Buchter signs 1-year deal, avoids arbitration

OAKLAND -- The A's have avoided arbitration with lefty Ryan Buchter, agreeing to one-year deal with the reliever.
Buchter's 2019 contract is worth $1.4 million, MLB.com confirmed through a source.
The southpaw, who is entering his age-32 season, enjoyed a productive first year in green and gold, turning in a 2.75 ERA in 54 appearances. He held opponents to a .219 average and allowed just two of his 30 inherited runners to score for a Major League-best 6.7 percentage.
Buchter will once again be an integral piece to an intimidating relief unit headed by closer Blake Treinen; rookie sensation Lou Trivino joins him, along with newbie Joakim Soria and holdovers Fernando Rodney, Yusmeiro Petit and J.B. Wendelken.
Five players on the A's roster are still eligible for arbitration, including Khris Davis, who is fresh off a third consecutive 40-plus homer campaign. Treinen, Mark Canha, Sean Manaea and Marcus Semien are also eligible.
Friday marks the deadline for both sides to exchange arbitration figures.