Los Angeles Angels, Danny Espinosa avoid arbitration, sign $5.4 million deal

ANAHEIM, Calif., Jan. 12 (UPI) -- Shortstop Danny Espinosa will be a free agent next offseason, but he is staying put at Angel Stadium in 2017.

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim infielder agreed to a one-year, $5.425 million deal with the team Thursday night, according to Jon Heyman.

Espinosa, 29, slugged a career-high 24 home runs and had 72 RBI, while hitting .209 last season for the Washington Nationals. The Angels picked him up in December in exchange for right-handed pitchers Austin Adams and Kyle McGowin.

Before the trade, Espinosa expressed his displeasure with the organization after it traded for Adam Eaton, by not attending its Winterfest event, according to the Washington Post.

Espinosa is expected to start at second base for the Angels.