Dodgers Avoid Arbitration with Van Slyke, Hatcher

The Dodgers announced today that they signed Scott Van Slyke and Chris Hatcher to one year deals effectively avoiding arbitration.

The non-tender deadline is set for tonight at 8pm E.T. This signifies the point at which a team must cut a player or pursue arbitration. The Los Angeles Dodgers took the third route available- coming to an agreement with the Scott Van Slyke and Chris Hatcher independently of the arbitration process.

While several players head towards arbitration, the Dodgers started the process by signing Van Slyke to an early, one year deal.

They continued the process by signing Chris Hatcher to a similar one year deal.

Scott Van Slyke was an obvious player to keep around. Before spending what seemed like an eternity on the disabled list in 2016 due to back and wrist injuries, Van Slyke was a productive back up option in the Dodgers’ outfield. In the 651 AB accrued from 2013-2015, Van Slyke produced a robust 4.7 WAR. Even more impressive is his 138 wRC+ against left hand pitching. Although Van Slyke has been hampered by several injuries during his time as a Dodger, the $1.325 million is worth the investment. He can easily be an unsung hero for the Dodgers next year.

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Chris Hatcher’s $1.25 million contract is also worth the investment. With a season ending oblique strain and his occasional inability to throw strikes, Hatcher is an easy reliever to forget about. Picked up by the Dodgers in the deal that sent Dee Gordon to Miami, Hatcher showed signs of ace relief potential. Targeted for his elite spin rate, he is an effective, and sometimes lights out, piece for the Dodgers’ pen. His 4 appearances in the 2015 playoffs were especially dominant. With 5 K over 3.2 IP, his potential is obvious. If he pitches in 2017, he will easily be worth the $1.25 million.

Next: Dodgers Wait for Collective Bargaining Agreement

With Van Slyke and Hatcher officially signed the Dodgers will now enter the arbitration process with Yasmani Grandal, Louis Coleman, Luis Avilan, Alex Wood, Josh Fields, and Vidal Nuno. To see their expected contracts via the arbitration process, check out MLB TradeRumors.