On Thursday, Major League Baseball teams finalized one-year contracts with numerous arbitration-eligible players ahead of the salary filing deadline, avoiding potential hearings for most. Standout deals included Gunnar Henderson's $8.5 million agreement with the Orioles and David Peterson's $8.1 million pact with the Mets. While many players secured raises based on performance, a few like Joe Ryan of the Twins will proceed to arbitration.
Thursday marked the deadline for MLB teams and arbitration-eligible players to exchange salary figures for the 2026 season if no agreement was reached. Players with three to six years of service time, including Super Twos with 2-3 years in the top 22%, qualify for this process, which aims to promote negotiation over hearings. The vast majority of cases resolved via pre-deadline deals, with salaries determined by comparables, performance, and service time.
Notable agreements spanned multiple teams. The Baltimore Orioles avoided arbitration with shortstop Gunnar Henderson for $8.5 million, a franchise record for a first-year eligible player, after his 2025 slash line of .274/.349/.438 with 17 homers and 30 steals. Catcher Adley Rutschman signed for $7.25 million, while outfielder Taylor Ward agreed to $12.175 million following his acquisition from the Angels. The Detroit Tigers secured outfielder Riley Greene at $5 million after his All-Star season with 36 homers and 111 RBIs. First baseman Spencer Torkelson earned $4.075 million following a career year of .240/.333/.456 with 31 homers.
The New York Mets agreed with left-hander David Peterson on $8.1 million, nearly doubling his prior salary after a 4.22 ERA over 30 starts in 2025. Tylor Megill signed for $2.5 million, and catcher Francisco Alvarez for $2.4 million. The Philadelphia Phillies headlined with closer Jhoan Duran at $7.5 million and left-hander Jesús Luzardo at $11 million, alongside infielders Alec Bohm ($10.2 million) and Bryson Stott ($5.9 million).
However, not all resolved peacefully. The Minnesota Twins failed to agree with right-hander Joe Ryan, who posted a 3.42 ERA and 194 strikeouts in 2025, setting up a likely hearing. The Detroit Tigers' Tarik Skubal, a two-time AL Cy Young winner, also awaits his deal, potentially breaking the pitching arbitration record. Other holdouts include the Houston Astros' Isaac Paredes and Yainer Diaz, and the Cincinnati Reds' Graham Ashcraft and Tyler Stephenson.
These agreements reflect teams balancing payrolls while rewarding contributions, with final-year eligibles like Randy Arozarena ($15.65 million with Mariners) commanding the highest figures.
