Betts, Stroman, Springer headline players facing arbitration
Boston Red Sox outfielder Mookie Betts, Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Marcus Stroman, and Houston Astros outfielder George Springer headline a list of 27 players who could be heading to arbitration after failing to agree to a salary with their respective clubs for the 2018 season prior to Friday's deadline.
Betts requested to be paid $10.5 million, while the Red Sox countered with $7.5 million. The $3-million difference is the largest of any of the arbitration-eligible players. Springer and the Astros sit $2 million apart, the second-highest discrepancy. Stroman, meanwhile, will likely land in arbitration, as the Blue Jays use the file-and-trial approach.
Teams and players have the next several weeks to try and find a middle ground before facing an arbitration hearing. If they're unwilling to come to terms, a panel of arbitrators will decide on a salary by choosing either the player's request, or the team's.
Here is the full list of players potentially heading to arbitration, along with the salaries exchanged:
| Player | Team | Player Request | Team Offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kendall Graveman | Athletics | $2.6M | $2.36M |
| Ken Giles | Astros | $4.6M | $4.2M |
| Collin McHugh | Astros | $5M | $4.55M |
| George Springer | Astros | $10.5M | $8.5M |
| Roberto Osuna | Blue Jays | $5.8M | $5.3M |
| Marcus Stroman | Blue Jays | $6.9M | $6.5M |
| Mike Foltynewicz | Braves | $2.3M | $2.2M |
| Justin Grimm | Cubs | $2.475M | $2.2M |
| Shelby Miller | D-Backs | $4.9M | $4.7M |
| Trevor Bauer | Indians | $6.525M | $5.3M |
| Justin Bour | Marlins | $3.4M | $3M |
| J.T. Realmuto | Marlins | $3.5M | $2.9M |
| Dan Straily | Marlins | $3.55M | $3.37M |
| Zack Wheeler | Mets | $1.9M | $1.5M |
| Kevin Gausman | Orioles | $6.225M | $5.3M |
| Jonathan Schoop | Orioles | $9M | $7.5M |
| Felipe Rivero | Pirates | $2.9M | $2.4M |
| Adeiny Hechavarria | Rays | $5.9M | $5.35M |
| Jake Odorizzi | Rays | $6.3M | $6.05M |
| Scooter Gennett | Reds | $5.7M | $5.1M |
| Eugenio Suarez | Reds | $4.2M | $3.75M |
| Mookie Betts | Red Sox | $10.5M | $7.5M |
| Brandon Maurer | Royals | $3.5M | $2.95M |
| Jose Iglesias | Tigers | $6.8M | $5.6M |
| Kyle Gibson | Twins | $4.55M | $4.2M |
| Avisail Garcia | White Sox | $6.7M | $5.85M |
| Yolmer Sanchez | White Sox | $2.35M | $2.1M |