DETROIT, MI (WTVB) – The Detroit Tigers avoided arbitration with Nicholas Castellanos, agreeing on a $9.95 million deal with the outfielder for 2019. Detroit also reached agreements with left-handers Matthew Boyd ($2.6 million), Daniel Norris ($1,275,000) and Blaine Hardy ($1.3 million). Right-hander Michael Fulmer is the Tigers’ only arbitration-eligible player without a deal. He asked for $3.4 million and was offered $2.8 million. The 26-year-old Castellanos hit .298 last year with 23 home runs and 89 RBIs. He’s considered a candidate to be traded, with the Tigers rebuilding after consecutive 98-loss seasons. Fulmer, the 2016 AL Rookie of the Year, went 3-12 with a 4.69 ERA last season, when he dealt with oblique and knee problems.
Meanwhile, Tigers minor league pitcher Gregory Soto has been suspended 20 games without pay by Major League Baseball under a provision of the sport’s collective bargaining agreement allowing discipline for conduct detrimental or prejudicial to the sport. The 23-year-old left-hander’s suspension resulted from an agreement with the players’ association, a person familiar with the discipline told The Associated Press on Friday, speaking on condition of anonymity because no statement was authorized. The person said the suspension was not related to gambling.
And the Boston Red Sox are avoiding arbitration with American League MVP Mookie Betts. The two sides have agreed to a one-year, $20 million contract for 2019. Betts led the league last season with a .346 batting average and 129 runs scored. He belted 32 home runs, drove in 80 and stole 30 bases, helping to lead the Red Sox to a World Series title.
