Pitchers & Catchers Report: Arraez’s Arbitration Decisions Explored
As Spring Training gets underway, several key developments are emerging in the baseball world. With pitchers and catchers reporting across various leagues, fans are eager for the season to commence.
Pitchers and Catchers Report
This marks the official start of Spring Training, with some teams already in action. The Diamondbacks, White Sox, Rangers, and Giants have begun workouts in Arizona’s Cactus League. Meanwhile, the Grapefruit League kicks off in Florida with the Braves and Red Sox.
- Teams Reporting in Arizona:
- Diamondbacks
- White Sox
- Rangers
- Giants
- Teams Reporting in Florida:
- Braves
- Red Sox
New players are joining several clubs, including Ranger Suarez and Sonny Gray with Boston, MacKenzie Gore and Danny Jansen with Texas, and Adrian Houser and Tyler Mahle with San Francisco. The White Sox and Diamondbacks are expecting the return of familiar faces, such as Erick Fedde and Merrill Kelly, who re-signed during the offseason.
The beginning of camp often brings news of offseason injuries, as well as unexpected appearances from free agents who finalize agreements late. Anticipate ongoing news updates as additional players report throughout the week.
Arraez’s Deal Update
In another significant development, Luis Arraez’s one-year contract with the Giants is pending official confirmation. According to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle, the delay in finalizing this contract is due to Arraez undergoing a physical at the team’s Spring Training facilities. It is expected that the deal will be made official shortly.
San Francisco’s 40-man roster is currently at capacity, so an accompanying transaction will be necessary to accommodate Arraez’s signing. This could involve a minor trade or a player being designated for assignment. Given the start of Spring Training, the Giants may opt to place players like Randy Rodriguez or Jason Foley on the 60-day injured list, as Rodriguez is recovering from Tommy John surgery and Foley had shoulder surgery last season.
Arbitration Decisions Awaited
Arbitration results are also anticipated today, with two key cases making headlines. Catcher Tyler Stephenson has filed for $6.8 million, while the Reds countered with $6.55 million. Additionally, southpaw Reid Detmers has filed for $2.925 million against the Angels’ offer of $2.625 million.
Players have experienced significant success in arbitration cases this year, with only one arbitration loss so far—by Orioles lefty Keegan Akin. Other lefties, Dylan Lee of the Braves and Eric Lauer of the Blue Jays, have had their hearings, but decisions are still pending. Upcoming hearings include Royals pitcher Kris Bubic, Brewers catcher William Contreras, and Marlins righty Calvin Faucher, rounding out the remaining arbitration slate for the season.
