Chicago Cubs Players Avoiding Arbitration: Doubront, Coghlan, Castillo, Arrieta, Wood, Valbuena

contractBeing that I’m traveling today, and I anticipate several of these kinds of reports (or an official announcement from the Cubs) over the next 24 hours or so, I’m going to just have a running post to update the deals for the seven arbitration-eligible Cubs players. – Jake Arrieta, Travis Wood, Welington Castillo, Luis Valbuena, Chris Coghlan, Pedro Strop, and Felix Doubront.

  • Up first is starter(?)/reliever(?)/swing man(?) Felix Doubront, who has avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $1.925 million deal with the Cubs, according to Jon Heyman. That’s a real healthy tick above the $1 million range I’d been expecting for the lefty in his first arbitration year. These things are not an exact science, especially for first year guys, and I imagine that the fact that Doubront has started a lot in his career (even if he might find better success in the pen) factored heavily into the price tag, together with the fact that he was on the higher end of service time for first year arb guys. I’ll chalk that up to a learning experience when it comes to projections.
  • Up next is Chris Coghlan, who has avoided arbitration by agreeing to a $2.505 million deal for 2015, according to Carrie Muskat and Jesse Rogers. That’s a nice get for Coghlan, who had to settle for a minor league deal last year, and then rocked it with the bat. His unique story made his arbitration level particularly tough to project (MLBTR had him at just $1.4 million, and I topped out at $2 million). It also looks like amounts are coming in higher than projected across the board (not just on the Cubs).
  • Welington Castillo joins the party, according to Gordon Wittenmyer, getting $2.1 million for 2015. That one is right there in the expected range for his first arb year, and should provide a little assistance as the Cubs shop Castillo. Even if it had gotten to the exchange of numbers phase, he still would have been plenty tradable – but having the final number for sure can only help trade partners budget the possible addition.
  • Jake Arrieta and the Cubs are the next to avoid arbitration, with Arrieta getting $3.63 million for 2015, per Jon Heyman. That’s a fair bit less than expected, so I’m just going to assume that everyone trying to make projections this year (that includes me) did so while also breakdancing and drinking wine. Arrieta’s breakthrough last year was enormous, but short-lived. He’s a candidate to have a huge leap in arbitration salary if he repeats in 2015.
  • And Travis Wood gets $5.685 million, per Jesse Rogers. Sounds about right.
  • $4.2 million for Luis Valbuena, per Carrie Muskat. Can you tell I’m at the Convention now and doing short bursts on my phone?
  • written by

    Brett Taylor is the Lead Cubs Writer at Bleacher Nation, and you can find him on Twitter at @BleacherNation and on LinkedIn here. Brett is also the founder of Bleacher Nation, which opened up shop in 2008 as an independent blog about the Chicago Cubs. Later growing to incorporate coverage of other Chicago sports, Bleacher Nation is now one of the largest regional sports blogs on the web.

    more cubs news

    It’s Not Kyle Hendricks Last Chance (But…), Ben Brown, Jameson Taillon, and Other Cubs Bullets

    Well, the rain stole one from us yesterday, which is a blessing and a curse. On the bright side, the bullpen gets an extra day of rest (on top of the day Hayden Wesneski bought them). But on the flip...

    The Chicago Cubs Are Not Stealing Bases So Far This Year

    The Chicago Cubs are against theft. Of bases: https://twitter.com/codifybaseball/status/1781046629103231339 The Chicago Cubs this year have stolen just three bases, the fewest in all of baseball. Dansby Swanson has stolen two bases, Nick Madrigal has stolen one. That's it. I don't...

    Cubs Roster Moves: Wisdom and Taillon Are Back, Wesneski and Mastrobuoni Are Out

    Even with tonight's rainout, the Chicago Cubs are still making some roster moves. When Patrick Wisdom was removed (perfectly healthy) from the I-Cubs game in the 4th inning on Wednesday, we had an idea of what was coming next. When...

    Tonight’s Cubs-Marlins Game Has Been Postponed

    The weather wasn't going to cooperate for Jameson Taillon's season debut, and tonight's Cubs-Marlins tilt has been postponed. The game will instead be part of a split-doubleheader this Saturday, with the first game at 1:20pm CT and the second at...

    MLBits: Paul Skenes Could Make His MLB Debut Any Day (But Probably Won’t), Red-Hot Orioles, Houck’s Maddux, More

    If you're into tracking young pitchers with star potential like I am—as I watch Jack Leiter's debut while typing this column—then you're probably itching to see Pirates top prospect Paul Skenes make his way to Pittsburgh sooner than later. While...

    Back to Wrigley: Cubs vs Marlins – Series Preview

    Cubs vs Marlins — Whew! The Cubs got through their first West Coast road trip of the year, and did so with a winning record (5-4) against the Padres, Mariners, and Diamondbacks. They definitely let a couple games slip out...

    Taillon Coming Back, Busch’s Integrity and Success, Bad News for the White Sox, Wicks, Hendricks, and Other Cubs Bullets

    As the father of a toddler who was sick for an entire week — the same week Brett was out from his back surgery and the Cubs were playing almost exclusively late-night ballgames on the West Coast — I was...

    Cubs Farm Report | April 18, 2024: Caissie, Alcántara Go Yard, South Bend and Myrtle Beach Smoked, More

    Kevin Alcántara hit his first home run of the season for the Tennessee Smokies last night, and Owen Caissie hit his first Triple-A home run for the Iowa Cubs as Iowa and Tennessee secured victories. The same can't be said...

    Cody Bellinger Sticking With Scott Boras

    Given the way the offseason played out for super agent Scott Boras's top available clients - Cody Bellinger, Matt Chapman, Blake Snell, and Jordan Montgomery - you wouldn't be shocked to see some unhappiness behind the scenes. Did Boras overplay...

    You’ll Be Even More Impressed with Hayden Wesneski, When You Hear What it Took to Get Him to Arizona

    Hayden Wesneski was the hero of yesterday's finale and series-win over the Arizona Diamondbacks, coming in to clean up Jordan Wicks' (little) mess in the 5th ... and then tossing 4 shutout innings to save an over-used bullpen and help...

    Latest News

    Reds vs. Angels Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, April 19, 2024

    The Cincinnati Reds (9-9) hope to avoid their fourth straight defeat when they host the Los Angeles Angels (9-10) Friday at 6:40 PM ET on BSOH. The Reds are listed as -124 favorites to snap their losing skid, while the...

    Guardians vs. Athletics Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, April 19, 2024

    Coming off of a 3-1 series win over the Red Sox, the Cleveland Guardians (13-6) are -169 favorites to pick up the win in Game 1 of a three-game series against the Oakland Athletics (8-11). The series begins at Progressive...

    Pirates vs. Red Sox Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, April 19, 2024

    The Boston Red Sox (10-10) are the underdogs on the moneyline (-105) in Friday's contest versus the Pittsburgh Pirates (11-8). The game starts at 6:40 PM ET on SportsNet PT. The Red Sox are favored against the spread in this...

    Astros vs. Nationals Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, April 19, 2024

    Jose Altuve, batting .388 this season, leads the Houston Astros (6-14) into a matchup with Jesse Winker (.364 AVG) and the Washington Nationals (8-10). The Astros are -166 favorites on the moneyline for the matchup at Nationals Park, beginning at...

    Phillies vs. White Sox Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, April 19, 2024

    The Philadelphia Phillies (11-8) and Kyle Schwarber (2 HR in his last game) are favored (-182) on the moneyline for their matchup with the Chicago White Sox (3-15) on Friday at 6:40 PM ET on NBCS-PH.Spencer Turnbull takes the mound...

    Yankees vs. Rays Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, April 19, 2024

    Amed Rosario will look to extend his 10-game hitting streak when the Tampa Bay Rays (11-9) take on the New York Yankees (13-6). The Yankees are listed as -162 favorites on the moneyline for the contest, which starts at 7:05...

    Braves vs. Rangers Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, April 19, 2024

    Two of the league's top power hitters meet Friday when the Atlanta Braves (12-5) and Texas Rangers (11-9) take the field at 7:20 PM ET, live on Apple TV+. Marcell Ozuna has eight home runs for the Braves (-203 favorites...

    Orioles vs. Royals Probable Starting Pitchers – April 19

    After winning four games in a row, the Baltimore Orioles (12-6) play on the road against the Kansas City Royals (12-7) at 7:40 PM ET on Friday.The Orioles will give the ball to Dean Kremer (0-1, 4.96 ERA), who is...

    Brewers vs. Cardinals Probable Starting Pitchers – April 19

    The St. Louis Cardinals (9-10) kick off a three-game series on Friday against the Milwaukee Brewers (11-6). The matchup begins at 8:15 PM ET at Busch Stadium.The Brewers will look to Freddy Peralta (2-0) against the Cardinals and Kyle Gibson...

    Twins vs. Tigers Probable Starting Pitchers – April 19

    The Detroit Tigers (10-9) begin a three-game series against the Minnesota Twins (6-11) on Friday at Target Field. First pitch is at 8:10 PM.The Twins will look to Joe Ryan (0-1) against the Tigers and Jack Flaherty (0-1).Twins vs. Tigers...

    more cubs news