In a recent round of salary arbitration, New York Yankees reliever Mark Leiter Jr. and Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Dennis Santana both faced unfavorable outcomes. Leiter, who sought $2.5 million, will instead earn $2.05 million, while Santana's request for $2.1 million was denied, and he will receive $1.4 million. The arbitration decisions were delivered by panels after hearings in which arguments were presented by both parties.

This arbitration round saw a slight lead for teams, winning three out of four hearings. Right-hander Johan Oviedo of the Pirates lost his case, settling at $850,000, whereas Mickey Moniak triumphed against the Los Angeles Angels, securing a $2 million salary. Additionally, the Los Angeles Dodgers' Alex Vesia reached a pre-hearing agreement worth $2.3 million for the upcoming season.

Leiter, who turns 34 in March, had a mixed performance last season, posting a 4.50 ERA over 60 appearances after being acquired by the Yankees mid-season. Notably, he contributed to the Yankees' postseason efforts, including a key appearance in the American League Championship Series. Santana, 28, also had a solid season as a reliever, appearing in 62 games combined for the Yankees and Pirates.