DETROIT -- The Tigers have avoided arbitration with infielder Andrew Romine, agreeing to terms on a one-year contract worth a $900,000 base salary, plus $25,000 in incentives based on games played. The team announced the deal Thursday afternoon.
Romine was eligible for arbitration for the first time after spending the past two full seasons in Detroit. The slick-fielding switch-hitter, who turned 30 years old on Christmas Eve, batted .255 (47-for-184) with two home runs and 15 RBIs in 2015. He played five different defensive positions over the course of the season, including multiple starts at every infield spot.
Romine is expected to play a similar role in 2016, even after the Tigers signed former Indians utility man Mike Aviles. The depth provides Detroit with insurance behind starting shortstop Jose Iglesias and defensive fortifications behind Nick Castellanos at third base.
Romine is the second Tigers player to avoid arbitration in as many days, following Justin Wilson's one-year, $1,525,000 deal from Wednesday. Iglesias, too, is eligible for arbitration along with slugging outfielder J.D. Martinez. Both remain unsigned ahead of Friday's deadline for exchanging salary proposals. The Tigers have not gone to an arbitration hearing with a player in 15 years.