Angels, Howell Strike One-Year Deal; McCaskill’s Hearing Set for Monday

The Angels and Jack Howell met more than halfway Wednesday, avoiding salary arbitration by agreeing to a one-year contract that will pay the 28-year-old third baseman $650,000 and a potential of more than $100,000 in bonuses.

Howell, who led the major leagues in fielding last season at .974 with only 11 errors, had filed for $780,000 against the Angels’ figure of $525,000. He earned $465,000 last year plus a $5,000 bonus for making more than 530 plate appearances. His average slumped to .228, with 20 home runs and a 52 runs batted in.

Howell’s signing leaves pitcher Kirk McCaskill as the only Angel still scheduled for arbitration. McCaskill, who earned $400,000 last season, filed for $1,185,000; the Angels offered $750,000. McCaskill’s hearing is set for Monday.