Bret Saberhagen, Kansas City Royals pitcher, avoided...

Bret Saberhagen, Kansas City Royals pitcher, avoided an arbitration hearing and agreed to terms on a two-year contract that will pay him $2.35 million.

Royals General Manager John Schuerholz said the deal actually has yet to be completed.

The contract is the highest for a starting picher in the Royals’ 19-year franchise history. Saberhagen, 23, was 18-10 last year with a 3.36 earned-run average.