There were no surprises as the Diamondbacks tendered contracts before the Friday deadline to eight of their nine players eligible for salary arbitration.

The eight who were tendered contracts included pitchers Zac Gallen, Kevin Ginkel, Joe Mantiply, Kyle Nelson, A.J. Puk and Ryan Thompson; infielder Geraldo Perdomo; and infielder/outfielder Pavin Smith.

The lone non-tender was left-handed reliever Brandon Hughes, who thus became a free agent.

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The next arbitration deadline is Jan. 9, when players and teams exchange salary figures.

Players and teams are free to reach a contract agreement until a decision is rendered in any hearing. (Hearings begin in February.) A panel of arbitrators listens to each side's case and then selects either the salary figure submitted by the player or the one by the team.

Here are a few key offseason dates:

• Dec. 9-11: Winter Meetings in Dallas, including the MLB Draft lottery on Dec. 10 and the Rule 5 Draft on Dec. 11
• Dec. 15: End of the 2024 international signing period
• Jan. 9: Eligible players and their teams exchange arbitration figures
• Jan. 15: Start of the new international signing period