Pirates Avoid Arbitration with Key Players

The Pittsburgh Pirates have finalized several deals to avoid arbitration for the 2025 season, including a one-year $1.5 million contract with relief pitcher Colin Holderman, who had a successful 2024 season with a 3.16 ERA and 56 strikeouts over 51.1 innings. Additionally, the team secured agreements with catcher Joey Bart for $1.75 million and left-handed pitcher Bailey Falter for $2.22 million, while right-handed reliever David Bednar will earn $5.9 million. Bart had a breakout season after joining the Pirates, achieving career highs in several offensive categories. The Pirates will still negotiate with Johan Oviedo and Dennis Santana, who did not finalize deals before the arbitration deadline. Meanwhile, Randy Arozarena of the Mariners has avoided arbitration, agreeing to an $11.3 million contract despite a less productive season in 2024. Arozarena, who maintained solid power and speed metrics, is expected to bounce back as he improves his batting average on balls in play.