On Friday closer Jason Motte‘s agent submitted a request $5.5 million and the Cardinals countered with an offer of $4.5 million, for arbitration purposes. Today the Cardinals reached an agreement with Motte on a two-year deal worth $12 million. The deal includes a $1 million signing bonus and buys Motte out of the final two years of arbitration. Motte is now set to become a free agent after the 2014 season.
Motte, 30, recorded 42 saves, best in the National League with the Cardinals in 2012. Motte was 4-5 with a 2.75 ERA, and will see a significant increase in pay as he made $2 million last year. “We are excited to be able to have Jason under control for the next two years,” said team Sr. Vice President & General Manager, John Mozeliak. Since 2008 Motte has a 17-13 career record with 54 saves.
The Cardinals continue to negotiate with third baseman David Freese and left hander Marc Rzepczynski. If they fail to reach agreements, hearings would be held next month in Phoenix before three-arbitrator panels.
