Cabrera, 27, was seeking $3.1 million after making $340,000 in 2001.

The Expos also announced Wednesday that injury-plagued pitcher Carl Pavano agreed to a one-year contract, avoiding salary arbitration.

Terms of his deal were undisclosed, but Pavano submitted an arbitration figure of $1.425 million, while the team filed at $1.2 million.

"It is a relief to have these matters taken care of so early into spring training," said Expos vice president and general manager Omar Minaya. "Despite the risky nature arbitration presents, we know Orlando's professionalism will not deter him from achieving his full potential this year."

Voted by teammates as the Expos' player of the year ahead of star outfielder Vladimir Guerrero, Cabrera played in all 162 games and hit .276 with 14 homers.

A native of Colombia, Cabrera led all National League shortstops last year in fielding percentage (.986), starts (160), assists (514), total chances (771) and putouts (246).

Pavano, entering his fifth year with the Expos, was slated to go to arbitration Thursday.

Best known for being one of the pitchers acquired from Boston in the Pedro Martinez deal, Pavano was bothered by lingering problems following elbow surgery and went 1-6 with a 6.33 ERA in eight starts last season.