D-backs avoid arbitration with Ahmed, Peralta, 7 others

Arizona begins the rebuilding process with some familiar faces on the field

PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks have avoided arbitration with nine of their 10 arbitrationeligible players, leaving only left-handed reliever T.J. McFarland without a deal.

Among those reaching agreements were shortstop Nick Ahmed, outfielder David Peralta, third baseman Jake Lamb and starting pitcher Robbie Ray. Ahmed, coming off a Gold Glove season that included greatly improved offensive numbers, gets $3,662,500, a hefty increase from last year’s $1,275,000. Peralta receives an even bigger raise to $7 million, up from $3.3 million last season

Ray gets $6.05 million, a raise of $2.1 million, and Lamb receives $4,825,000, a raise of $550,000.

Also reaching one-year agreements were outfielder Steven Souza Jr., ($4,125,000), right-handed starter Taijuan Walker ($5,025,000), and right-handed relievers Archie Bradley and Matt Andriesen.

The Diamondbacks also reached one-year deals with outfielder Steven Souza Jr. ($4,125,000) and right-handed starter Taijuan Walker ($5,025,000). Catcher John Ryan Murphy agreed Thursday at $900,000.

McFarland asked for a raise from $1.1 million to $1,675,000, while the club proposed $1,275,000.

Ahmed hit .234 in 153 games for Arizona last season with 16 homers and 70 RBIs, both career highs. Peralta hit .293 with 30 home runs and 87 RBIs, also both career bests.

Ray was a 15-game winner two seasons ago but went just 6-2 in 24 starts last season. He has 739 strikeouts in four-plus major league seasons, including 218 in 2016 and 2017. He struck out 165 last season.