The Angels avoided arbitration with right-hander Fernando Salas, but were forced to exchange figures for one-year contract proposals with ace right-hander Garrett Richards and Gold Glove Award-winning right fielder Kole Calhoun.
Richards avoided arbitration last year by agreeing to a $3.2 million contract. He proceeded to go 15-12, prompting him to file for $7.1 million this year, according to MLB Network's Jon Heyman. The Angels countered with $5.3 million.
Calhoun, a first time arbitration-eligible player, requested $3.9 million, significantly exceeding the $517,500 he earned last season while reaching career highs with 26 home runs and 83 RBIs. The Angels offered him $2.35 million.
Negotiations are expected to continue until a hearing before an arbitration panel is scheduled between Feb. 1-21. At the hearing, each side presents its case to the panel, which will select one of the salary figures.
Salas reportedly agreed to a $2.4 million deal. He appeared in a team-high 72 games and posted a 4.24 ERA, notching 74 strikeouts in 63 2/3 innings.