Rangers, Mitch Moreland avoid arbitration with 1-year deal

ARLINGTON, Texas, Feb. 14 (UPI) -- First baseman Mitch Moreland and the Texas Rangers have agreed on a one-year contract, avoiding arbitration, the team announced Friday.

Terms of the deal weren't announced, but the Fort Worth (Texas) Star-Telegram reported Moreland's contract is for $2.65 million.

The 28-year-old was seeking $3.25 million in arbitration, while the Rangers responded with a $2 million offer, the newspaper said.

Moreland, a four-year veteran, posted career highs of 23 home runs and 60 RBI, but recorded a career-low batting average of .232, in 147 games for the Rangers in 2013.