Scott Olsen and the Washington Nationals came to terms Sunday on a one-year, $2.8 million contract, avoiding an arbitration hearing that was set to take place Tuesday in Arizona.
The 25-year-old left-hander, acquired from the Florida Marlins in November, managed to work out a deal with the Nationals after weeks of negotiations, though he may have settled a bit on the final salary number.
Olsen had formally requested $3.5 million when arbitration numbers were exchanged last month. Washington countered with an offer of $2.5 million. Normally when the two sides agree on their own, the final figure falls closer to the midpoint.
In parts of four major league seasons, all with the Marlins, Olsen has a 31-37 record and 4.63 ERA. He went 8-11 with a 4.20 ERA last year while earning $405,000. This was his first season of arbitration eligibility.
With Olsen signed, the Nationals have two undecided arbitration cases: third baseman Ryan Zimmerman and outfielder Josh Willingham. Shawn Hill had his case heard Friday in Arizona. A three-judge panel sided with the right-hander Saturday, awarding him $775,000.
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