PITTSBURGH (AP) -Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Adam LaRoche bypassed arbitration by agreeing Tuesday to a $7.05 million, one-year contract.
The deal includes $100,000 in performance bonuses: $50,000 each for 555 and 590 plate appearances.
This was the third time LaRoche was arbitration-eligible. He can become a free agent after the 2009 season.
LaRoche made $5 million last season, when he hit .270 with 25 homers, 85 RBIs, 32 doubles and 122 strikeouts.
In two seasons with the Pirates, the 29-year-old has been an especially slow starter, one reason why they got off to poor starts each season.
In 2008, he had 17 homers and 51 RBIs after July 1, even while missing 2 1/2 weeks with a ribcage injury. In 2007, he ended with 21 homers and 88 RBIs despite being limited to five homers in April and May and a .133 batting average in April.
LaRoche’s salary is expected to be the Pirates’ second-highest this season to shortstop Jack Wilson’s $7.25 million.
ason trade involving his former club, the Dodgers.
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