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MLB Arbitration: Where Fortunes Are Won or Lost
3 Feb
Summary
- Arbitration decides player salaries when no agreement is reached.
- One side wins entirely; no compromise is possible.
- Process can damage player-team relationships.
Major League Baseball's arbitration process serves as a last resort for determining player salaries when direct negotiations fail. A neutral third party decides between the player's requested salary and the team's offer, with no middle ground possible.
This system can lead to significant tension. Players present their case based on performance and market value, while teams argue against the requested amount, a situation that can strain relationships. Corbin Burnes has noted the negative impact such hearings can have on team dynamics.
Consequently, teams and players strive to avoid arbitration. They often negotiate extensions to secure salaries and provide financial certainty. Sometimes, teams trade players like Mauricio Dubon if their projected arbitration salary is deemed too high, or non-tender serviceable players like Adolis Garcia and Jonah Heim to save costs.
