John Mayberry Jr., Kevin Frandsen signed guaranteed contracts
Both John Mayberry Jr. and Kevin Frandsen signed guaranteed contracts through arbitration, a clause that could help both players' quest to secure bench jobs this spring.
CLEARWATER, Fla. — Both John Mayberry Jr. and Kevin Frandsen signed guaranteed contracts through arbitration, a clause that could help both players' quests to secure bench jobs this spring.
The majority of contracts for arbitration-eligible players are non-guaranteed, but Phillies assistant general manager Scott Proefrock said the team extended guarantees to both. Mayberry signed for $1.5875 million this winter while Frandsen agreed to a $900,000 deal.
It is possible the Phillies saved money when signing both players by including the guaranteed language. That decision, however, could hamstring the team later this spring if they decide to go in another direction.
A player on a non-guaranteed contract who is released during spring training is owed termination pay, which can be as little as one-sixth and as much as one-fourth of the player's salary. If Mayberry or Frandsen are placed on waivers in spring training and no team claims them, the Phillies are responsible for paying their entire salary.
Both players are out of minor-league options.
Mayberry, 30, will compete with Darin Ruf for a job as the righthanded outfielder/first baseman on the bench. Ruf, who will earn close to the major-league minimum of $500,000, has minor-league options remaining. Mayberry hit .237 over 794 at-bats in the last two seasons.
Frandsen's numbers dipped in 2013 after a strong impression in 2012. The 31-year-old infielder will face competition from veterans Reid Brignac, Ronny Cedeno and rookie Cesar Hernandez.
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