Report: Orioles, Norris avoid arbitration with $8.8-million deal

The Baltimore Orioles reportedly avoided arbitration with right-hander Bud Norris by agreeing to a one-year deal worth $8.8 million, according to Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun.

Norris, a free agent next winter, filed for $10.25 million earlier this offseason while the Orioles countered with a $7.5-million offer. The two sides, however, managed to avoid presenting their cases before an arbitrator by agreeing to a deal Monday.

Norris, whose name surfaced in trade rumors earlier this offseason, fashioned a career-best 3.65 ERA (105 ERA+) over 28 starts for the Orioles, managing a 2.67 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 165 1/3 innings.