Rangers and Mitch Moreland avoid arbitration with last-minute deal
The Texas Rangers and first baseman Mitch Moreland were scheduled to head to an arbitration hearing on Wednesday, but they managed to come to terms on a one-year deal in time to avoid it.
As MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan announced on Twitter late Tuesday night, the two sides agreed on a $5.7 million deal for 2016:
Moreland, 30, is coming off a strong season in 2015 that saw him hit .278/.330/.482 with 23 home runs and 85 RBI. His 2.2 WAR was his highest to date in his career. The bounce-back year was especially important given his injury-riddled 2014 campaign, in which he played in only 52 games.
Moreland's one-year deal sets him up for a strong contract year, as he's set to hit free agency following this season.
Avoiding arbitration with Moreland allowed the Rangers' streak to continue - they haven't had an arbitration hearing since 2000 with first baseman Lee Stevens.
