Cubs avoid arbitration with OF Justin Ruggiano

Aug 16, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins center fielder Justin Ruggiano (right) greets third base coach Joe Espada (left) after hitting a solo home run during the ninth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Cubs have avoided arbitration with outfielder Justin Ruggiano. He will earn $2 million in 2014, which falls in the median of the Cubs’ counter of $1.6 million and Ruggiano’s filing number of $2.45 million.

Ruggiano, 32, hit .222/.298/.396 last season, which is a notable decline from his 13-home run, .313/.374/535 season in 2012. He is expected to be part of a platoon situation in the outfield for first-year manager Rick Renteria in 2014.

The right-handed swinging outfielder did hit 18 home runs and drive in 50 runs – both of which were career-highs.

Other outfielders in the mix include Nate Schierholtz, Junior Lake and Ryan Sweeney. Schierholtz posted career numbers last season for Chicago and Lake will look to avoid the infamous ‘sophomore slump after a solid rookie campaign.