By Brandon Apter, Sports Talk Philly editor 
On Wednesday, the Phillies avoided arbitration with catcher Cameron Rupp. On Friday, they settled the rest of their arbitration eligible cases prior to the deadline at 5:00 p.m., agreeing to deals with infielders Maikel Franco and Cesar Hernandez in addition to right-handed relief arm Luis Garcia .
Source says Phillies and Cesar Hernandez agree to a $5.1 million contract, avoiding salary arbitration. Phillies avoid arbitration with four eligible players.
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) January 12, 2018
The Phillies and Maikel Franco agree at 2.95 mill, according to source
— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyNBCS) January 12, 2018
The Phillies and reliever Luis Garcia avoid arbitration, agree on salary of $1.2 million for 2018, according to source. Previously, Phils and Cam Rupp agreed at $2.05 mill
— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyNBCS) January 12, 2018
Hernandez was a subject of trade rumors for a lot of the offseason thus far. With Scott Kingery coming off of an impressive year in Triple-A, many believed Hernandez was expendable. Instead, the Phillies dealt Freddy Galvis to the Padres and Hernandez will stay put for the time being. Cesar will earn $5.1 million in 2018, a nice raise from his $2.55 number from 2017. The 27-year-old native of Venezuela was one of the most consistent hitters last season for the Phillies, slashing .294/.373/.421 with 26 doubles and 85 runs scored.
Maikel Franco gets a bump up to $2.95 million after making just $560,000 in 2017. He had an awful year offensively last season, hitting .230 with an abysmal .281 on-base percentage. He still managed to hit 24 home runs and cut down his strikeouts by 11. Although it's not what many people want to hear, it remains likely that the Phillies will play Franco regularly at third base to see if he bounces back. He's two seasons removed from hitting .280 with an OBP of .343 in 2015.
Lastly, the Phillies will pay bullpen arm Luis Garcia $1.2 million, which is a bargain for a guy who showed a ton of progress last season. After posting a 6.46 ERA in 15.1 innings during the 2016 season, Garcia finished 2017 with a 2.65 ERA and 1.22 WHIP, both career bests. The 30-year-old from the Dominican struck out 60 and walked 26 in 71.1 innings of work in 2017.
