Watson loses arbitration case to Pirates, will earn $5.6M
Tony Watson apparently didn't get the salary he was looking for.
The 31-year-old lost his arbitration case to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday, according to Jon Heyman of FanRagSports, who reports the reliever will earn $5.6 million in 2017. The Associated Press later confirmed the case was closed.
Watson entered the process seeking $6 million after converting 15 saves for Pittsburgh last season to go along with a 3.06 ERA.
The sinkerballer is expected to close games for the Pirates again in 2017.
Prior to 2016, Watson, a one-time All-Star, fashioned an ERA below 1.91 in two consecutive seasons, earning a reputation as one of the best late-inning relievers in all of baseball.
Over the course of his six-year career, he owns a 2.56 ERA and 1.04 WHIP during 403 appearances.
He will be eligible for free agency for the first time at the end of this season.