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Chicago Cubs and reliever Hector Rondon avoid arbitration with new deal
By David Miniel
We’re a few hours away from the 2017 Chicago Cubs Convention at the Sheraton Hotel. And while both players and fans anxiously await the opening ceremonies, some good news has been released.
As we all know, clubs across the league have a list of players who are arbitration eligible. For the Chicago Cubs, it has been the same list of players for some time now. Including right-hander, Jake Arrieta.
However, Arrieta’s long-term contract will be the topic of discussion this weekend as the organization comes together. Surely, something positive will happen in the near future but for now, we wait.
With the Cubs re-signing Munenori Kawasaki, the veteran utility man has avoided arbitration thanks to a minor league deal.
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Now, according to the Chicago Tribune, the Cubs, and former closer, Hector Rondon managed to avoid arbitration with a one-year deal. A deal worth $5.8 million, a slight bump in pay compared to his 2016 salary.
Rondon, a World Series champion, received a one-year deal worth $4.2 million last Winter. He would end up losing his job to southpaw, Aroldis Chapman who racked up a ton of saves during both the regular and postseason.
Don’t worry, be happy
Although Rondon lost his closer role to Chapman and now possibly, Wade Davis, he’s still a valuable asset to this club. In 2015, he frustrated opposing hitters, giving up only 13 earned runs while striking out 69 and walking 15 on top of posting a career-best 30 saves and 1.67 ERA.
His most memorable moment that year was recording the final out against the St. Louis Cardinals in the NLDS to help the Cubs advance to the LCS. Sending fans in attendance into a frenzy, slamming his fist against his chest as his teammates poured out onto the field.
After his magic campaign, his performance went downhill. Rondon gave up 20 earned runs as he managed to record only 18 saves and allowed five to get away. This later opened the door for the Chapman trade.
Next: Offense to make bold statement in 2017
Hopefully, 2017 will be kinder to Rondon as he’ll likely fill in as the set-up man to Davis. Either way, Hector should be excited to get back to work following the Cubs’ World Series run. This club is favored to win it all again this year and is destined for multiple titles in the future.
We’ll have more news regarding the Cubs and arbitration eligible players. Will it be Pedro Strop next or maybe even Arrieta? Be sure to stay tuned throughout the day for new deals and coverage of the Cubs Convention.