Marlins reportedly win arbitration case with Latos
MIAMI -- An arbitration panel sided with the Marlins on Thursday in their $1 million difference with Mat Latos, who will make $9.4 million this season. The right-hander was seeking $10.4 million.
MLB.com confirmed an ESPN report of the ruling. The team has not commented.
Latos' case was the first of three arbitration hearings that Miami is scheduled for before Feb. 21. To follow are those for lefty Mike Dunn and right-hander David Phelps. Neither of those dates has been revealed.
The arbitration panel of Margaret Brogan, Phillip LaPorte and Steven Wolf heard arguments from Latos and the Marlins on Wednesday in St. Petersburg, Fla. Their decision was handed down late Thursday morning.
Latos made $7.25 million in 2014, his final year with the Reds.
The two parties headed to a hearing because they were unable to reach agreement on a one-year deal prior to MLB's arbitration salary exchange deadline on Jan. 16.
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Although the sides could have continued negotiations prior to Wednesday's hearing, Miami has a team "file and trial" policy, as the club breaks off talks after the deadline.
Now that Latos' salary is set, the Marlins now have 13 players under contract for $68.625 million. The Dodgers, however, are paying $12.5 million, as they are covering the salaries of Dan Haren ($10 million) and Dee Gordon ($2.5 million). Miami also is paying $8 million of Martin Prado's $11 million salary, with the Yankees picking up the remaining $3 million.
Dunn has asked for $2.6 million, while the Marlins' offer is $2.355 million. Phelps, meanwhile, is seeking $1.875 million, while the team's counter is $1.4 million.
Latos, in his final arbitration season, is eligible for free agency after the 2015 season. Miami acquired the 27-year-old from Cincinnati on Dec. 11 for right-hander Anthony DeSclafani and catching prospect Chad Wallach.
Last year, Latos dealt with a left knee injury, which limited him to 16 starts. He posted a 5-5 record with a 3.25 ERA in 102 1/3 innings.
Latos and Henderson Alvarez are regarded as the leading candidates to be the Marlins' Opening Day starter.
Latos broke in with San Diego in 2009, and he was a front-of-the-rotation starter for the Padres and Reds. From 2010-13, he was 51-35 with a 3.27 ERA over 799 innings.