Hot Stove Lunch: Friday offers big reveal for Red Sox arbitration figures

Today figures to be a revealing — and quite expensive — day for the Red Sox.

By this afternoon, they — and we — will know where the Sox stand with their players who are eligible for salary arbitration.

Heading the list will be outfielder Mookie Betts, who MLBTradeRumors.com has getting $27.7 million in his final year of eligibility before hitting free agency this fall. It's virtually certain that Betts will establish a new record for the highest salary for a player eligible for arbitration; Colorado third baseman Nolan Arenado set that mark last year at $26 million before he and the Rockies later reached an accord on a long-term extension.

Other Red Sox players in line for big paydays, with their projected numbers:



Jackie Bradley Jr. $11 million
Brandon Workman $3.4 million
Eduardo Rodriguez $9.5 million
Matt Barnes $3 million
Heath Hembree $1.6 million
Andrew Benintendi $4.9 million

In recent seasons, the Red Sox, like most other organizations, have adopted the "file-and-trial'' philosophy. That means, if the Sox don't have an agreement in place with a player by the 1 p.m. deadline to exchange numbers, they will cease negotiating and prepare for an arbitration hearing early next month.

It's a strategy that has produced a lot of compromises and agreements in recent years — which is what it's designed to do. Typically, both teams and players like to avoid the arbitration process, which is time-consuming, costly and runs the risk of alienating players who are forced to listen to teams make the case that the player isn't worth what he thinks he is.

A year ago, the Sox settled with Betts for $20 million. Today's number will likely be closer to $30 million.

Elsewhere...

AL EAST 

Rhode Islander Chris Iannetta signed a deal with the Yankees.

A look at the Orioles' potential arbitration cases.

Some new defensive metrics aren't kind to some Jays' infielders.

The Rays made a deal with the Cardinals for more offense.

AL CENTRAL

The Indians have two big names eligible for big raises today.

How the Twins can maximize Rich Hill's value.

A look at the Tigers' top prospects according to Baseball America.

Taking an early look at the White Sox lineup.

AL WEST

The Astros made a deal to bring a local player home to Houston.

The Rangers' new ballpark is almost completed.

The Angels worked out deals with a couple of players, avoiding arbitration.

How do the new defensive metrics rank Matt Chapman?

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Have the Cardinals now made room for the return of Marcel Ozuna?