Dodgers News: Mike Baxter Signs One-Year Deal, Avoids Arbitration
The Los Angeles Dodgers shocked many in mid-October when they claimed outfielder Mike Baxter off waivers from the New York Mets and designated outfielder Alex Castellanos for assignment.
Baxter, 28, played in only 74 games last season with no home runs and 4 RBI with a less than stellar .189 batting average. His shining moment with the Mets came when he made an incredible catch to preserve a no-hitter by starter Johan Santana in 2012. On the play, Baxter injured his shoulder and was never quite the same and was made expendable.
However, according to his agency Beverly Hills Sports Council, Baxter agreed to a deal with the Dodgers this morning:
OF Mike Baxter has agreed to 1-year contract with #Dodgers to avoid arbitration.
— BHSC (@BHSCouncil) November 29, 2013
With a surplus of outfielders, Baxter will come into Spring Training fighting for a backup spot on the bench with Scott Van Slyke and any other free agents the Dodgers bring in on the bench.
Due to his service time of 128 days, Baxter was arbitration eligible for the first time this year as a Super Two. According to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com, Baxter will get a bump in salary after making just $500,000 last season:
Mike Baxter settled with the #dodgers for $700,000 for 2014
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) November 29, 2013
The Dodgers are hoping that Baxter is fully recovered from his shoulder injury and that he can regain his 2012 form when he hit .263 with three home runs and 17 RBI in 89 games with the Mets.
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