A.J. Ellis Avoids Arbitration; Four Dodgers File

On Tuesday, catcher A.J. Ellis avoided salary arbitration by coming to an agreement with the Dodgers on a one-year contract for 2015 worth $4.25 million. Even though Ellis had a bad year offensively during the regular season and only hit .191/.323/.254 in 93 games for the Dodgers in 2014, he still garnered a nearly 20% raise for 2015.

The 33-year old backstop was sidelined in 2014 due to a knee surgery and a freak ankle injury when he accidently tripped over catcher Drew Butera‘s mask during the Josh Beckett no-hitter celebration in May. Ellis did bounce back to hit well during the NLDS for the Dodgers when he hit .538 with a homerun and 7 hits in the four games versus the Cardinals. Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers have both cited his value to the team.

"“He’s a leader on this team, he has relationships with the pitching staff and we’re very mindful of that,” General Manager Farhan Zaidi said. “That’s been part of the process, understanding the dynamic of the relationships. It’s clear he’s a big part of this team and a big part of the preparation and comfort level for the pitchers.”"

Four other Dodgers filed for salary arbitration on Tuesday including Kenley Jansen, Justin Turner, Juan Nicasio and Chris Heisey. On Friday, the players and the Dodgers will exchange salary figure proposals during the process.

Interestingly, Andrew Friedman conducted five arbitration hearings during his time in Tampa Bay (winning all five), but it isn’t clear if

Justin Turner deserves a raise in 2015 after a breakout season for the Dodgers in 2014. Photo: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

he would be following that same protocol now in Los Angeles. The Dodgers haven’t had an arbitration hearing since 2007 when they defeated Joe Beimel. Usually they are able to come to an agreement with the players before it progresses to a hearing.

Kenley Jansen made $4.3 million last season for the Dodgers, and the elite closer will likely see a doubling of his salary in 2015.

Justin Turner made just $1 million last season which was a real steal for the Dodgers after they they signed him to a minor league deal with a non-roster invite to Spring Training last year. Turner should also see a new salary which may be more than doubled after having a breakout season for the Dodgers while hitting .340/.404/.493 in 109 games.

The Dodgers picked up pitcher Juan Nicasio from the Rockies back in November, and he made a little over $2 million last season.

Chris Heisey was traded for by the Dodgers in early December, and the outfielder made $1.76 million last season with the Reds.