Salary arbitration question
by ScottAZ on Feb 16, 2026 3:34 PM EST
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Has there ever been a player that was so inbittered by the experience that he vowed publically not to resign with that team again, or left after his contract and stated the reason he left was because of his arbitration experience?
I ask this because of BJ upton just losing his case. Upton is a young player coming off a bad year. Seems arbitration is salt for the wound with the team basically ripping on him and explaining why he is worthless. Could create a lot of resentment with Upton and create a feeling that he isn't valued or wanted.
Has this been an issue before?
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I could see it happening I suppose but the difference was very small no?
by jfish26101 on Feb 16, 2026 4:20 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Seems like it would happen more than it actually does
I mean, teams basically go into the hearing bashing the player in a lot of respects - pointing out the player’s weaknesses in order to have the arbitrator rule in their favor. I would think it would create a ton of bitterness. But the fact of the matter is, there are very few if any documented cases where going to arbitration basically severed any potential future contracts between player and team.
The risk is still present though, and I think it is why you see teams settle 80 - 90% of their cases before the hearing date.
by guru4u on Feb 16, 2026 5:05 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Unpleasant
This is a big reason why teams try to avoid arbitration. To win their case, they have to magnify the flaws of the player - and every player has a flaw of some sort.
Off the top of my head, I can’t think of a player who has left for this exact reason … but it probably has.
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by kosmo on Feb 16, 2026 5:06 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
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