Alexi Amarista signed a two-year, $2.5 million contract with the Padres on Friday, avoiding arbitration, Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports.

Amarista signed a two-year, $2.5 million contract with the Padres on Friday, avoiding arbitration, Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports.

Analysis:

The Padres' significant offseason additions may prevent Amarista from claiming a starting role to open 2015, but his ability to play multiple positions should nonetheless allow him to pick up ample at-bats throughout the season. He put together a meager .239/.286/.314 batting line last season, but made up for it to a degree with his proficiency on the basepaths, where he stole 12 bases in 13 attempts.