ANAHEIM, Calif., Feb. 18 (UPI) -- The Los Angeles Angels signed shortstop Erick Aybar to a one-year contract Thursday, thus avoiding arbitration.
The team didn't announce the terms of the deal but it is reported to be worth $2.05 million, MLB.com said.
Aybar, 26, is considered a leading candidate to replace the departed Chone Figgins at third base. He had a great 2009 in which he led the Angels with a .312 batting average, in the process notching career highs in runs (70), hits (157), home runs (5) and RBIs (58), MLB.com reported.
Meanwhile, a decision on Angels catcher Jeff Mathis' arbitration case reportedly is expected shortly. Mathis, seeking $1.3 million, was offered $700,000 by the team. Los Angeles' other catcher, Mike Napoli, earlier signed a $3.6 million contract to avoid arbitration.
Mathis and Napoli have shared the Angels' catching duties for more than two seasons.
