MIAMI (AP) Even by the Miami Marlins’ thrifty standards, reigning NL batting champion Dee Gordon deserved a long-term deal.
Gordon avoided salary arbitration and agreed to a $50 million, five-year contract with Miami, a person familiar with the negotiations said Wednesday. The person confirmed the deal to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because no announcement had been made.
Gordon led the majors last season with 205 hits and 58 stolen bases, and he batted .333. He injured his thumb at midseason and missed 17 games, but still became the first player to lead the NL in average and stolen bases since Jackie Robinson in 1949.
Gordon made the All-Star team for the second time, was chosen the Marlins’ MVP and led all NL second basemen in fielding percentage.
The Marlins are on a spending spree after having the lowest payroll in the NL last year. This week they also signed left-hander Wei-Yin Chen to an $80 million, five-year contract, and added right-hander Edwin Jackson and backup infielder Chris Johnson.
Gordon was acquired a year ago in a seven-player trade with the Dodgers. He made $2.5 million last year and was under team control through 2018.
He joins Giancarlo Stanton and Christian Yelich among Marlins regulars with long-term deals.
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