Braves, Kimbrel Avoid Arbitration

The Atlanta Braves have agreed to a $42 million, four-year contract with All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel, avoiding arbitration with the 25-year old. The Braves also hold a $13 million option for 2018 with a $1 million buyout.

Kimbrel has 138 saves in the last three seasons, including 50 saves with a 1.21 ERA and 98 strikeouts in 67 innings last year.

Elsewhere:

— A.J. Burnett and the Philadelphia Phillies have finalized a contract that guarantees the pitcher $15 million for 2014 and $22.5 million over two seasons. Burnett revived his career with Pittsburgh the last two seasons, pitching to a 3.31 ERA and winning 26 games.

— Outfielder Josh Reddick and the Oakland Athletics avoided salary arbitration by agreeing to a $2.7 million, one-year contract. The 26-year-old hit .226 with 12 homers and 56 RBIs in 114 games last year, when he went to the disabled list twice because of a sprained right wrist that required offseason surgery.

— Boston Red Sox pitcher Ryan Dempster says he's taking this season off but is leaving open the possibility of playing in 2015. The 36-year-old right-hander says he is stepping away for physical reasons and to spend more time with his family.