There isn't a rule against accepting less to stay. It's not going to happen via arbitration, but could through normal negotiations. Kerry seems pretty adament that he will not be a starter next year, and probably not for at least a couple years, if ever. I do not think many teams would be at all interested in guaranteeing him $5-6m as an experiment. The Cubs have been one of the most aggressive "experiment" teams, in terms of signing risky injured guys to low guarantees/high incentive contracts. Boston tried and failed with Wade Miller. The Yankees did it with Jon Lieber, but the Cubs seem to do it with somebody every year. I could see a team offering more than the Cubs, but I could also see him staying with the Cubs for a little less, out of some sort of duty. $1m is probably not going to do it. $2m guaranteed with $2-4m more in incentives (and even higher incentives for throwing "starter" innings), plus some sort of option/buyout for the following year could get it done. This would be a fair deal for everyone, a good deal for the Cubs and also for Kerry. I hope something like it happens; I'm on the Kerry for Kloser bandwagon.