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Updating as news breaks ahead of the 1:00 deadline for teams and players to file.
Using the current roster, the Rays had eight arbitration eligible players this off-season, including the newly acquired catcher Ryan Hanigan. Each of those players are listed below with their projected salary.
It is commonplace for the Rays to use the one o'clock deadline for all arbitration negotiations, even though teams can still negotiate into February in an effort to avoid an arbitration hearing. The Rays would be willing, however, to discuss a long term deal.
The team is expected to reach all settlements today.
Projected salaries mentioned below via MLB Trade Rumors.
Ryan Hanigan - $2.75M
The Rays extended Hanigan's contract on a three year deal with an option year as part of his acquisition.
The contract pays him $2.75M in 2014, $3.5M and $3.7M the follow seasons, and then an $800K buyout or $3.75M option for 2017.
Jeremy Hellickson - $3.65M
Projected salary: $3.3M
Of all the possible arbitration cases, this is one I believe the Rays would love to see in court, especially with so many struggles on the mound last season.
Hellickson is reaching his first year of arb. this season at what is a considerably expansive place to start for the Rays.
This year's projected arb. figure is what the Rays paid fifth starter Roberto Hernandez last season, but Hellickson will see increases in 2015 and 2016, so it will be in the Rays best interest to keep his starting figure low.
UPDATE:
#Rays avoid arb with Hellickson ($3,625M, $25,000 for 195 IP), Sean Rodriguez ($1475M, $25,000 300 PA)
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) January 17, 2014
Well, this was unexpected on my part. Hellickson gets more incentive and the Rays no longer have to pull him from Spring Training for an arbitration hearing, but I'm surprised his figure came in so high.
A combination of bad luck and poor pitching from the stretch (as pointed out by Collette) doomed Hellickson with men on base last season. He has much to improve, and $25,000 reasons to absorb a lot of innings in 2014. His highest innings pitched is 189 in 2011.
Matt Joyce - $3.7M
#Rays and Matt Joyce avoid arbitration. He gets $3.7M
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) January 17, 2014
This arbitration figure was nailed by MLB Trade Rumors. Joyce is expected to platoon and play part time in the outfield next season, while serving as the primary Designated Hitter.
#rays Joyce on his deal: "I'm pumped. I'm excited. I'm excited to come back to Tampa. This is my home and it's a great place to play."
— RMooneyTBO (@RMooneyTBO) January 17, 2014
Pumped to get that deal done and continue to play for an awesome organization and my home town! Ready to have a big year!
— Matthew Joyce (@sweetswingin20) January 17, 2014
Jose Lobaton - $950K
Arb avoidance: Duensing ($2M) #Twins, James Russell ($1.775M) #Cubs, De Aza ($4.25M) #Whitesox, Lobaton ($950,000) #Rays
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) January 17, 2014
Projected salary: $1M
Jose Lobaton is a prime trade candidate after the acquisition of Hanigan and the re-signing of Jose Molina, each to multi-year deals. There was speculation he could be traded prior to the deadline, but that is unlikely.
Lobaton is out of options, so he is stuck on the Rays roster as the 25th man until traded or designated.
Jake McGee - $1.45M
#Rays avoid arbitration with Jake McGee. He will make $1.45M in 2014.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) January 17, 2014
Projected salary: $1.2M
David Price - $14.0M
Projected by MLBTR to earn a $3M raise from his $10.1125M salary last year, the Rays opted for a vote of confidence with $900K above that figure.
No. 14 with earn $14M in 2014, with the increasing likelihood that he will be in camp on Feb 14.
Cesar Ramos - $749.75K
Cesar Ramos got $749,750 from #Rays in his deal
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) January 17, 2014
Projected salary: $700K
Sean Rodriguez - $1.475M
Projected salary: $1.3M
As noted in the Hellickson tweet, S-Rod has $25K of incentive should he bat 300 PA's.
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The Rays also cut many players who would have been arbitration eligible this year, parting ways with Sam Fuld, Jeff Niemann, and Wesley Wright, freeing approximately $5.5M is salary for other uses.