Catcher Tyler Stephenson defeated the Cincinnati Reds in salary arbitration, securing a $6.8 million contract for 2025. The three-person panel sided with the player over the team's $6.55 million submission. This verdict maintains the players' strong start to the arbitration season, with the union now leading 6-1 in settled cases.

Stephenson's award reflects his resilience after a difficult 2024 season. He played just 88 games, missing time with a strained oblique and a broken thumb. He still managed a .239 average with 13 home runs and 50 RBIs. His career .261 mark and 63 homers over six seasons with Cincinnati provided a solid baseline for his case.

The right-hander Reid Detmers of the Los Angeles Angels also had his hearing decided, winning $2.925 million over the team's $2.625 million figure. His move to the bullpen yielded a 3.96 ERA in 61 appearances. Upcoming hearings for Willson Contreras and Kris Bubic will further test the market, but this continues a trend where players are prevailing at a high rate in arbitration hearings this year.