Marlins settle with 5 of 6 arbitration-eligible players

The Marlins have settled on salary numbers with five of their six arbitration-eligible players, according to The Miami Herald’s Clark Spencer, MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro, and FanRag Sports’ Jon Heyman.

The first reported settlement of the day was with closer A.J. Ramos.

Ramos picked up a career-high 40 saves in 2016 and his FIP of 2.90 was the lowest of his career. The 30-year-old hits free agency after the 2018 season, and projects to make more than $6.5 million per year in his next contract.

The Marlins next settled with starting pitcher Tom Koehler.

Koehler continued to be a consistent starter for the Marlins in 2016, posting a 4.33 ERA in 176 ²⁄₃ innings. The right-hander is due to become a free agent after the 2018 season, and it will be interesting to see if he is part of the Marlins’ future rotation.

The team next settled with shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria.

Hechavarria struggled at the plate in 2016, which contributed to his lower salary number. He is also due to hit free agency after the 2018 season, but the 27-year-old shortstop could still be a trade chip for the Marlins.

Miami then finally settled with infielder Derek Dietrich and outfielder Marcell Ozuna.

Dietrich had a career-high 412 plate appearances in 2016 and made the most of his opportunity by hitting .279 with an on-base percentage of .374.

Ozuna was an all-star last season before going cold in the second half and finishing with a .266 batting average and 23 home runs.

The only player the Marlins didn’t settle with is relief pitcher David Phelps. The Marlins and Phelps will now go to an arbitration hearing to decide his 2017 salary.

Phelps had the best season of his career in 2016, posting a 2.28 ERA and 1.142 WHIP in 86 ²⁄₃ innings. His season could bring a fairly large salary number in arbitration, possibly near or above the $6.55 million Ramos received.