Arbitration Avoided For Teixeira

Written by Colin on January 18, 2008 – 8:35 am

As discussed with Frank Wren on Sunday, a long-term deal with Mark Teixeira continues to be a high priority. That’s not done yet, but the Braves and Tex struck a deal on his 2008 salary level without having to go to arbitration. He’s set to make $12.5 million next year, up from $9 million last year.

Other players avoided the arbitration process Thursday as well. Omar Infante, Tyler Yates, and Mike Gonzalez also settled on salary level with the Braves. Matt Diaz and Rafael Soriano remain the only unsigned arbitration-eligible players.

Whether or not Teixeira will sign an extension with the Braves before the end of the season remains to be seen. He is speculated to be one of the most highly-desired players on the free agent market before the 2009 season. His agent, Scott Boras, will likely discourage him from signing an extension unless it looks well worth while – and I have doubts as to whether or not the Braves have the salary capacity to sign him to a multi-year deal.

Infante gets a raise from $1.3 to $1.4 million this year. Tyler Yates jumps from $412,500 to $800,000, and Mike Gonzalez will make $2.36 million, up from $2.35 million last year. He is expected to return to the team in June.

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