Jack Flaherty was the first of seven arbitration eligible Cardinals to agree to terms Tuesday, signing a one-year, $5 million contract after he had made $3.9 million via arbitration last season when he was 9-2 in a campaign shortened twice by injuries.
But while Flaherty did not file for arbitration this year, Gold Glove outfielders Tyler O’Neill and Harrison Bader did file and regular outfielder Dylan Carlson had his contract renewed. Bader filed at $4.8 million, and the Cardinals filed at $4.2 million. O’Neill filed at $4.15 million, while the Cardinals filed at $3.4 million. Both players likely will go to hearings.
Jordan Hicks, who has missed much time in the past two seasons with elbow problems, agreed to a $937,500 contract, according to a source. Dakota Hudson, who was out almost all last season after Tommy John elbow surgery, agreed to a reported $1.05 million deal as a first-year arbitration eligible player.
Relievers Alex Reyes and Giovanny Gallegos, who divided the closer’s duties last season, also agreed on one-year deals and avoided arbitration. Reyes’ deal is $2.85 million, and Gallegos’ is $2.41 million.