Mark Leiter Jr. of the New York Yankees and Dennis Santana of the Pittsburgh Pirates faced setbacks in salary arbitration, with Leiter being awarded $2.05 million instead of his requested $2.5 million, while Santana will earn $1.4 million compared to his $2.1 million request. The arbitration decisions reflect a broader trend, with teams winning three out of the last four cases. Notably, Mickey Moniak of the Los Angeles Angels successfully negotiated a $2 million salary against a higher request, while Alex Vesia of the Los Angeles Dodgers avoided arbitration altogether by agreeing to a $2.3 million contract.

The arbitration results for Leiter come off a mixed season where he posted a 4.50 ERA in 60 appearances, including a strong postseason showing. Santana's performance was also solid, with a 3.89 ERA over 62 appearances for the Yankees and Pirates last season. As the arbitration period continues, several players, including Brendan Donovan and Nathaniel Lowe, are slated for hearings, adding more intrigue to the offseason.

Mickey Moniak has emerged victorious in his salary arbitration case against the Los Angeles Angels, receiving a raise to $2 million, while the team had proposed $1.5 million. This decision comes from the arbitration panel after hearing arguments from both sides.

Mark Leiter Jr. is also in the spotlight, becoming the first player to face a hearing with the New York Yankees since 2017. He requested $2.5 million, while the Yankees countered with an offer of $2.05 million. His decision will be announced alongside that of Dodgers pitcher Alex Vesia and Pirates pitcher Dennis Santana.

Meanwhile, San Diego pitcher Michael King reached an agreement with the Padres for $7.75 million, after being acquired from the Yankees in the trade for Juan Soto. In addition, Milwaukee catcher William Contreras agreed to a $6.1 million deal, showcasing his standout performance from the previous season.

Moniak's statistics from last year included a .219 batting average with 14 home runs and a career-high 49 RBIs. This was his first arbitration eligibility after earning $770,000 previously. Several other players, including Luis Rengifo of the Angels and Nathaniel Lowe of the Nationals, are also set for hearings, highlighting a busy arbitration season.

Mickey Moniak is seeking a substantial raise, requesting $2 million in salary arbitration, while the Los Angeles Angels propose $1.5 million for the outfielder's first arbitration eligibility. Moniak's performance last season included a batting average of .219, 14 home runs, and a career-high 49 RBIs, earning him $770,000 in 2023. The arbitration decision is expected soon from the panel of Melinda Gordon, Samantha Tower, and John Woods, as the Angels navigate contractual discussions with several other players, including Luis Rengifo, who seeks $5.95 million.

Meanwhile, the arbitration process has already seen right-hander Jovan Oviedo lose his hearing, resulting in an $850,000 salary rather than the $1.15 million he requested. Another pending decision involves Pittsburgh's Dennis Santana, who asked for $2.1 million against the team's offer of $1.4 million. As the arbitration hearings continue, teams and players alike are keenly focused on the financial implications of negotiations.

José Quijada and the Los Angeles Angels successfully negotiated a one-year contract, valued at $1,075,000, avoiding arbitration. This agreement includes a team option for $3.75 million for the 2026 season. Last season, Quijada, 29, had a record of 2-2 with a 3.26 ERA in 19 1/3 innings, striking out 24 batters while walking 17. Over his six seasons in Major League Baseball, he has a 4-14 record with a 4.64 ERA.

Quijada initially requested a salary increase to $1.14 million, while the Angels countered with an offer of $975,000. Fourteen players on the Angels' roster are still scheduled for arbitration hearings, including infielder Luis Rengifo, who is seeking a raise from $4.4 million to $5.95 million, and outfielder Mickey Moniak, who is asking for an increase from $770,000 to $2 million.

Left-hander José Quijada and the Los Angeles Angels have reached an agreement on a one-year contract worth $1,075,000, effectively avoiding arbitration. The deal also includes a team option for $3.75 million for the 2026 season. Last season, Quijada, 29, posted a 2-2 record with a 3.26 ERA across 19 1/3 innings spread over 22 games, maintaining a remarkable .190 opponent batting average while striking out 24 and issuing 17 walks. Over his six-year major league career, he holds a 4-14 record with a 4.64 ERA.

Quijada initially requested a pay raise to $1.14 million from his previous salary of $840,000, while the Angels countered with an offer of $975,000. Meanwhile, 14 other players are still scheduled for arbitration hearings, including Angels infielder Luis Rengifo and outfielder Mickey Moniak, who have also sought significant salary increases.