Pirates Defeat Johan Oviedo in Salary Arbitration Hearing

The Pittsburgh Pirates haven’t won the offseason with their uninspiring roster moves. However, they are 1-0 in salary arbitration.

On Wednesday, a three-member panel found in the Pirates’ favor in their arbitration case with right-hander Johan Oviedo. Thus, Oviedo’s salary will be $850,000 this upcoming season rather than the $1.15 million he had asked.

Oviedo missed last season while recovering from Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery and made $765,000. In 2023, Oviedo had a 9-14 record and a 4.31 ERA in 32 starts.

The case was heard Tuesday by arbitrators Allen Ponak, Robert Herman and Jasbir Parmer in St. Petersburg Fla.

The Pirates are also scheduled for a hearing with reliever Dennis Santana. He is seeking $2.1 million, and the Pirates have offered $1.4 million. Santana had a $1-million salary last season.