The Cincinnati Reds and pitcher Mike Leake reached an agreement to avoid arbitration on a one-year deal worth $3.06 million. The deal represents a compromise based on the figures submitted for arbitration. Leake had asked for $3.5 million, and the Reds submitted $2.65 million. The Reds still have three players currently slated to go through the arbitration process. Homer Bailey, Shin-Soo Choo and Mat Latos have yet to agree on a deal this offseason.
Leake pitched to a 4.58 ERA over 179 innings of work in 2012 and posted at 8-9 record. Arodis Chapman is expected to join the Reds starting rotation in 2013, leaving Leake’s role uncertain heading into spring training. Currently the Reds rotation has Johnny Cueto, Latos, Bailey and Bronson Arroyo.
Right-handers Jonathan Broxton, Jose Arredondo, Sam LeCure, Logan Ondrusek, J.J. Hoover and Alfredo Simon and lefty Sean Marshall make up the bullpen, and the team signed former Brewers pitcher Manny Parra last week. counting starters and relievers the Reds have 15 pitchers competing for 12 spots on the staff.
