:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/27024249/126363173.0.jpg)
The Detroit Tigers and reliever Al Alburquerque avoided salary arbitration, a source confirmed to MLB Daily Dish. Alburquerque agreed to a one-year deal worth $837,500. This is Alburquerque's first time going through the arbitration process. Alburquerque made $500,000 last season.
The report of the agreement between Alburquerque and the Tigers was first reported by Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.
The deal came shortly after after Friday's 1 p.m. deadline to publicly exchange desired salary numbers expired.
The Tigers will now shift their attention on reigning Cy Young award winner Max Scherzer and catcher Alex Avila, the last two remaining unsigned arbitration-eligible players. In addition to their deal with Alburquerque, the Tigers agreed to deals with outfielders Andy Dirks and Austin Jackson and starting pitcher Rick Porcello.
Dirks wil platoon with Rajai Davis this upcoming season. Dirks will make $1.625 million in 2014.
If the Tigers are unable to come to an agreement with Scherzer or Avila, arbitration hearings will be held between Feb. 1 an d Feb. 20.
