Angels and Danny Espinosa avoid arbitration

Danny Espinosa was acquired by the Angels this winter in a deal that saw a couple minor league arms go to the Nationals in return for the 29 year old infielder, and just like that the Halos had their second base duties filled. Espinosa had one more year of arbitration eligibility on his contract, though, so it was the final wrinkle that needed to be ironed out.

Today, Billy Eppler did some ironing. The Angels and Danny Espinosa have agreed to a $5.425 million deal for the 2017, thus avoiding arbitration. That’s not too shabby, a bit of a pay increase from last year ($2.8 mil), so the team gets their man and local boy Espinosa gets money. Everybody walks home happy.

Jon Heyman was first with the news:

OK, that business matter is done. What’s next?

Espinosa was one of five Angels players that were arbitration eligible, and now that number goes down to four: Matt Shoemaker, Garrett Richards, Martin Maldonado and Kole Calhoun.