The deadline for teams to tender contracts to arbitration-eligible players is tonight at 7:00 p.m. CT. As the day progresses, we're sure to see a handful of arbitration-eligible players agree to deals with their clubs to avoid a hearing.
These so-called “pre-tender deals” usually, although not always, involve players who were borderline non-tender candidates. Instead of risking being fired, they can try to sign before the deadline. These salaries are often slightly below projections as these players tend to have less influence due to the uncertainty over whether they will even be offered a contract.
Under the 2022-26 Collective Bargaining Agreement, players who sign to avoid an arbitration hearing are guaranteed full severance pay. This is a change from previous CBAs, in which teams could release an AR-eligible player before the start of the season and only be owed a prorated portion of the contract. This was done to incentivize teams and players to make deals without attending a hearing.
All salary predictions in this post come via MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz. This post will be updated throughout the day/evening as offers are announced and/or reported.
- Right-handed Brock Stewart and the Gemini agreed to a one-year contract worth $870,000, MLBTR has learned. It was valued at $800,000. Stewart, who missed much of the season due to injury, can earn an additional $30,000 through incentives. He's been a hitter for the Twins the past two seasons when healthy (2.28 ERA, 33.5 K%, 10.8 BB%).
- The Giants and right-handed Austin Warren agreed terms for a one-year contract, Reports Justice de los Santos from the San Jose Mercury News. He missed most of the season recovering from Tommy John surgery, but returned late with 10 2/3 innings of two-run ball out of the bullpen.
Previous agreements
- The brewer announced that they have signed a catcher/outfielder Eric Haase to a one-year contract for the coming season. ESPN's Jesse Rogers Reports that the deal guarantees Haase $1.35 million and offers the opportunity to earn more through incentives. His salary was estimated at $1.8 million. Haase will assume the role of backup catcher in Milwaukee next season. It can be controlled until the 2027 season.
- The Dodgers and right-handed Dustin May set at $2.135 million, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic (X Link). That's exactly the same salary he had in 2024. May will be looking to get back on his feet after spending the entire year on the injured list.
- The Phillies and right-handed Jose Ruiz settled at $1.225 million, according to FanSided's Robert Murray (X Link). That's slightly above his forecast of $1.2 million. The right-hander can also unlock a $20,000 bonus for pitching in 30 games and $25,000 for pitching in 40 games. In 2024, he played 52 games for the Phils with a 3.71 ERA.
- The tiger and infielder/outfielder Zach McKinstry agreed to a salary of $1.65 million for 2025, according to Robert Murray of FanSided (hat tip to Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press). on X). That's slightly above his forecast of $1.3 million. He hit .215/.277/.337 this year while stealing 16 bases and playing every position except first base and catcher.
