Jhoulys Chacin Avoids Arbitration, Agrees to Two-Year Deal with Rockies

Right-handed pitcher Jhoulys Chacin has agreed to a two-year deal with the Colorado Rockies, worth $6.5 million, according to a press release by his publicist Augusto Cárdenas. The club has yet to confirm the news and the deal is pending passing a physical.

The 25-year-old native of Maracaibo, Venezuela would avoid salary arbitration with this move.

"I'm happy for the confidence the Rockies are depositing on me, represented in this offer," Chacin said. "This will give me enough peace of mind so I can focus on my pitching, looking forward to the 2013 season".

If the contract is finalized, Chacin will earn $1.65 million in 2013 and $4.85 million the following year. He had 14 appearances with Colorado in 2012, with a 3-5 record, and a 4.43 ERA, striking out 45 in 69 innings of work. His year was marked with health issues which were ultimately the result of a chest injury. He pitched with his team in the Venezuelan League, Leones del Caracas, throughout the winter, with a 3-1 record and a 4.04 ERA, fanning 35 in 42.1 frames.

After his winter ball stint, Chacin worked out with former Major League pitcher Wilson Alvarez, a fellow Maracaibo native, who was the first hurler from his country to achieve a no-hitter, with the Chicago White Sox in August 1991. Chacin received Alvarez's advice on improving his pitching mechanics.

The righty is scheduled to travel to Denver Monday and afterwards, he will go to the Dominican Republic to resume his preseason work.

The deal leaves Dexter Fowler as the only arbitration-eligible Rockies player without a 2013 contract in place.