So, the Pittsburgh Pirates decided to play it smart and avoid the arbitration circus by signing four players to one-year contracts. You know, because who needs the stress of negotiations when you can just throw some cash at your problems? Bailey Falter, David Bednar, Colin Holderman, and Joey Bart are now officially on the payroll, and let’s just say, they’re not exactly working for peanuts. Bednar, the two-time All-Star, is raking in a cool $5.9 million, while Falter, Bart, and Holderman are pocketing their own hefty sums. It’s like a game of Monopoly, but instead of fake money, they’re dealing with real cash and real pressure.
Now, let’s talk about Bednar. This guy was a closer extraordinaire, leading the National League in saves just a year ago. But, like a rollercoaster ride, his performance took a nosedive in 2024. It’s like he went from hero to zero faster than you can say ‘strikeout.’ Meanwhile, Falter, the lefty, is trying to find his groove after a mixed bag of a season. And Bart? Well, he’s the former No. 2 overall pick who finally found his swing with the Pirates after a rocky start with the Giants. It’s a classic case of ‘better late than never.’
But not everyone is getting a happy ending. Johan Oviedo and Dennis Santana are still in the arbitration limbo, exchanging figures like it’s a game of poker. Will they get their deals? Who knows! But for now, the Pirates are celebrating their new contracts and hoping for a smoother ride in the upcoming season. Let’s just hope they don’t end up in arbitration hell next year.
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