The flurry of dialogue between MLB teams and players continues at this point of the hot stove. Front offices and the players discuss their proposed salaries ahead of the 2025 season to avoid salary arbitration.
In a series of updates by MLB insider Jon Heyman, the NY Post columnist reported a series of salary discrepancies between three major league stars and their respective teams.
Heyman reported that newly acquired Chicago Cub Kyle Tucker has yet to agree on a salary with the team's front office. Tucker's $17.5 million proposal was off by $2 million from the team's intended $15 million offer.
After three All-Star appearances for the Houston Astros in six seasons, Tucker was dealt to the Cubs in exchange for Isaac Paredes, Cam Smith and Hayden Wesneski.
Heyman also reported that two-time All-Star and All-MLB First Team member William Contreras had conflicts during his salary talks with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Contreras proposed a $6.5 million payout for 2025 as opposed to the Brewers' $5.6 million giving them a $900,000 gap. The 27-year-old is coming off the best statistical season of his career. He posted a slash line of .281/.365/.466 with an OPS of .831. Furthermore, Contreras also smashed 23 home runs, drove in 92 runs and generated 4.9 fWAR — the biggest of his major league career so far.
For his run of dominance, Contreras was voted to the All-Star team, won the Silver Slugger Award and finished fifth in National League MVP voting.
All-MLB Second Teamer yet to agree to terms with Padres
Another All-MLB member who is reportedly having salary disputes is Second Team member and San Diego Padres starter Michael King. The hurler filed for an $8.8 million salary but his team proposed a $7.325 million payout, totaling a discrepancy of $1.575 million.
King was involved in the blockbuster trade that sent Drew Thorpe, Kyle Higashioka, Jhony Brito and Randy Vasquez to San Diego in exchange for superstar Juan Soto and Trent Grisham.
For the first time in his career, King was primarily utilized as a starter. He would then repay the trust given by the Padres as he recorded 13 wins in 30 starts. He also posted a 2.95 ERA and struck out 201 batters across 173 and 2/3 innings.