The Los Angeles Dodgers signed relief pitcher Hong-Chih Kuo to a one-year, $2.725 million contract on Wednesday, avoiding salary arbitration. Kuo filed for a salary of $3.055 million two weeks ago, while the Dodgers offered $2.55 million. Kuo can earn up to $700,000 in performance bonuses, per Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times, which would put the total contract over the midpoint of $2,812,500.
The left-handed Kuo set a Dodgers franchise record last season with a 1.20 ERA in 60 innings. He made his first All-Star team, a rare feat for a setup man, and even stepped into the closer role late in the season after Jonathan Broxton's struggles. Kuo converted all 12 of his save opportunities.
With Kuo now under contract, the Dodgers have one potential salary arbitration hearing remaining, with first baseman James Loney. When salary figures were exchanged on January 18, Loney asked for $5.25 million while the Dodgers offered $4.7 million. If the Dodgers and Loney can't reach agreement, they will head to an already-scheduled arbitration hearing at some point by February 18.
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