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Biggest bargains among arbitration-eligible players

Ronald C. Modra/Sports Imagery / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Exactly 156 players were eligible for arbitration ahead of the 2016 season, and as a whole, the group cashed in handsomely.

The players averaged a hearty 96 percent raise, according to a study conducted by The Associated Press, but that doesn't mean a few teams didn't get a great deal.

Here are seven best bang-for-your-buck arbitration players:

Jake Diekman ($1.255M)

Diekman, in his first year of arbitration eligibility, will more than double his $535,000 salary from a year ago, and rightfully so. After being acquired along with Cole Hamels in late July by the Texas Rangers, the southpaw quickly became one of the most effective relievers in the American League. He was a weapon for manager Jeff Banister in the playoffs, holding the high-powered Toronto Blue Jays to a single run over six innings of work in the AL Division Series.

Jose Fernandez ($2.8M)

The Miami Marlins ace appeared in just 11 games last year as he eased back into action following Tommy John surgery. Fernandez would've likely been in for a much bigger raise had he been available for the entire season, but owner Jeffrey Loria certainly won't be complaining about his modest salary this year. The 23-year-old can earn up to $3 million based on games started - a small price to pay for a young hurler with the potential to snatch a Cy Young Award.

Anthony Rendon ($2.8M)

An array of injuries spoiled Rendon's 2015 season, but make no mistake, he's one of the premiere talents in the majors. The third baseman burst onto the scene in 2014, hitting .287/.351/.473 with 21 homers, 83 RBIs, and 17 stolen bases, and - if he can return to his previous form and remain healthy - will be an absolute steal for the Washington Nationals this year.

Matt Harvey ($4.325M)

The Dark Knight will earn about seven times what he did last year ($614,125) in 2016, but he's still underpaid considering the record-breaking contracts handed out to free agents David Price and Zack Greinke this offseason. There's no doubt the Mets' stable of young, controllable starting pitchers is the strength of the club, and Harvey proved he's a gamer by ignoring the innings limit recommended by doctors in his first year back from Tommy John surgery to rally the club's deep postseason run.

Manny Machado ($5M)

The sky's the limit for Machado, whose $548,000 salary was laughable considering the monster numbers he put up last year. The 23-year-old launched 35 homers and collected 86 RBIs while playing in all 162 games. He also earned a Gold Glove for his exceptional defense at the hot corner. It's not unreasonable to believe the Orioles' budding superstar could snag a deal north of $300 million on the free-agent market when eligible following the 2018 season.

Nolan Arenado ($5M)

The Colorado Rockies third baseman was one of the top players in the bigs last season, batting .287/.323/.575 with a National League-leading 42 homers and 130 RBIs. He finished eighth in MVP voting, won his third Gold Glove, and was named an All-Star for the first time in his career. Sure, his numbers are inflated because of playing in the altitude at Coors Field, but there's no doubt he's the most valuable asset the Rockies own.

A.J. Pollock (2 yrs, $10.25M)

Pollock filed for $3.9-million salary when he exchanged figures with the Arizona Diamondbacks, but the two sides never went to arbitration and instead agreed to a two-year deal for just over $10 million. And although the speedy center fielder will still be eligible for arbitration a final time in 2018, Arizona couldn't resist locking up one of the best all-around players in the game. Not only does the 28-year-old hit for average, power, and steal bases, but he's considered one of the top defensive outfielders in the game as evidenced by his 7.7 WAR.

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