Mickey Moniak won his salary arbitration case against the Los Angeles Angels on Friday, receiving a raise to $2 million instead of the team’s offer of $1.5 million. Melinda Gordon, Samantha Tower, and John Woods made the decision after hearing arguments the day before.
Reliever Mark Leiter Jr. became the first player to go to a hearing with the New York Yankees since pitcher Dellin Betances lost in 2017. Leiter requested $2.5 million, while the Yankees offered $2.05 million. The decision for Leiter will be made after a ruling on Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Alex Vesia and will be announced at the same time as Pittsburgh pitcher Dennis Santana’s decision.
San Diego pitcher Michael King avoided a hearing when he agreed to a one-year deal worth $7.75 million. Milwaukee catcher William Contreras also reached an agreement, guaranteeing him $6.1 million.
Moniak, who hit .219 with 14 home runs and a career-high 49 RBIs last year, was eligible for arbitration for the first time after earning $770,000.
Six other players are scheduled for hearings through February 14. Los Angeles Angels infielder Luis Rengifo has asked for $5.95 million, with the team offering $5.8 million.
On Wednesday, right-hander Jovan Oviedo lost his arbitration case against the Pittsburgh Pirates and will earn $850,000 instead of his requested $1.15 million.
Leiter, who turns 34 in March, had a 4-5 record with a 4.50 ERA in 60 relief appearances for the Chicago Cubs and Yankees. He joined the Yankees on July 30, finishing with a 2-1 record and a 4.98 ERA for them.
He made six postseason appearances, including a key role in Game 4 of the Division Series against Cleveland, where he preserved a 6-5 lead in the seventh inning. The Yankees won 8-6, and Leiter pitched three scoreless innings over four World Series games against the Dodgers.
In addition to Vesia and Rengifo, other players still set for hearings include Washington Nationals first baseman Nathaniel Lowe and St. Louis Cardinals players: outfielder/infielder Brendan Donovan, outfielder Lars Nootbaar, and right-hander Andre Pallante.
