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ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — The Los Angeles Angels and outfielder Matt Joyce have agreed to a $4.75 million, one-year contract, avoiding arbitration.
Los Angeles acquired Joyce in a trade with Tampa Bay in December. He is expected to serve as the Angels' primary designated hitter and is a candidate for the No. 2 spot in the batting order, which would allow AL MVP Mike Trout to hit third in front of Albert Pujols.
Joyce hit .254 with nine homers and 52 RBIs in 140 games with the Rays last year. He has 88 homers and 313 RBIs in seven major league seasons, including a career-high 19 homers and 75 RBIs in 2011.
Joyce was selected by Detroit in the 12th round of the 2005 amateur draft and made his major league debut with the Tigers in 2008.
His deal includes bonuses for making the All-Star game ($50,000); winning a Gold Glove, Silver Slugger or League Championship Series MVP ($75,000 each); World Series MVP ($100,000); and league MVP ($150,000 for first, $75,000 for second or third and $50,000 for fourth or fifth).
Joyce was the Angels' last player in arbitration.
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