Josh Fields avoids arbitration with reported 1-year, $2.2 million deal

The Dodgers avoided salary arbitration with relief pitcher Josh Fields on Friday, signing the right-hander to a reported one-year deal worth $2.2 million, per Robert Murray of FanRag Sports.

The team also agreed to deals with catcher Yasmani Grandal and pitcher Pedro Baez on Thursday, ahead of Friday’s 10 a.m. PT deadline for teams to exchange salary figures. The Dodgers, who have not yet confirmed any of these three deals, also still have Alex Wood, Joc Pederson, Kiké Hernandez and Tony Cingrani eligible for salary arbitration.

Fields had a 2.84 ERA in 57 games in the Dodgers bullpen in 2017, saving two. He struck out 60 and walked 15 in his 57 innings. Right-handed batters hit just .169/.224/.306 against Fields, with 40 strikeouts and eight walks in 134 plate appearances.

With four years, 83 days of major league service time Fields is going through the salary arbitration process for the third time, after earning $1.05 million in 2017. He has one option year remaining.

MLB Trade Rumors projected a $2.2 million salary for 2018 for Fields, while I guessed $1.9 million.