The St. Louis Cardinals and closer Jason Motte avoided arbitration Tuesday, agreeing to a two-year, $12 million deal.
Motte, 30, tied Atlanta's Craig Kimbrel for the National League lead in saves with 42 and became the first Cardinal to record every save for his team during a season.
Motte had sought $5.5 million in arbitration. Motte made $1.95 million last season.
Motte worked in 58 games and allowed just 49 hits in 72 innings, with 17 walks and 86 strikeouts. He limited hitters to a .191 average.
"We are excited to have Jason under control for the next two years," Cardinals General Manager John Mozeliak said in a statement released by the team. "We wanted to recognize what Jason has accomplished for the Cardinals and the role he has played in our bullpen.
"He exemplifies the type of player, on and off the field, we want in our organization, and we're looking forward to having him part of the team for the next two seasons."
Motte has 54 career saves and ranks 11th all-time on the Cardinals. Only three other relievers, Bruce Sutter, Lee Smith and Jason Isringhausen, have recorded 40 saves with the Cardinals.
The Cardinals have two remaining arbitration-eligible players in third baseman David Freese and left-handed reliever Marc Rzepczynski.
Freese said Sunday at the Winter Warm-Up that he was optimistic the sides would reach a contract agreement before a hearing. Freese is seeking $3.75 million; the Cardinals countered with an offer of $2.4 million.
Rzepczynski is seeking $1.3 million, with the Cardinals offering $900,000.
