CINCINNATI - The Reds have agreed to a $3.06 million, one-year deal with right-hander Mike Leake, avoiding salary arbitration with their fifth starter.
The deal on Wednesday leaves three Reds still facing arbitration: starters Mat Latos and Homer Bailey and outfielder Shin-Soo Choo.
Leake made $507,500 last season, when he went 8-9 with a 4.58 ERA in 30 starts, a career high. He asked for $3.5 million in arbitration, and the club offered $2.65 million. He will compete with left-hander Aroldis Chapman for a spot in the rotation. He would make an additional $25,000 if he pitches 180 or more innings.
Cincinnati's three most expensive arbitration cases are pending. Choo is seeking $8 million, Bailey $5.8 million and Latos $4.7 million. The Reds have settled with outfielder Chris Heisey and reliever Alfredo Simon.
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