The Cincinnati Reds avoided arbitration with veteran shortstop Zack Cozart on Friday by agreeing to a one-year, $2.35-million contract for the 2015 season, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.
Cozart, a second-round pick 2007, has spent the last three seasons as Cincinnati's primary shortstop but regressed considerably in 2014. The 29-year-old posted career-lows in many statistical categories last season, including batting average (.221), on-base percentage (.268), slugging percentage (.300), and isolated power (.079).
Despite his struggles at the plate, though, Cozart remained a solid defender, producing 19 defensive runs saved over 147 games that contributed heavily to his 1.2 WAR in 2014.