Two-time batting champion Arraez, Marlins go to arbitration

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Two-time batting champion Luis Arraez tried to win his salary arbitration case for the second straight year on Tuesday, while Tampa Bay reliever Jason Adam failed to become the first player in five years to win twice in a row.

Arraez asked a panel for $12 million instead of the Miami Marlins’ $10.6 million offer. A decision by Keith Greenberg, Stephen Raymond and Richard McNeill is expected Wednesday.

Arraez won the 2022 AL batting title for Minnesota when he hit .316 with eight homers and 49 RBIs, then was traded to Miami in January 2023 and won in arbitration when a panel picked his $6.1 million request rather than the Marlins’ $5 million offer. Arraez then captured the NL batting title, setting career highs with a .354 average, 10 homers and 69 RBIs.

Arraez, who turns 27 in April, is eligible for free agency after the 2025 season.

Players lead 7-4 with five cases pending.

Adam was awarded the team's $2.7 million offer rather than his $3.25 million request by Walt De Treux, John Woods and Janice Johnston. Adam won last year when he was given his $1,775,000 request instead of the team’s $1.55 million offer.

A 32-year-old right-hander, Adam was 4-2 with a 2.98 ERA and 12 saves in 17 chances over 56 relief appearances last season. He struck out 69 and walked 20 in 54 1/3 innings.

The last players to win hearings in consecutive years were Houston pitcher Collin McHugh in 2017 and ’18, and Cleveland pitcher Trevor Bauer in 2018 and 2019.

Tampa Bay outfielder Harold Ramírez also is among the players with pending arbitration cases and has asked for $4.3 million instead of the Rays’ $3.8 million offer. Ramírez won last year at $2.2 million, when the team offered $1.9 million, then set career bests with a .313 average, 12 homers and 68 RBIs.

Also awaiting hearings are Philadelphia third baseman Alec Bohm ($4 million vs. $3.4 million), Baltimore first baseman/outfielder Ryan O’Hearn ($3.8 million vs. $3.2 million) and Miami left-hander Tanner Scott ($5.7 million vs. $5.15 million).

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