Right-handed reliever Nick Masset and the Cincinnati Reds agreed to a $2,58 million, two-year contract on Saturday, avoiding salary arbitration.
Masset went 5-1 with a 2.37 ERA in a team-high 74 appearances last season. In two seasons with Cincinnati, the 27-year-old pitcher is 6-1 with a 2.32 ERA.
“Were pleased we were able to get a deal done instead of going to arbitration, Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said. “Nick was a leader in our bullpen last season and we expect him to help anchor that group over the next couple of years.
Masset gets $1,035,000 this season and $1,545,000 next year. He can earn another $300,000 in performance bonuses based on appearances and games finished. Also, his 2011 salary could increase by as much as $780,000 if he reaches certain levels for appearances and games finished this year.
Massets deal leaves right-hander Jared Burton as the only Reds player in arbitration. Players and teams will exchange proposed salaries on Tuesday.
