SF reaches deals with 3 arb-eligible players
Giants, Davis unable to agree on terms for 2024 before deadline
The Giants avoided arbitration with first baseman LaMonte Wade Jr., second baseman Thairo Estrada and reliever Tyler Rogers by agreeing to terms on one-year contracts ahead of Thursday’s deadline to exchange salary figures for the 2024 season.
The terms for the three deals were announced by the club:
- Wade: $3.5 million (up from $1.375 million in 2023)
- Estrada: $4.7 million (up from $2.25 million in 2023)
- Rogers: $3.2 million (up from $1.675 million in 2023)
San Francisco was unable to settle with third baseman J.D. Davis, meaning the two sides exchanged figures and are likely heading for an arbitration hearing, which will be scheduled between Jan. 29 to Feb. 16.
Davis, who earned $4.21 million in 2023, filed for $6.9 million this year, while the Giants countered at $6.55 million. If they can’t come to a deal by the time of the hearing, a panel of arbitrators will listen to each side’s case and then select one of the two salary figures (nothing in between) as Davis’ salary for the upcoming season.
A native of Elk Grove, Calif., Davis is entering his final season before free agency. Last year, he had a slash line of .248/.325/.413 with 18 home runs and 69 RBIs over 144 games with San Francisco. He is in line to serve as the Giants’ primary third baseman, though the club has been linked to free agent Matt Chapman throughout the offseason and also has Wilmer Flores and Casey Schmitt as depth options at the position. Should the Giants land Chapman, the 30-year-old Davis could become a trade candidate or serve more as the right-handed designated hitter.
The Giants haven’t gone to an arbitration hearing with a player since 2021, when they won their case against second baseman Donovan Solano, who received $3.25 million instead of the $3.9 million he requested.
Two other arbitration-eligible players, outfielders Mike Yastrzemski ($7.9 million) and Austin Slater ($4 million), agreed to terms with the Giants in November.