As spring training kicks into gear, the arbitration season has wrapped up, and the verdicts are in. This year, 18 players and their teams faced off over salary disputes, with the Brewers' William Contreras being a standout case.
Contreras, who had a similar situation last year, filed for $9.9 million while the Brewers countered with $8.55 million. Just before a hearing, they settled on $9.4 million, setting a new record for a second-year arbitration-eligible catcher.
The deal also includes a club option for $14.5 million in 2027, his final year of team control.
Here's a breakdown of the other players who filed for arbitration after the January deadline:
- Reid Detmers: Filed for $2.925 million with the Angels offering $2.625 million. The Angels won the hearing.
- Yainer Díaz: Filed at $4.5 million against the Astros' $3 million offer and emerged victorious in the hearing.
- Isaac Paredes: Filed for $9.95 million, with the Astros at $8.75 million.
They settled at $9.35 million, with a 2027 club option for $13.35 million.
- Eric Lauer: Filed at $5.75 million, while the Blue Jays offered $4.4 million.
The Blue Jays won the hearing.
- Dylan Lee: Filed for $2.2 million, with the Braves at $2 million.
Lee won the hearing.
- Bryce Miller: Filed at $2.625 million against the Mariners' $2.25 million.
They agreed on $2.4375 million, with a 2027 club option at $6.075 million.
- Calvin Faucher: Filed at $2.05 million, while the Marlins offered $1.8 million.
The Marlins won the hearing.
- Cade Cavalli: Filed for $900,000, with the Nationals at $825,000.
They settled on $870,000, with a 2027 club option at $4 million.
- Kyle Bradish: Filed at $3.55 million, against the Orioles' $2.875 million.
Bradish won the hearing.
- Keegan Akin: Filed for $3.375 million, with the Orioles at $2.975 million.
The Orioles won the hearing.
- Edwin Uceta: Filed at $1.525 million, while the Rays offered $1.2 million.
Uceta won the hearing.
- Graham Ashcraft: Filed for $1.75 million, against the Reds' $1.25 million.
Ashcraft won the hearing.
- Tyler Stephenson: Filed at $6.8 million, with the Reds offering $6.55 million.
Stephenson won the hearing.
- Vinnie Pasquantino: Filed for $4.5 million, while the Royals offered $4 million.
They agreed to a two-year, $11.1 million contract, with $4.2 million for 2026.
- Kris Bubic: Filed at $6.15 million, against the Royals' $5.15 million.
Bubic won the hearing.
- Tarik Skubal: Filed for a whopping $32 million, with the Tigers at $19 million.
Skubal won the hearing.
- Joe Ryan: Filed at $6.35 million, with the Twins offering $5.85 million.
They settled on $6.1 million, with a 2027 club option at $13 million.
Out of the 18 players, 12 went to hearings, and the players came out on top in eight of those cases. Six players, including Contreras, managed to settle before reaching the hearing stage. Overall, it was a favorable year for the players in arbitration, showcasing the dynamics and negotiations that make this process so intriguing.