MLB Players Avoid Arbitration with New Deals

As the arbitration deadline approaches, several MLB teams have reached agreements with their players, ensuring that they avoid the arbitration process. Here are some notable deals:

Dodgers: Tony Gonsolin
The Los Angeles Dodgers and right-hander Tony Gonsolin have agreed to a $5.4 million salary for 2025, matching his projection. Gonsolin signed a two-year, $6.65 million deal for the 2023 and 2024 seasons but missed all of 2024 due to Tommy John surgery.

Guardians: Sam Hentges
The Cleveland Guardians and left-hander Sam Hentges have agreed to a $1.337 million deal, just shy of his projected $1.4 million salary. Hentges has been a reliable reliever for the Guardians but will miss the entire 2025 season following shoulder surgery.

Orioles: Emmanuel Rivera
The Baltimore Orioles have reached a $1 million agreement with infielder Emmanuel Rivera, below his projected $1.4 million salary. Rivera hit .238/.312/.343 this year.

Twins: Brock Stewart, Michael Tonkin, and Justin Topa
Right-hander Brock Stewart and the Minnesota Twins have agreed to a one-year deal worth $870,000, with Stewart potentially earning another $30,000 via incentives. The Twins also reached agreements with righty Michael Tonkin for $1 million and righty Justin Topa, whose salary terms have not been reported.

Padres: Tyler Wade
The San Diego Padres and Tyler Wade have agreed to a one-year deal worth $900,000, including a club option for an additional season. Wade hit .217/.285/.239 in 2024.

Reds: Santiago Espinal
Infielder Santiago Espinal and the Cincinnati Reds have settled on a one-year deal worth $2.4 million, significantly lower than his projected $4 million. Espinal hit .246/.295/.356 for the Reds.

Rangers: Dane Dunning
The Texas Rangers and right-hander Dane Dunning have agreed to a one-year deal worth $2.66 million, a 19% pay cut after Dunning posted a 5.31 ERA in 95 innings last season.

Giants: Austin Warren
The San Francisco Giants and right-hander Austin Warren have agreed to terms on a one-year deal. Warren missed most of the season due to Tommy John surgery but returned late with a strong performance out of the bullpen.

Brewers: Eric Haase
The Milwaukee Brewers have signed catcher/outfielder Eric Haase to a one-year deal worth $1.35 million, with the potential to earn more through incentives. Haase is projected to be the backup catcher next season.

Dodgers: Dustin May
The Los Angeles Dodgers and right-hander Dustin May have settled at $2.135 million, the same salary as 2024. May aims to bounce back after missing all of this year due to injury.

Phillies: José Ruiz
The Philadelphia Phillies and right-hander José Ruiz have agreed to a $1.225 million deal, slightly above his $1.2 million projection. Ruiz can also earn bonuses for pitching in 30 and 40 games.

Tigers: Zach McKinstry
The Detroit Tigers and infielder/outfielder Zach McKinstry have agreed to a $1.65 million salary for 2025, slightly ahead of his $1.3 million projection. McKinstry played multiple positions and stole 16 bases this year.

Blue Jays: Erik Swanson
The Toronto Blue Jays have reached an agreement with right-hander Erik Swanson. While salary terms haven't been disclosed, he was projected for $3.2 million next year. Swanson finished the season strong with a 2.55 ERA in the second half.

Yankees: Trent Grisham
The New York Yankees and center fielder Trent Grisham have agreed to a $5 million salary, with another $250,000 in incentives. Despite an underwhelming season, Grisham remains with the Yankees for his final arbitration year.

Rockies: Sam Hilliard and Lucas Gilbreath
The Colorado Rockies have reached deals with outfielder Sam Hilliard and lefty reliever Lucas Gilbreath. Hilliard will earn $1 million, while Gilbreath signed for $785,000. Both figures are below their respective projections.

​These agreements allow teams and players to avoid arbitration and focus on preparing for the upcoming season.