MLB’s Arbitration deadline has officially passed, culminating in a flurry of activity that saw dozens of arbitration-eligible players reach one-year and multi-year contract agreements with their clubs. The annual mid-January deadline serves as the final opportunity for teams and players to settle on a salary for the upcoming season before exchanging figures and proceeding to a potential formal hearing. Below is a breakdown of all the arbitration settlements reported across Major League Baseball.
Arizona Diamondbacks (By Matthew Nethercott)
Alek Thomas – $1.96 Million
The Gold Glove-caliber center fielder settled for just under $2 million in his first year of eligibility.
Athletics (By Matthew Nethercott)
Shea Langeliers – $5.1M
The heavy-hitting catcher reached a settlement today, January 8, for $5.1 million, avoiding a hearing after a strong 2025 campaign behind the plate.
Atlanta Braves (By Matthew Nethercott)
The Braves had just one player, Dylan Lee, who was eligible for arbitration. The two sides were not able to come to an agreement Thursday and will go to arbitration.
Baltimore Orioles (By Matthew Nethercott)
Taylor Ward – $12.175M
Acquired in a blockbuster trade for Grayson Rodriguez in November, Ward settled for over $12 million to serve as Baltimore’s primary left fielder.
Gunnar Henderson – $8.5M
In his first year of arbitration eligibility, the superstar shortstop secured a massive raise following his continued dominance at the plate and in the field.
Adley Rutschman – $7.25M
The face of the franchise locked in a $7.25 million salary, a significant jump that reflects his status as one of the game’s premier catchers.
Dean Kremer – $5.75M
A reliable rotation staple, Kremer agreed to $5.75 million to help anchor the middle of the Orioles’ starting staff.
Tyler Wells – $2.445M
The versatile right-hander reached a deal just under $2.5 million as he continues to serve as a vital swingman for the pitching staff.
Boston Red Sox (By Matthew Nethercott)
Tanner Houck – $4.15M
Houck settled for $4.15 million today; however, he is expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2026 season following hybrid UCL repair surgery in August.
Kutter Crawford – $2.75M
Following a season lost to knee and wrist injuries, Crawford agreed to a $2.75 million deal earlier this week, matching his salary from the previous year.
Triston Casas – $1.61M
Despite a 2025 campaign largely derailed by injury, Casas received a raise to $1.61 million as he looks to reclaim his spot at first base.
Romy Gonzalez – $1.6M
The versatile utility man settled for $1.6 million today, coming in slightly below early industry projections.
Johan Oviedo – $1.55M
Acquired from the Pirates in December, the right-hander avoided a hearing with his new club by settling for $1.55 million.
Chicago Cubs (By Matthew Nethercott)
Justin Steele – $6.775M
The Cubs’ de facto ace reached a settlement slightly above his projections as he continues his rehab from elbow surgery; he is expected to return to the rotation by the first half of the 2026 season.
Edward Cabrera – $4.45M
Acquired in a major trade from the Marlins Tuesday, the hard-throwing righty arrived with his 2026 salary already essentially set via the arbitration process.
Javier Assad – $2.0M
The versatile “swingman” avoided a hearing by agreeing to an even $2 million, providing the Cubs with a reliable starting or long-relief option.
Chicago White Sox (By Aaron Shamilov)
Derek Hill – $900K
After an injury-riddled season with the Marlins and White Sox, Hill will look to rebound with Chicago in 2026. The speedy outfielder produced plus-five Outs Above Average and slashed .216/.281/.328 in 2025.
Cincinnati Reds (By Matthew Nethercott)
Brady Singer – $12.75M
Acquired by the Reds in November 2024, Singer was one of the more consistent starters in the Reds rotation in 2025. In the final year of his contract, Singer looks to build off a decent first season in Cincinnati.
Nick Lodolo – $4.725M
One of the backbones of the Reds rotation, Lodolo secures a salary just under $5M.
Tony Santillan – $1.8M
The high-leverage reliever settled for 1.8 million to remain a core late-inning option for the Reds bullpen.
Will Benson – 1.725M
Benson avoided arbitration by agreeing to just over $1.7 million as he looks to provide power and speed to the 2026 outfield.
TJ Friedl – $3,800,000
The primary center fielder agreed to a $3.8 million deal following a 2025 season where he maintained a strong .364 on-base percentage.
Gavin Lux – $5,525M
The infielder received the largest raise among position players today. Lux is expected to serve as a utility infielder for the 2026 campaign.
Spencer Steer – 4M
A 2025 Gold Glove finalist at first base, Steer settled for $4 million after hitting 21 home runs last season.
Matt McLean – 2.3M
Seen as the Reds primary second baseman going into opening day, McLean is set to earn 2.3M in his first try in arbitration.
Cleveland Guardians (By Matthew Nethercott)
Steven Kwan – $7.725M
The Gold Glove outfielder locked in a $7.725 million deal today. While he remains a cornerstone of the lineup, his name continues to surface in trade rumors as Cleveland evaluates his long-term future.
Nick Sandlin – $2.0M
Sandlin settled Thursday at the $2 million mark, continuing his role as a reliable middle-relief option.
Colorado Rockies (By Matthew Nethercott)
Mickey Moniak – $4M
After a career year featuring 24 home runs and 68 RBIs, the former first-round pick agreed to a $4 million deal to remain a primary power threat in the outfield.
Brenton Doyle – $3.1M
Doyle, known for his elite defensive range, secured a $3.1 million contract as he looks to anchor the outfield for at least four more seasons.
Ryan Feltner – $2.45M
Following a 2025 season hampered by a back injury, the right-hander settled for $2.45 million and will look to reclaim his spot in the starting rotation this spring.
Jimmy Herget – $1.55M
Coming off one of the best statistical seasons of any Rockies pitcher (2.48 ERA in 59 games), the veteran reliever settled on a $1.55 million figure.
Tyler Freeman – $1.525M
The versatile infielder/outfielder reached a settlement of just over $1.5 million after a solid 110-game campaign where he posted a .281 batting average.
Brennan Bernadino – $925,000
The versatile infielder/outfielder reached a settlement of just over $1.5 million after a solid 110-game campaign where he posted a .281 batting average.
Detroit Tigers (By Matthew Nethercott)
Casey Mize – $6.15M
The former first-overall pick avoided a hearing by settling for $6.15 million, solidifying his role as a key rotation anchor following a strong 2025 bounce-back.
Riley Greene – $5.0M
In his first year of eligibility, Greene settled for an even $5 million, a significant value for the Tigers after he posted a massive 36-homer, 111-RBI campaign last season.
Zach McKinstry – $4.2M
The super-utility man, coming off an All-Star season where he provided 19 steals and 12 home runs, locked in a $4.2 million deal to likely serve as the starting third baseman.
Spencer Torkelson – $4.075M
Torkelson reached a settlement just above $4 million, providing cost certainty at first base as he looks to continue his power development.
Will Vest – $3.95M
A staple of the Detroit bullpen, Vest agreed to just under $4 million to remain a high-leverage option in the late innings.
Kerry Carpenter – $3.275M
The left-handed slugger settled for $3.275 million, ensuring his powerful bat remains in the heart of the order for 2026.
Tyler Holton – $1.75M
The reliable southpaw settled for $1.75 million today, reinforcing his status as one of the most versatile and cost-effective left-handed weapons in the AL Central.
Notably, the Tigers were not able to settle with Ace Tarik Skubal. The two sides will head to an arbitration hearing if an agreement is not reached prior. The Tigers have had conversations about trading Skubal this offseason, but the asking price from the Tigers has been outlandish and teams have not been willing to match. The sides not coming to an agreement might affect his free agent negotiations with the Tigers.
Houston Astros (By Matthew Nethercott and Maanav Gupta)
Hitters
Nick Allen – $1.4M
Acquired in the Mauricio Dubón trade with Atlanta, Allen settled on a modest deal to serve as the team’s primary utility infielder. The reason why the Astros traded for Allen was to save money and have more payroll flexibility. That’s exactly what they get in this deal.
Jake Meyers – $3.55M
The defensive specialist in center field received a raise after another steady season as the club’s primary fly-catcher. Meyers was in trade rumors earlier and it’s a good sign the Astros have locked him up for another year after his best season since his debut year.
Jeremy Peña – $9.475M
The star shortstop earned a major payday following his best statistical season since his 2022 rookie campaign. Peña emerged as an MVP for the offense and is one of their most important players, so this deal is a big win for the Astros.
Jesús Sánchez – $6.8M
Acquired at the 2025 deadline, Sánchez settled for nearly $7M to serve as a middle-of-the-order threat in the outfield. The Astros are clearly hoping Sánchez can bring them some more offense this year.
Pitchers
Steven Okert – $2.325M
The veteran lefty solidified his spot in the middle-relief corps with a deal slightly above industry projections.
Bennett Sousa – $910K
The southpaw reliever agreed to a deal just above the league minimum as he looks to return from a late-season injury. Sousa had turned into a reliable arm out of the bullpen with a 5-1 record and 2.84 ERA in over 50 innings.
Hunter Brown – $5.71M
Coming off a dominant 2025 where he finished 3rd in Cy Young voting, the young ace locked in his first arbitration deal as the staff’s new leader. After struggling out of the gate in 2025, Brown has bounced back and firmly established himself as one of the best young starters in the game.
Hayden Wesneski – $975K
Despite undergoing Tommy John surgery that will sideline him for most of 2026, the Astros showed commitment by settling at just under $1M. The Houston native could come back in August, and it would be quite a steal to get quality innings out of him given the deal made.
Bryan Abreu – $5.85M
The high-leverage reliever secured a significant raise to anchor the back of the bullpen alongside Josh Hader.
The Astros were not able to come to an agreement to a deal with 3B Issac Parades or C Yainer Diaz. The sides will head to an arbitration hearing.
Kansas City Royals (By Matthew Nethercott)
John Schreiber – $4.0M
A key high-leverage arm for Matt Quatraro, Schreiber settled for an even $4 million to anchor the middle innings.
Bailey Falter – $3.25M
Settled at $3.25 million, Falter remains a valuable, cost-controlled left-handed option for the starting rotation.
Kyle Isbel – $3.0M
The defensive standout in center field agreed to a $3 million deal for his second year of arbitration eligibility.
Nick Mears – $1.5M
Acquired from the Brewers in December, Mears quickly settled on a $1.5 million figure with his new club.
Daniel Lynch IV – $1.25M
The former first-round pick settled for $1.25 million as he competes for a versatile role on the pitching staff.
Michael Massey – $1.0M
Massey reached a deal at the $1 million mark to serve as a key left-handed bat and defensive utility piece.
Los Angeles Angels (By Matthew Nethercott)
Jo Adell – $5.2M
The outfielder locked in a $5.2 million deal for the 2026 season. This agreement provides a significant raise for Adell as he continues to be a core part of the Angels’ outfield rotation.
Zach Neto – $4.15M
Following a historic 2025 campaign where he established himself as one of the league’s top young shortstops, Neto reached a $4.15 million settlement. As a “Super Two” eligible player, this deal marks his first major arbitration payday.
Jose Soriano – $2.9M
The right-handed pitcher agreed to a $2.9 million contract to avoid a hearing. Soriano is expected to serve as a foundational piece of the 2026 rotation after a solid performance last year.
Logan O’Hoppe – $2.625M
The Angels’ primary catcher settled for $2.625 million today. Entering his first year of arbitration eligibility, O’Hoppe’s deal secures the backstop as a vital leader for the young roster.
Brock Burke – $2.325M
The left-handed reliever reached a settlement at $2.325 million. Burke remains a reliable, cost-effective weapon in the Angels’ bullpen for the upcoming season.
The Angels were unable to come to an agreement with pitcher Reid Detmers and the sides will go to arbitration.
Los Angeles Dodgers (By Katherine Wacker)
Brusdar Gaterol – 2.8 million
The Los Angeles Dodgers right-handed reliever missed most of 2024 with injuries and all of 2025 due to major shoulder surgery. When healthy, Gaterol is used in high-leverage situations. He has a career Earned Run Average of 2.78.
Alex Call – $1.6 million
Alex Call was acquired by Los Angeles at the 2025 Trade Deadline from the Washington Nationals to supplement their outfield depth, and will play a similar role in 2026. He hit for a .270 batting average and had five home runs last season
Brock Stewart – $1.3 million
Brock Stewart was acquired by the Dodgers last season from the Minnesota Twins. Stewart, who was originally drafted by Los Angeles, was slated to be a high-leverage option before an injury derailed his season.
Anthony Banda – 1,625,000
Anthony Banda has been one of the unsung heroes of the Dodgers relief core. Since being traded from the Washington Nationals in 2023, he is one of the most dependable left-handed options. In 2025, Banda pitched 65 innings and had an Earned Run Average of 3.18
Miami Marlins (By Matthew Nethercott)
Max Meyer – $1,250,000
The young right-hander, a former first-round pick, reached a settlement for $1.25 million for his first year of arbitration eligibility. After an injury-hampered 2025, Meyer is expected to be a foundational piece of the Marlins’ 2026 starting rotation alongside Sandy Alcantara.
Andrew Nardi – $850,000
The left-handed reliever settled on an $850,000 deal for the 2026 season. Nardi looks to return to his high-leverage form after missing the majority of the 2025 campaign due to lower back inflammation.
Milwaukee Brewers (By Matthew Nethercott)
Garrett Mitchell – $950,000
The outfielder reached a settlement after missing most of 2025 following shoulder surgery; his status for the start of the 2026 season remains unclear as he continues to recover.
Brice Turang – $4.15M
Following an exceptional 2025 season where he hit .288 with 50 stolen bases, the “Super Two” second baseman secured over $4 million and is expected to start for Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
Andrew Vaughn – $7.65M
After thriving in Milwaukee following a 2025 trade from the White Sox, Vaughn locked in a substantial raise to remain the Brewers’ everyday first baseman.
Trevor Megill – $4.7M
The hard-throwing right-hander received a nearly $3 million raise after a stellar 30-save campaign in 2025, though he remains a potential trade candidate given the team’s bullpen depth.
Angel Zerpa – $1.095M
Acquired via trade from Kansas City, the southpaw settled for just over $1 million and will compete for either a rotation spot or a high-leverage relief role this spring.
Minnesota Twins (By Matthew Nethercott)
Ryan Jeffers – $6.7M
The starting catcher secured a significant jump from his $4.5 million salary in 2025 after a season where he posted a .266 average with 47 RBIs. Jeffers is entering his final year of team control and will become an unrestricted free agent next winter if no extension is reached.
Bailey Ober – $5.2M
Coming off a season where he recorded 120 strikeouts, the 30-year-old right-hander received a raise to $5.2 million. The Twins maintain one more year of team control over Ober following this settlement.
Trevor Larnach – $4.475M
Larnach more than doubled his 2025 salary after hitting 17 home runs for the club last year. He remains under team control through the 2027 season.
Royce Lewis – $2.85M
Despite dealing with various injuries that limited him to 106 games in 2025, Lewis earned a raise from his $1.625 million previous mark. The 26-year-old third baseman hit 13 home runs and stole a career-high 12 bases during his 2025 campaign.
Notably, the Twins did not settle with ace pitcher Joe Ryan. Ryan was part of trade talks at the 2025 trade deadline, but was not dealt. The Twins are looking to keep their ace this offseason, but will need to start with an arbitration hearing.
New York Mets (By Aaron Shamilov and Jason Petrucci)
Hitters
Francisco Alvarez – $2.4 million
Alvarez enters his first year of arbitration at just 24 years of age. After returning in the second-half of the 2025 season from an injury, he posted a 157 wRC+ (13th-best) and amassed a 1.5 fWAR. The former first-round draft pick will look to solidify himself as the team’s long-term everyday catcher in 2026.
Luis Torrens – $2.275 million
Signed in May of 2024, Torrens quickly established himself as the Mets’ backup catcher. Torrens is in his third and final year of arbitration and will be a free agent following the season. In 2025, the 29-year-old posted a .226/.284/,345 slash line across 261 at-bats, with five home runs, 29 RBI’s, and a .629 OPS. Known as a defensive-first catcher, Torrens led the National League in Caught Stealing percentage with 43%.
Tyrone Taylor – $3.8 million
Tyrone Taylor was David Stearns’ first significant trade as Mets president of baseball operations back in December of 2023. The former Brewer has spent the last two seasons with the club, primarily serving as the everyday center fielder in 2025.
Pitchers
David Peterson – $8.1 million
The first-time All-Star surprised many last season by proving he could be a key piece of the Mets’ rotation. The 30-year-old built off a strong 2024 campaign, posting a 3.06 ERA with 93 strikeouts in 109 innings before fading in the second half. Peterson is expected to return to the rotation in 2026 in a middle-of-the-rotation role with promising stuff.
Huascar Brazoban – $1.05 million
Huascar Brazoban is expected to return to the Mets bullpen in a similar role as last season. The former Marlins reliever posted a career-best 3.57 ERA across 63 innings with 57 strikeouts.
Tylor Megill – $2.5 million
The unsung April hero was the first Mets pitcher to reach arbitration on deadline day. Although Megill is not expected to pitch in 2026 due to Tommy John surgery, he is projected to return in 2027 as a potential multi-inning reliever, a role that could be crucial to the bullpen’s future success.
Reed Garrett – $1.3 million
Reed Garrett emerged as a high-leverage arm over the past two seasons, playing a key role in the Mets’ 2024 playoff run. He was less effective in 2025, posting a 3.90 ERA with 64 strikeouts, and is expected to miss the entire 2026 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Garrett could return in 2027 as a bullpen piece.
New York Yankees (By Matthew Nethercott)
Hitters
Jazz Chisholm Jr. – 10.2M
The All-Star second baseman becomes the 7th player to reach an arbitration agreement over 10 million. The versatile defender with pop looks to prove his true worth in his walk year.
Anthony Volpe – $3M
The former first round pick, Volpe has underperformed to this stage of his MLB career. Volpe will begin the season on the IL recovering from a shoulder injury before returning to the lineup to try and prove his worth.
José Caballero – 2M
Acquired at the deadline from the Rays, Caballero will have his first full season with the Yankees and due to an injury to the aforementioned Volpe should begin the season at short stop.
Pitchers:
Jake Bird
The Yankees settled with reliever Jake Bird Thursday. No figure has been made public. Bird figures to be a big part of the Yankees bullpen in 2026 after being acquired at the trade deadline and being sent down after three appearances.
Fernando Cruz – $1.45M
Acquired in December 2024, Cruz was one of the backbones of the Yankees bullpen in 2025. With the losses in the backend of the pen, Cruz’s role becomes more vital going forward.
David Bednar – $9M
The Yankees acquired the closer at the trade deadline from the Pirates. Bednar served as a sense of stability at the backend of the Yankees bullpen when he came over and is set to be the team’s closer in 2026.
Luis Gil – 2.1625M
The 2024 AL Rookie of the Year will look to have a bounceback season after an injury-riddled 2025 season impacted his performance.
Camilo Doval – $6.1 Million
The Yankees acquired Doval at the trade deadline from the Giants. It took some time, but Doval found his way into a high leverage role for the Yankees. As of now, Doval slots in as the set up man for closer David Bednar.
Philadelphia Phillies (By Matthew Nethercott)
Alec Bohm – $10.2M
The third baseman secured a $10.2 million settlement for his final year of team control before reaching free agency in 2027.
Jesús Luzardo – $11.0M
In his final year of arbitration eligibility, the left-handed starter agreed to an $11 million contract following a standout 2025 season where he finished seventh in NL Cy Young voting.
Jhoan Duran – $7.5M
One of the game’s premier closers, Duran settled for $7.5 million after recording a 2.06 ERA and 32 saves last season.
Bryson Stott – $5.9M
Entering his second year of arbitration, the reliable second baseman locked in a $5.9 million deal for the 2026 campaign.
Brandon Marsh – $5.2M
The outfielder received a $2.2 million raise over his previous salary, settling at $5.2 million for his second arbitration year.
Edmundo Sosa – $4.4M
Established as a high-end utility infielder, Sosa agreed to a $4.4 million contract for his final arbitration-eligible season.
Tanner Banks – $1.2M
The left-handed reliever settled for $1.2 million to remain a cost-effective weapon in the Phillies’ bullpen.
Pittsburgh Pirates (By Joe Landolina)
Joey Bart – $2.53M
Bart followed 2024’s career year with a less inspiring .249/.355/.340 slash line in 2025. He was still Pittsburgh’s best offensive catcher. However, given the progress Henry Davis made defensively, it was a mild surprise when Bart was tendered by the deadline.
Oneil Cruz – $3.3M
Saying Cruz’s second half was miserable is like saying Eric Clapton can play the guitar a little. The Pirates are betting on the talented, enigmatic star to improve on last year’s dismal .200/.298/.378 stat line.
Justin Lawrence – $1.225M
Lawrence was effective for 17 games during which he gave up just one run before being lost for the season with an injury.
Dennis Santana – $3.5M
Santana’s emergence as a viable late-inning option out of the bullpen since being picked up on a 2024 waiver claim allowed the Pirates to trade All-Star closer David Bednar. Santana saved 16 games last year and has posted a WHIP under 1.000 in each of his Pirates seasons.
San Diego Padres (By Matthew Nethercott)
Jason Adam – $6.25M
The late-inning right-hander secured a $6.25 million deal for his final year of team control. Adam remains a vital part of the Padres’ “run prevention engine” as he heads toward free agency next winter.
Gavin Sheets – $4.5M
The first baseman/outfielder settled at $4.5 million, a figure slightly above his early industry projections. Sheets is expected to be the Padres’ primary designated hitter against right-handed pitching in 2026.
Adrián Morejón – $3.9M
The electric left-hander avoided arbitration with a $3.9 million agreement. After a career-best 2.08 ERA in 2025, Morejón enters 2026 as a premium multi-inning weapon for the bullpen.
JP Sears – $3.5M
Sears reached a $3.5 million settlement to remain a steady presence in the Padres’ starting rotation. The left-handed starter still maintains significant upside as he enters his second year of arbitration eligibility.
Mason Miller – $3.3M
In his first year of arbitration, the hard-throwing reliever settled on a $3.3 million salary. Miller remains one of the most dominant young arms in the National League following a stellar 2025 campaign.
Freddy Fermin – $2.2M
The reliable catcher avoided a hearing with a $2.2 million deal for the 2026 season. Fermin provides the Padres with a high-end defensive option and a steady bat behind the plate.
San Francisco Giants (By Aaron Shamilov)
J.T Brubaker – $1.82M
To avoid arbitration, the Giants and Brubaker settled on a one-year, $1.82 million deal. In 2025, the 32-year-old logged 28.2 innings across 17 appearances with a 2.77 ERA and 1.22 WHIP.
Seattle Mariners (By Jack Martin)
Pitchers
George Kirby – $6.55M
George Kirby is expected to remain a key piece of the Mariners’ rotation. After an injury-affected 2025, Kirby will look to re-establish the form that made him an All-Star earlier in his career. He had a strong postseason and was still able to deliver elite outings in 2025. Still, he will need to demonstrate his ability to perform at that level consistently across a full season before getting a big contract.
Matt Brash
Matt Brash followed a lost 2024 season due to injury with a very solid year in 2025 and will be an important weapon for the Mariners again in 2026. He will be looking to return to the heights of his 2 WAR season in 2023, when he was one of the best bullpen arms in baseball.
Bryce Miller
Bryce Miller figures to be a key part of the rotation following some strong performances in the playoffs despite an injury-plagued 2025. While the sides have not yet agreed to terms, Miller remains an important part of the Mariners’ rotation plans for 2026, as shown by the club’s reluctance to include him in trade discussions for high-profile targets.
Logan Gilbert
Logan Gilbert had a disappointing season by his high standards. While he flashed his ceiling as one of the premier pitchers in baseball, particularly early in games, he was unable to consistently work into the sixth and seventh innings. With a full offseason to rehabilitate his injury, the Mariners will expect him to be closer to his best again in 2026.
Hitters
Randy Arozarena – $15.65M
Coming off a career 4 WAR season in 2025 for the Mariners, Arozarena remains a central part of Seattle’s lineup and projects to be the leadoff hitter again in 2026. He enters his final year of team control after hitting 27 home runs and stealing 31 bases last season and will look to put together another strong season.
Luke Raley
Another Mariner whose 2025 season was hampered by injury, this deal does not guarantee Raley a place on the roster come Opening Day, and he could emerge as a trade candidate. Even after a down year, he offers a plus power bat, good baserunning, and the ability to play both first base and the outfield.
Gabe Speier
Despite tailing off toward the end of the season, particularly in the playoffs, Gabe Speier is still expected to be a key arm for the Mariners. Especially at home, where he posted a 1.15 FIP, he was nearly unhittable against left-handed hitters and will look to build on an impressive 2025 regular season.
St. Louis Cardinals (By Matthew Nethercott)
Brendan Donovan – $5.8M
The All-Star utility man secured a well-deserved raise following a career-best 2025 season where he hit .287.
JoJo Romero – $4.26M
The left-handed reliever nearly doubled his salary after a dominant year in the bullpen, posting a 2.07 ERA in over 60 innings.
Andre Pallante – $4.0M
The right-hander, entering his second year of arbitration as a “Super Two” player, locked in a $4 million deal as he looks to stabilize his spot in the rotation.
Lars Nootbaar – $5.2M
Nootbaar settled for $5.2 million, reinforcing his role as a middle-of-the-order presence in the Cardinals’ outfield.
Matthew Liberatore – $3.0M
The former top prospect settled for $3 million and is expected to compete for a full-time rotation spot this spring.
Nolan Gorman – $2.75M
Gorman reached a settlement for $2.75 million as he aims for a bounce-back year with his signature power from the left side.
Alec Burleson – $2.1M
Coming off a solid offensive season, Burleson secured a $2.1 million deal to provide consistent production at first base and the outfield.
Tampa Bay Rays (By Matthew Nethercott)
Bryan Baker – $1.275M
The right-hander secured this deal after a 2025 season where he posted a 4.75 ERA in 30.1 innings for the Rays following a mid-season trade from Baltimore.
Garrett Cleavinger – $2.4M
After leading the team in appearances in recent years, the veteran southpaw effectively doubled his previous salary to remain a high-leverage lefty in the Rays’ pen.
Nick Fortes – $2.535M
Acquired from the Marlins at the 2025 deadline, Fortes settled for over $2.5 million and is projected to serve as Tampa Bay’s primary catcher this season.
Griffin Jax – $3.565M
Following a 99-strikeout campaign split between Minnesota and Tampa, Jax received a significant raise and is expected to be a core member of Kevin Cash’s “closer-by-committee.”
Kevin Kelly – $925K
The reliable sidearmer agreed to a deal just under a million dollars as he continues to be a workhorse for a Rays pitching staff that thrives on unique arm angles.
Josh Lowe – $1.6M
Despite an injury-hampered 2025, the Rays showed faith in Lowe’s high ceiling by settling at $1.6 million for the athletic outfielder.
Richie Palacios – $945K
After hitting .333 in a limited sample size with the big league club last year, Palacios settled for just under a million as he fights for a starting outfield spot this spring.
Ryan Pepiot – $3.025M
The cornerstone of the Tyler Glasnow trade, Pepiot settled at just over $3 million and enters 2026 as a vital piece of the Rays’ starting rotation.
Steven Wilson – $1.52M
Recently acquired via trade in November 2025, the 31-year-old righty locked in his 2026 salary to serve as a versatile middle-relief option.
Texas Rangers (By Matthew Nethercott)
Jake Burger – $3.5M
The slugging infielder reached a settlement at $3.5 million for his first year of eligibility; he is expected to be a primary power source in the middle of the order.
Josh Smith – $3.325M
Following a breakout campaign where he became a lineup staple, the super-utility man locked in a $3 million deal for 2026.
Josh Jung – $2.9M
Despite an injury-plagued 2025, the Rangers settled at $2.9 million with their young third baseman as he looks to reclaim his All-Star form.
Ezequiel Duran – $1.4M
The versatile utility player avoided a hearing by agreeing to a $1.4 million figure to remain a key bench piece.
Toronto Blue Jays (By Michael Coyle)
Tyler Heineman – $1.23M
The Blue Jays backup catcher from 2025 appeared in 64 games, providing off-days for starter Alejandro Kirk. In 149 at-bats, Heineman batted .289 with three home runs and 20 RBIs.
Ernie Clement – $4.6M
A hero from the Blue Jays playoff run, that saw Clement pick up 30 hits and bat .411. With Bo Bichette still a free agent and Kazuma Okamoto signed to play some third base, Clement appears to be slotting in at second base for the Blue Jays in 2026.
Daulton Varsho – $10.75M
Varsho returned from shoulder surgery in the 2025 off-season at the end of April to bat .238 with 20 home runs and 55 RBIs, while still providing gold glove caliber defense in center field.
Washington Nationals (By Matthew Nethercott)
MacKenzie Gore – $5.6M
The left-hander nearly doubled his 2025 salary after a season in which he earned his first All-Star nod and recorded 185 strikeouts. Despite ongoing trade rumors, Gore remains the projected ace of the Nationals’ rotation for the upcoming season.
CJ Abrams – $4.2M
Entering arbitration for the first time, the star shortstop secured a significant raise from his previous $780,600 salary. Abrams is coming off a solid offensive year where he tallied 19 home runs and 31 stolen bases, though the team continues to monitor his defensive development at shortstop.
Jake Irvin – $2.8M
Irvin qualified for a fourth year of arbitration eligibility and settled for $2.8 million. The right-hander looks to bounce back in 2026 after a difficult 2025 campaign. In 2025, he struggled with a 5.70 ERA over 33 starts.
Last Word on Sports Authors Matthew Nethercott, Aaron Shamilov, Michael Coyle, Jack Martin, Maanav Gupta, Kathrine Wacker, Joe Landolina, and Jason Petrucci contributed to this story.
Top Image Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images