Mets reach deals with 7, including Francisco Lindor ($22.3M), Michael Conforto ($12.25M).
Smith, Diaz, Lugo, Gsellman, Nimmo also avoid arbitration
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The New York Mets agreed to oneyear contracts with seven players Friday to avoid salary arbitration, including shortstop Francisco Lindor, outfielder Michael Conforto and first basemanoutfielder Dominic Smith.
Lindor will earn $22.3 million and Conforto gets $12.25 million in their final years before potentially becoming free agents, while Smith agreed to a $2.55 million deal in his first year eligible for arbitration.
Outfielder Brandon Nimmo ($4.7 million) and right-handers Edwin Diaz ($7 million), Seth Lugo ($2,925,00) and Robert Gsellman ($1.3 million) also agreed to one-year deals.
Lindor was acquired from Cleveland last week along with starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco in a blockbuster trade that excited Mets fans. New York parted with young infielders Andres Gimenez and Amed Rosario plus two minor leaguers in a deal that signaled the club is serious about paying for star players and contending immediately under new owner Steve Cohen.
Red Sox: A source says Boston agreed to a $4,575,000, one-year deal with third baseman Rafael Devers that avoided salary arbitration. Astros: Houston agreed to one-year contracts with right-hander Lance Mccullers Jr. and infielder Aledmys Diaz to avoid salary arbitration. The Astros also finalized a $12.5 million, two-year deal with reliever Pedro Baez that includes a club option and could be worth $19.5 million for three seasons. Last season he was 0-0 with a 3.18 ERA and two saves in 18 appearances for the Dodgers. Athletics: Slick-fielding third baseman Matt Chapman reached agreement on a $6.49 million,
one-year contract with Oakland to avoid arbitration, and the club also secured deals with its five other arbitration-eligible players.
Blue Jays: Outfielder Teoscar Hernandez agreed to a $4,325,000, one-year contract with Toronto, which also reached a $3 million, oneyear deal with right-hander Ross Stripling.
Braves: Atlanta agreed to one-year deals with left-handers Max Fried and A.J. Minter that avoid arbitration.
Brewers: Milwaukee avoided going to arbitration with pitchers Josh Hader and Brandon Woodruff by agreeing to one-year contracts.
Dodgers: Star Cody Bellinger agreed to a $16.1 million, one-year deal that avoids arbitration.
Giants: Right-hander Reyes Moronta agreed to a $695,000, one-year contract to avoid salary arbitration . ... Left-hander Alex Wood also agreed to a $3 million, one-year contract.
Indians: Cleveland avoided salary arbitration with catcher Austin Hedges, right-hander Phil Maton and infielder Amed Rosario with one-year deals.
Marlins: Miami agreed to terms with all of its arbitration-eligible players, including third baseman Brian Anderson. Miami also announced deals with catcher Jorge Alfaro and three relievers — Yimi Garcia, Richard Bleier and Adam Cimber. In addition, Miami signed 11 players from four countries, including 18-year-old Cuban infielder Yiddi Cappe, during Major League Baseball’s international signing period. Cappe is regarded as one of baseball’s top 10 international prospects.
Nationals: NL batting champion Juan Soto, shortstop Trea Turner and first baseman Josh Bell agreed to 2021 contracts with Washington.
Phillies: Philadelphia agreed to one-year contracts with first baseman Rhys Hoskins, righthander Vince Velasquez and left-hander Jose Alvarado to avoid salary arbitration.
Pirates: Pittsburgh avoided arbitration with right-hander Joe Musgrove and eight others.
Rangers: Texas agreed to one-year deals with right fielder Joey Gallo and expected starting shortstop Isiah Kiner-falefa, avoiding arbitration.
White Sox: Chicago finalized a $54 million, three-year deal with Oakland closer Liam Hendriks.