Dodgers News: Scott Van Slyke and Team Settle On 2016 Contract

Outfielder Scott Van Slyke and the Los Angeles Dodgers have come to an agreement on his 2016 salary, according to MLB TV Insider Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman).

The 29-year old Van Slyke is coming off of a season in which he posted 1.2 Wins Above Replacement in 253 plate appearances while being a dependable fourth outfielder and backup first baseman. Van Slyke dealt with some injury issues last season, so it might be reasonable to assume he rebounds this coming campaign.

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As Heyman notes, the new salary for Van Slyke will be $1,225,000:

Scott van slyke, dodgers settle at $1.225M

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 14, 2016

Two seasons ago, Van Slyke posted a .398 wOBA and was worth 2.8 Wins Above Replacement. If the Dodgers can get that sort of value out of him again, then they would be making out like bandits in this. Van Slyke won’t be a free agent until after the 2019 season.

For now, Van Slyke appears to be a backup in both corner outfield positions, but if he can retain his production from two years ago, that could change very easily.

The Dodgers now have four players remaining in arbitration, including Kenley Jansen and Justin Turner.