Giants Salary Arbitration Bill Looks Surprisingly Manageable
The San Francisco Giants appear to have a relatively straightforward path regarding their salary arbitration bill for the 2026 season. As they gear up for an offseason filled with financial commitments, they find themselves in a favorable position that could ease the burden of their recent spending spree.
Recent High-Profile Contracts
Over the past year, the Giants have made significant financial moves, beginning with the $151 million contract awarded to third baseman Matt Chapman last September. This bold acquisition was just the beginning. Under the leadership of new president of baseball operations Buster Posey, the franchise made headlines by signing shortstop Willy Adames to a record-setting seven-year, $182 million deal. This contract not only marked a turning point for the organization but also set a new standard for future investments.
In June, the Giants further solidified their roster by taking on the remaining contract of Boston Red Sox designated hitter Rafael Devers. This commitment, which amounts to $226.5 million through the 2033 season, illustrates the team’s aggressive approach to building a competitive roster. By the time Devers becomes a free agent at 37, the Giants will have invested heavily in their roster.
A Welcome Relief in Arbitration Costs
Despite these substantial financial obligations, the Giants’ salary arbitration outlook remains surprisingly low. According to estimates from MLB Trade Rumors, the Giants will only have five arbitration-eligible players in 2026, with three of them in their final arbitration year—JT Brubaker, Andrew Knizner, and Joey Lucchesi. Collectively, these three players are projected to earn around $5.4 million.
Leading the pack in projected earnings is Ryan Walker, a right-handed pitcher with just two years of service time. Walker is estimated to receive $2.5 million after a season that saw him finish with a 5-7 record and a 4.11 ERA. His role in 68 relief appearances, during which he struck out 60 batters and notched 17 saves, has likely boosted his arbitration prospects.
Catcher Patrick Bailey, in his first year of arbitration eligibility, is projected to earn about $2.2 million. While he is recognized for his Gold Glove-caliber defense, his offensive performance has yet to meet expectations, as he posted a .222/.277/.325 batting line with six home runs and 55 RBIs.
Projections for Other Eligible Players
The remaining arbitration projections for Giants players include Brubaker at $2.1 million, Knizner at $1.3 million, and Lucchesi at $2 million. It’s worth noting that players with three to six years of service time qualify for arbitration, while some players with less than three years may qualify under specific criteria (often referred to as Super 2 players).
Typically, teams and eligible players reach settlements before arbitration hearings take place. However, if an agreement isn’t secured by the deadline, both parties will exchange salary demands and prepare for a hearing, although settlements can still be struck before that point.
As the Giants navigate their spending spree and the complexities of player contracts, their manageable arbitration bill for 2026 stands out as a silver lining in their strategic financial planning.
