MESA, ARIZ. (AP) - Closer Carlos Marmol agreed to a $20 million, three-year contract with the Chicago Cubs that avoided salary arbitration.
The Cubs announced the deal Monday after their first workout for pitchers and catchers. Marmol will have salaries of $3.2 million this season, $7 million in 2012 and $9.8 million in 2013.
Marmol had 38 saves with a 2-3 record and 2.55 ERA last season. He had asked for $5.65 million in arbitration while the Cubs countered with an offer of $4.1 million.
The 28-year-old Marmol took over the closer’s role in August 2009 and has converted 49 of 54 save chances since then.
Four players remain in arbitration, with hearings scheduled through Friday. Players and owners have split the two cases already decided, with Pittsburgh pitcher Ross Ohlendorf winning and Los Angeles Angels pitcher Jered Weaver losing.
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