A quick overview might be worthwhile, for those who haven’t been paying attention in previous years. I’m going to keep it simple, so there will be broad generalizations in what follows. Teams control players for six years of service time. For the first three years, they’re only obliged to pay them league minimum. For years 4-6 though, the player has a bit more leverage. If he doesn’t like the club’s offer, he can counter with a price for that year of his own. Negotiation follows. If agreement is not reached, the club and player go to arbitration. The club tells the arbitrator why they should pay $X; the player makes his case for $Y.
Arbitration time again for the D-backs: Walker and Sewald sign
