Aviles, Ellsbury latest to sign with Sox

January 17, 2012|By Peter Abraham, Globe Staff

By Peter Abraham, Globe Staff

The Red Sox avoided arbitration with infielder Mike Aviles and outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury, signing both to one-year deals.

That leaves Alfredo Aceves, Andrew Bailey, Daniel Bard and David Ortiz unsigned.

Aviles received $1.2 million and Ellsbury $8.05 million. That's a big leap for Ellsbury, who made $2.4 million last season. He finished second in the American League MVP voting, hitting .321 with a .928 OPS, 32 home runs and 39 stolen bases.

Ben Nicholson-Smith of MLB Trade Rumors had the Ellsbury news first.

"Happy to get a deal worked out! Excited to get to Spring Training and help the Red Sox get back on top!!" Ellsbury wrote on Twitter.

Ellsbury did fall shy of the record for a player in his second year of arbitration. That is held by Miguel Cabrera, who received $11.3 million in 2007. He later agreed to a multi-year deal. Jonathan Papelbon also received more in his second year, $9.35 million.