MLB Player News

The Astros and McCormick avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $3.4 million contract Thursday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

McCormick was arbitration-eligible this winter for the second time. The outfielder cratered to a .576 OPS in 94 regular-season games in 2024 following an .842 OPS in 2023. McCormick currently appears in line for regular playing time in 2025, although the Astros might not be done making roster additions.

Raleigh agreed to a one-year, $5.6 million contract with the Mariners on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

Raleigh will receive a $4.8 million salary bump in his first year of arbitration eligibility after setting career highs with 34 home runs and 100 RBI in 2024. While his career .218 batting average remains an issue for fantasy managers, the 28-year-old's power and consistent playing time make him well worth rostering in 2025.

Skubal agreed to a one-year, $10.15 million contract with the Tigers on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

The left-hander will get a raise of nearly $8 million in his second year of arbitration eligibility after unanimously winning the American League Cy Young Award in 2024. Skubal posted a 2.39 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 228:35 K:BB across 192 regular-season innings and should be one of the top pitchers in baseball again this year.

The Mariners and Arozarena avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $11.3 million contract Thursday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

This was Arozarena's third of four salary arbitration years. The veteran outfielder posted an underwhelming .219/.332/.388 batting line during the 2024 season but did register his fourth straight 20-20 campaign. He'll be the Mariners' left fielder and hit in the middle of their lineup in 2025.

The Twins and Ryan (shoulder) avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $3 million contract Thursday, Darren Wolfson of Channel 5 Saint Paul reports.

It's a big raise for Ryan, who had been eligible for salary arbitration for the first time. The right-hander earned the pay bump after posting a 3.60 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 147:23 K:BB over 135 innings in 2024. Ryan missed most of the final two months of the season with a shoulder strain but is expected to be ready for spring training.

Varsho (shoulder) agreed to a one-year, $8.2 million contract with the Blue Jays on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

Varsho is still recovering from the right rotator cuff surgery he underwent in late September, and while he hasn't fallen behind in his recovery process, there's still a good chance he will miss the first portion of the new season. The 28-year-old slashed .214/.293/.407 with 18 home runs, 50 RBI and 10 stolen bases over 136 games in 2024 and still has one more year of arbitration eligibility.

The Orioles and Mountcastle avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $6.787 million contract Thursday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Mountcastle had been in his second year of arbitration eligibility. The first baseman fell off to just 13 home runs over 124 regular-season games with the Orioles in 2024, but he should be among the beneficiaries of the left-field wall at Camden Yards being moved in this season.

The Orioles and Mullins avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $8.725 million contract Thursday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

It was Mullins' final year of arbitration eligibility. The 30-year-old slashed .234/.305/.405 with 18 home runs and 32 stolen bases across 147 regular-season games in 2024 and is slated to be the Orioles' primary center fielder again in 2025.

Paredes agreed to a one-year, $6.625 million contract with the Astros on Thursday, avoiding arbitration, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Paredes slashed just .223/.325/.307 over 212 plate appearances after being dealt to the Cubs at last year's trade deadline. Despite his poor end to the season, he'll receive a $3.225 million raise from the Astros, who are expected to use the 25-year-old regularly at third base.

Foley agreed to a one-year, $3.15 million contract with the Tigers on Thursday, avoiding arbitration, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.

The right-hander receives a significant raise in his first season of arbitration eligibility after recording 28 saves with a 3.15 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 46:20 K:BB across 60 innings during the regular season last year. Foley is the early favorite to close games in 2025, but he's not guaranteed the full-time job due to his shaky control and could end up in a high-leverage committee.