PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates announced today that they have agreed on a one-year deal with right-hander Jeff Karstens, avoiding arbitration. The deal is reported to be worth $3.1 million in his second year of arbitration eligibility. He earned $1.1 million during the 2011 season.
The Pirates also agreed to a one-year contract with right-hander Evan Meek, avoiding arbitration. The deal is reported to be worth $875,000 with a chance to earn $25,000 in performance bonuses. It was his first time arbitration-eligible.
Karstens, 29, went 9-9 with a 3.38 ERA over 30 games (26 starts) with Pittsburgh while walking 33 and striking out 96 batters over 162.1 innings.
Meek, 28, was limited to just 20.2 innings with the Pirates in 2011 due to two trips on the disabled list with right shoulder tendonitis. Meek posted a 3.48 ERA over parts of four months in Pittsburgh.
Both first baseman Garrett Jones and third baseman Casey McGehee are the only two remaining arbitration-eligible players, but the Pirates did not reach a deal by today’s deadline. Arbitration hearings take place in February and the club and Jones, McGehee have until then to continue to reach an agreement. If not, the club and players contract will determined by an arbitrator.
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