Building on earlier agreements, more Major League Baseball teams—including the St. Louis Cardinals, Seattle Mariners, and others—finalized one-year contracts with arbitration-eligible players on January 8, 2026, ahead of the salary exchange deadline. Most avoided hearings, though cases like the Twins' Joe Ryan proceed.
The Philadelphia Phillies completed deals with seven players on January 8, adding Tanner Banks ($1.2 million), Brandon Marsh, and Edmundo Sosa to previously reported pacts with Jhoan Duran ($7.5 million), Jesús Luzardo ($11 million), Alec Bohm ($10.2 million), and Bryson Stott—their second straight offseason without hearings.
St. Louis Cardinals agreed with seven players: All-Star Brendan Donovan ($5.8 million), JoJo Romero ($4.25 million), Lars Nootbaar ($5.35 million), Alec Burleson ($3.3 million after leading in AVG/.290, SLG/.459, OPS/.802), Matthew Liberatore ($2.26 million), Andre Pallante ($4 million), and Nolan Gorman ($2.65 million).
Seattle Mariners settled with Randy Arozarena ($15.65 million, final arb year post-All-Star 2025: 27 HR, 31 SB) and George Kirby ($6.55 million). Los Angeles Dodgers agreed with Brusdar Graterol ($2.8 million); Chicago Cubs with Justin Steele ($6.775 million).
Cincinnati Reds finalized with Spencer Steer ($4 million), Gavin Lux ($5.525 million), TJ Friedl ($3.8 million), and Will Benson ($1.725 million). Tampa Bay Rays reached nine deals including Ryan Pepiot ($3.025 million) and Griffin Jax ($3.565 million), but Edwin Uceta may go to hearing. Boston Red Sox settled Tanner Houck ($4.15 million), Triston Casas ($1.61 million), Romy Gonzalez, and Johan Oviedo ($1.55 million).
Minnesota Twins agreed with six players but not Joe Ryan (3.42 ERA, 194 K in 2025), heading to a hearing. These updates provide further payroll clarity ahead of Spring Training.
