The Arizona Diamondbacks have reached an agreement with shortstop Cliff Pennington on a two-year deal to avoid arbitration worth $5 million. Pennington was acquired from the Oakland Athletics for outfielder Chris Young on October 20. Young played in 125 games in 2012 for the A’s, but hit just .215 last season with 28 RBI.
Pennington is expected to start the season as the everyday shortstop for Arizona and could serve as a bridge to prospect Didi Gregorius, depending on when he is deemed major-league ready. Pennington could also back up second baseman Aaron Hill, according to Diamondbacks general manager Kevin Towers
Pennington has a career slash line of .249/.313/.356. The Diamondbacks obtained Gregorius in a deal with the Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds in mid-December. Trade rumors continue to persist about outfielders Jason Kubel and Justin Upton. Towers maintains the position that the team does not have to trade either. Upton refused a trade to the Seattle Mariners earlier this month.
