Cardinals sign Walden to two-year contract

The St. Louis Cardinals have agreed to terms with reliever Jordan Walden, avoiding arbitration.

The right-hander, acquired in the Jason Heyward trade Nov. 17, agreed to a two-year contract that also includes a team option for the 2017 season.

The deal is believed to be worth $6.6 million and the club option is for $5.25 million, according to SB Nation.

Walden, 27, has appeared in 50 or more games in three of the past four seasons and was an American League All-Star in 2011 with the Angels.

Walden posted a 2.88 ERA in 2014, while leading the Braves with 20 holds. Throughout his career, Walden is 12-13 with a 3.10 ERA.