O's, Britton strike deal to avoid arbitration

The Orioles and closer Zach Britton have avoided arbitration by coming to terms on a one-year contract on Wednesday.

Britton and the O's settled at $3.2 million for the 2015 season, with performance bonuses based on number of games finished, whether he makes the All-Star team and whether he places in the top three for the Rivera/Hoffman Award for top closer.

In 71 appearances last season -- Britton's first as a reliever -- the left-hander posted a 1.65 ERA with a 0.90 WHIP. He recorded 37 saves in 41 chances.

Britton has spent four seasons in the Majors, all with Baltimore. He struggled as a starter from 2011-13 but was extremely effective in his first stint as closer.

With the Britton deal in place, outfielder Alejandro De Aza is now the Orioles' only remaining arbitration-eligible player who has not yet signed a deal.