Report: Red Sox, Ross avoid arbitration with 1-year deal

The Boston Red Sox reportedly avoided arbitration with left-handed reliever Robbie Ross on Friday, agreeing on a one-year, $1.25-million deal plus incentives, reports Jon Heyman of MLB Network.

Acquired from the Texas Rangers last January, the 26-year-old posted a 3.86 ERA and 1.30 WHIP across 60 2/3 innings, striking out 53. He served as the team's closer to finish the season after Koji Uehara suffered a broken arm.

Ross and Tommy Layne are expected to be the left-handed options in Boston's bullpen to start the season.

The Red Sox won't be forced to go to arbitration with any players after reportedly settling with Ross, having already settled with Junichi Tazawa.