Polonia, Angels Meet Halfway, $2.4 Million

Spurned in his bid for a multiyear contract from the Angels, outfielder Luis Polonia settled on a one-year, $2.475-million contract Monday, avoiding arbitration.

Polonia, who was seeking $2.9 million in arbitration against the Angels’ figure of $2.05 million, split the difference. Polonia, who also is eligible to receive $250,000 in incentive bonuses, becomes the Angels’ fifth-highest paid player.

“What Luis really wanted was a long-term contract,” said his agent, Chuck Berry. “So there is some frustration because of failure to do that. But it’s their call, and not much we can do about that right now.

“We’re just hoping now to put together a good season for the Angels, and for Luis Polonia.”

Polonia, 28, the first player to lead the club in hits for three consecutive years, will be eligible for free agency after next season. Although he is open to contract negotiations during the season, he also is considering suspending further negotiations until he has filed for free agency.

“At this point, the plan is to see what free agency has to offer at the end of the year,” Berry said. “Luis likes it in Anaheim and loves being an Angel, but it only makes sense to listen to other offers at this point.”

The Angels, who also have third baseman Kelly Gruber eligible for free agency next fall, are hesitant to offer multiyear contracts because of the uncertainty of baseball’s labor situation.

“We’re going to take a wait-and-see attitude,” said Dan O’Brien, Angel senior vice president for baseball operations. “It all depends on how things fall.”