ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — On Thursday, Luis Rengifo presented his case in salary arbitration against the Los Angeles Angels, requesting a salary of $5.95 million while the team countered with a proposal of $5.8 million.
The arbitration panel, consisting of Brian Keller, Mary Theresa Metzler, and Stephen Raymond, is anticipated to announce their ruling on Friday.
Last season, Rengifo achieved personal bests with a .300 batting average and 24 stolen bases. He also recorded six home runs and 30 RBIs over 78 games. However, he faced challenges throughout the season, including a viral infection that sidelined him from May 3 to May 17, and right wrist inflammation that kept him out from July 3 to July 23. His season concluded on August 2, followed by wrist surgery just four days later.
Previously, Rengifo successfully argued for a higher salary two years ago, receiving $2.3 million instead of the Angels’ offered $2 million. Last season, he agreed to a contract worth $4.4 million. Over his six-season career with the Angels, he has a .253 batting average, with 53 home runs, 187 RBIs, and 42 stolen bases out of 61 attempts. He will be eligible for free agency after this year’s World Series.
Among the recent arbitration outcomes, teams have prevailed in three of the last four cases. Notable defeats were suffered by New York Yankees reliever Mark Leiter Jr., who received $2.05 million versus the requested $2.5 million; Pittsburgh pitcher Dennis Santana, awarded $1.4 million instead of $2.1 million; and Jovan Oviedo of the Pirates, who was granted $850,000 instead of $1.15 million. Conversely, Angels outfielder Mickey Moniak won his arbitration case, securing a salary of $2 million rather than the proposed $1.5 million.
Additionally, a decision is yet to be made for St. Louis outfielder Lars Nootbaar, who is seeking $2.95 million while having been offered $2.45 million by the team. The conclusion regarding Nootbaar’s case will be delayed until the case involving Brendan Donovan of the Cardinals is resolved or settled.
Scheduled hearings for other players, including St. Louis right-hander Andre Pallante and Washington first baseman Nathaniel Lowe, are set to continue until February 14.
