Nolasco agrees for $3.8 million

Ricky Nolasco, who started on Opening Day this past season, has reached agreement on a one-year, $3.8 million contract, avoiding arbitration.

In his second year of arbitration, Nolasco is coming off an up-and-down campaign where he finished 13-9 with a 5.06 ERA.

“Ricky was dominant at times in 2009, and I think you’re going to see Ricky have a really, really good year in 2010,” said Matt Sosnick, Nolasco’s agent.

The 27-year-old right-hander, who made $2.4 million this past year, struck out 195 in 185 innings.

Sosnick also represents Josh Johnson. And while there is an impassed to secure a multiyear deal with Florida, Sosnick hasn’t ruled out an agreement eventually being reached to keep Johnson with the Marlins for at least a few more seasons.

“We’re doing everything we can to try to bridge the gap, and get a deal done,” Sosnick said. “And we’re wanting to do something that will keep J.J. in Florida for the long term.”

– Joe Frisaro