This afternoon marked the deadline for MLB teams and arbitration-eligible players to exchange salary figures to present to arbitration panels later this spring to determine their 2025 season salaries. However, agreements can be reached beforehand, which is exactly what happened between the Cincinnati Reds and closer Alexis Díaz.
According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, Díaz and the Reds agreed to a 1-year, $4.5 million contract. Mark Sheldon of Reds.com also reported that Brady Singer avoided arbitration with the Reds by signing a 1-year deal worth $8.75 million.
The Reds later reached agreements with several other players, including José Trevino ($3.425 million), Gavin Lux ($3.325 million), Jake Fraley ($3.125 million), Sam Moll ($1.0075 million), and Nick Lodolo ($1.975 million). However, they have yet to reach a deal with catcher Tyler Stephenson.
It’s important to note that these agreements do not affect when these players will become free agents. Díaz, in his first year of arbitration eligibility, remains under team control through 2027, while Singer is set to hit free agency after the 2026 season. Among the other signees, Trevino will be a free agent after 2025, Lux, Fraley, and Stephenson after 2026, and Lodolo and Moll after 2027.
These agreements primarily allow the Reds and the players to avoid the arbitration process, which can sometimes become contentious. For instance, Corbin Burnes has openly expressed his frustration with the Brewers’ arbitration arguments over what amounted to a minor financial disagreement for a pitcher of his caliber.
Additionally, finalizing these deals helps the Reds clarify their financial situation heading into spring training. Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall recently mentioned that the team has limited financial flexibility, noting that the $2.6 million saved by trading a draft pick could be allocated to the big-league payroll—highlighting how tight their budget is.
In total, Díaz was one of several arbitration-eligible players, alongside newcomers José Trevino and Gavin Lux, as well as Jake Fraley, Tyler Stephenson, Nick Lodolo, and Sam Moll, to finalize agreements or continue negotiations with the Reds.
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