Rockies, Jhoulys Chacin avoid arbitration

The Colorado Rockies have reached a two year deal worth $6.5M with starter Jhoulys Chacin to avoid arbitration, reports Evan Drellich of MLB.com. The 25 year old righty was eligible for arbitration for the first time. He had filed for $2.6M with the Rockies countering with a $1.7M proposal.

Chacin made thirteen starts for the Rockies last season after struggling early in the season with a shoulder injury. He went on the disabled list in early May and was unable to return until late August.

He finished the season with a 4.43 ERA, but his second half was far better than the injury riddle early months. After returning from the DL, he made nine starts with a 2.84 ERA. In 2011, he threw 194 innings with a 3.62 ERA.

At just 25, Chacin is still one of the more experienced members of the Rockies young staff. He will join 24 year olds Drew Pomeranz and Alex White and 25 year old Christian Friedrich in the Rockies starting rotation next year as they look to improve on a their league worst 5.81 starter ERA from 2012.

Among these young arms, Chacin has thrown the most innings at the major league level and his continued improvement is an important part of the Rockies future plans for their staff.