Jeff Baker and the Cubs have avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year deal prior to tonight’s contract-tendering deadline.
Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com reports that the deal is worth $1.175 million, which is a 20 percent raise from the $975,000 he earned while hitting .272/.326/.413 in a part-time role this season.
Baker has logged 333, 248, and 224 plate appearances in the past three seasons and figures to spend 2011 in a reserve role again. He started a total of 48 games this year, seeing most of his action at third base and second base.