Cards strike deal with Walden

Dec 23, 2014 - 6:19 PM St. Louis, MO (SportsNetwork.com) - The St. Louis Cardinals and reliever Jordan Walden avoided salary arbitration, agreeing to terms on a two-year contract Tuesday.

The deal includes a club option for 2017.

St. Louis acquired the right-hander along with outfielder Jason Heyward in a trade with the Atlanta Braves last month.

Walden, 27, had a 2.88 ERA and struck out 62 batters in 58 appearances this past season. The Texas native is 12-13 with 38 saves and a 3.10 ERA in 231 career games for the Angels and Braves.