Johan Oviedo, a right-handed pitcher, faced a setback in his salary arbitration, settling for $850,000 instead of the $1.15 million he sought after a 9-14 season with a 4.32 ERA. This ruling marks the first arbitration decision of the year, delivered by a panel of arbitrators shortly after hearing arguments. Oviedo's earnings last year were $765,000, reflecting his struggle in four seasons split between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he holds a 4.32 ERA overall.

Meanwhile, Dennis Santana also entered arbitration with the Pirates, aiming for a salary increase to $2.1 million from his current $1 million, while the team offered $1.4 million. Santana's performance included a 3-1 record and 3.89 ERA in 62 relief appearances last season. As the arbitration hearings continue until February 14, other notable cases include Nathaniel Lowe, Michael King, and William Contreras, who are vying for substantial salary increases.