The Red Sox efficiently addressed contractual obligations on Thursday, securing one-year agreements with all four arbitration-eligible players ahead of the league deadline. Nick Pivetta agreed to $7.5 million, Tyler O’Neill to $5.85 million, Reese McGuire to $1.5 million, and John Schreiber to $1.175 million. While these agreements forestalled the need for independent arbiters, they don’t preclude potential longer-term deals.
Pivetta and O’Neill, both in their final pre-free agency year, received raises, with Pivetta surpassing MLBTradeRumors’ projection. McGuire, the backup catcher, saw an increase from his second year of arbitration, slightly above MLBTR’s estimate. Schreiber, a middle reliever, secured a higher salary than projected after earning $750,000 in his pre-arbitration year.
All four players were tendered contracts in November, ensuring they stayed with the team. The total cost of these arbitration agreements is around $16 million, contributing to the Red Sox’s projected $202 million payroll commitments for 2024, notably below the $237 million competitive balance tax threshold.
By swiftly reaching agreements, the Red Sox avoided the arbitration process for the fourth consecutive season, steering clear of hearings since their 2020 victory against lefty Eduardo Rodríguez. As the wait continues for roster improvements, these deals provide financial clarity and stability for the upcoming season.