the Dodgers pacify fans angry about some of the team's other offseason moves.
The Dodgers lost offensive punch when they failed to re-sign free agent Adrian Beltre and outfielder Shawn Green, who went to Arizona. Beltre left for Seattle after having a career season. The team also cut loose outfielder Steve Finley, pitcher Jose Lima and second baseman Alex Cora.
A day earlier, Los Angeles reached a $9.9 million, three-year agreement with Gold Glove shortstop Cesar Izturis.
Gagne will close for a starting rotation that includes newcomer Derek Lowe, Odalis Perez, Jeff Weaver and Brad Penny.
Source: AP