Among the many players who avoided arbitration by agreeing to major league deals on Thursday, Atlanta Braves left-hander Max Fried topped the list by coming to terms on a $15 million contract for 2024.
Fried, who turns 30 next week, was an All-Star in 2022 when he finished second in National League Cy Young Award voting with a 14-7 record and 2.48 ERA In 30 starts. Hamstring and forearm issues limited him to 14 starts in 2023 when he was 8-1 with a 2.55 ERA.
Fried helped the Braves to a 2021 World Series title, earning the win in Game 6 against the Houston Astros when he pitched six scoreless innings.
Also striking top deals for 2024 were Cleveland Guardians right-hander Shane Bieber, the 2020 American League Cy Young winner, who will make $13.125 million, while Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Willy Adames is set to make $12.25 million. First baseman Christian Walker, a two-time Gold Glove winner, is set to make $10.9 million for the NL champion Arizona Diamondbacks.
Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Randy Arozarena, the 2021 AL Rookie of the Year, agreed to an $8.1 million deal for 2024. The Rays also avoided arbitration with Shane McClanahan, signing the two-time All-Star left-hander to a two-year, $7.2 million deal.
Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Walker Buehler, a two-time All-Star, agreed at $8.025 million for 2024 after missing all of last season following Tommy John surgery.
San Francisco Giants outfielder Mike Yastrzemski agreed at $7.9 million for 2024, Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Jordan Romano, a two-time All-Star, will make $7.75 million, while Diamondbacks right-hander Paul Sewald agreed at $7.35 million.
Colorado Rockies right-hander Cal Quantrill will make $6.55 million in the upcoming season, while Baltimore Orioles outfielder Cedric Mullins, an All-Star in 2021, is set to make $6.325 million.
At least 100 players were expected to reach deals Thursday, which is the deadline to exchange arbitration figures.
Players who have more than three years of major league experience, but less than six, are eligible to have their salary determined by a third-party arbitrator if they do not come to terms with their teams. A select number of players can become eligible for arbitration after two years.
Most players with less than three years of service time will have their salary determined by their respective teams. After six years, players are eligible for free agency if they are not under a long-term contract.
–Field Level Media