MESA, Ariz. -- The Cubs avoided going to arbitration with reliever Pedro Strop, reaching an agreement on Saturday on a $5.5 million contract for the 2017 season.
The Cubs had settled in January with their three other arbitration-eligible players, Jacob Arrieta, Hector Rondon and Justin Grimm. The club has not gone to arbitration with any players since Theo Epstein took over as president of baseball operations in October 2011.
Strop, 31, and the Cubs had exchanged figures, with the pitcher asking for $6 million and the team proposing $4.6 million.
Strop tore the meniscus in his left knee in early August and returned Sept. 23. He compiled a 2.85 ERA over 47 1/3 innings in 54 games. The right-hander is eligible for free agency next offseason.
Cubs pitchers and catchers report to Arizona on Tuesday, with the first workout scheduled for the next day at the team's complex.