Pirates Prevail in Arbitration Battles, Contain Santana and Oviedo’s Salary Demands
The Pittsburgh Pirates have emerged victorious in both of their arbitration cases during this offseason, securing favorable outcomes against two key pitchers, Dennis Santana and Johan Oviedo.
Dennis Santana’s Arbitration Case
In a recent development, the Pirates successfully won the arbitration hearing against Dennis Santana, the right-handed relief pitcher. The dispute arose when Santana filed for a salary of $2.1 million, while the Pirates firmly stood at $1.4 million, as reported by MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. Santana, who began the 2024 season with the New York Yankees before joining the Pirates, showcased remarkable performance improvements with his new team. He recorded a 2.44 ERA in 39 appearances, striking out 50 batters and holding opponents to a .192 batting average across 44 1/3 innings pitched. Santana’s overall season statistics revealed a 3-1 record with a 3.89 ERA in 62 appearances spanning 71 2/3 innings. The 28-year-old pitcher has previously played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Texas Rangers, and New York Mets, bringing a wealth of experience to the Pirates’ bullpen.
Johan Oviedo’s Arbitration Case
The Pirates also secured a favorable arbitration ruling earlier in the week against Johan Oviedo, another right-handed pitcher. While Oviedo sought a salary of $1.15 million, the Pirates stood firm at $850,000. This successful outcome adds to the Pirates’ recent efforts to strengthen their pitching staff, aiming to address the bullpen’s challenges. The team’s bullpen struggled in the 2024 season, ranking fourth-highest in ERA, highlighting the urgent need for reinforcements and improvements.
Outlook for the Pirates’ Bullpen
With Dennis Santana and Johan Oviedo now under contract following the arbitration victories, the Pirates are positioning themselves for a more robust bullpen performance in the upcoming 2025 season. However, uncertainties still linger, necessitating further enhancements to ensure a competitive edge. The Pirates have made strategic moves this offseason, such as signing left-handed reliever Caleb Ferguson and acquiring Pete Strzelecki from the Cleveland Guardians, signaling a proactive approach to fortify their pitching depth.
In conclusion, the Pirates’ recent success in arbitration cases against Santana and Oviedo underscores the team’s commitment to building a formidable pitching roster capable of addressing past shortcomings and competing at a higher level in the upcoming season.
