The Boston Red Sox and closer Jonathan Papelbon have avoided arbitration by agreeing to a 1-year, $6.25 million contract. The $6.25 million is the highest contract ever for a first-year arbitration-eligible reliever.
It’s a big raise for Papelbon who made $775,000 in 2008.
Papelbon went 5-4 with a 2.34 ERA and 41 saves last season. In 202 career games (3 starts), Papelbon is 13-10 with a 1.84 ERA and 113 saves.
I do wonder that although they’ve agreed to this deal, will they still try to work out a long-term deal or will Papelbon stand behind his word and go year-to-year until he reaches free agency.
The only other arbitration-eligible player the Red Sox have, Javier Lopez, also agreed to a 1-year, $1.35 million contract. Lopez made $840,000 last year.
As we all know the Red Sox have never gone to arbitration during the Theo Epstein regime. And now that trend still continues for Theo.
Update: Rob Bradford of WEEI.com adds this as well on Papelbon’s contract as far as bonuses.
All-Star, $50,000; MVP, $100,000 (2nd, $50,000; 3rd, $25,000); Cy Young, $100,000 (2nd, $50,000; 3rd; $25,000); World Series MVP, $100,000; LCS MVP, $50,000; Rolaids Relief, $50,000.
