Major Leagues

MLB salary arbitration: $13.3 million projected for four Cuban players in 2027

The MLB offseason will be pivotal for four Cuban players who will seek to improve their financial terms through salary arbitration, with an eye toward 2027.

Cuban players in MLB salary arbitration Foto_ Swing Completo Foto: Swing Completo
Cuban players in MLB salary arbitration Foto_ Swing Completo Foto: Swing Completo

The MLB offseason will be pivotal for four Cuban players who will seek to improve their financial terms through salary arbitration, with an eye toward 2027.

Johan Oviedo, Miguel Vargas, Andy Pages, and Cionel Pérez have projected earnings totaling $13.3 million, though their final salaries will depend on negotiations with their respective teams.

The MLB offseason will bring important financial decisions for several Cuban players looking to strengthen their contractual positions ahead of the 2027 season. Johan Oviedo, Miguel Vargas, Andy Pages, and Cionel Pérez are among those eligible for salary arbitration, with projections reflecting their respective careers and performances at the Major League level.

While some enter the process following productive offensive seasons, others will have to rely on their track records and potential for recovery when negotiating their next contracts. The projections published by MLB Trade Rumors provide insight into how much these four Cuban players could earn, although the figures do not represent finalized agreements with their respective organizations.

Johan Oviedo: A Season Marred by Injuries

Right-handed pitcher Johan Oviedo, now with the Boston Red Sox, faces an important offseason for his contractual future. The Cuban pitcher has a projected salary of $1.8 million for 2027, according to estimates attributed to Matt Swartz, a contributor to MLB Trade Rumors.

His 2026 season was affected by physical setbacks. Oviedo made just one Major League appearance, pitching 3.2 innings with a 9.82 ERA. His limited playing time presents an obstacle to improving his immediate market value, although his experience as a starter and ability to provide innings could keep him in Boston's plans if he manages to regain his health.

Miguel Vargas: A Breakout Offensive Season

Miguel Vargas was one of the most productive hitters for the Chicago White Sox during the 2026 season. The Cuban infielder appeared in 159 games, collecting 147 hits, 33 home runs, and 93 RBIs while batting .250 with an .837 OPS. He also scored 106 runs and drew 101 walks, highlighting the impact of his offensive performance.

His projected arbitration salary for 2027 stands at $5.4 million. Vargas' performance gives him strong arguments for a salary increase, especially after surpassing the 30-home-run mark and posting a 134 OPS+, an indicator of offensive production well above the league average. Chicago will have to consider his contributions when determining its salary commitments for next season.

Andy Pages: Power and Production with the Dodgers

Outfielder Andy Pages continues to establish himself with the Los Angeles Dodgers. During the 2026 regular season, he appeared in 134 games, recording 140 hits, 23 home runs, and 85 RBIs. His offensive numbers included a .274 batting average, a .343 on-base percentage, and an .811 OPS, along with 13 stolen bases.

MLB Trade Rumors projects a $4.9 million salary for Pages in 2027. The Cuban outfielder combined contact, power, and run production in a lineup with championship aspirations. At 25 years old, his performance strengthens his value to the Dodgers, who will need to weigh both his immediate contributions and his potential for further development in the coming seasons.

Cionel Pérez: A Second Chance in New York

Left-handed reliever Cionel Pérez experienced a season marked by roster moves before finishing with the New York Mets. In 2026, he pitched for the Washington Nationals and the Mets, compiling a combined 4-3 record, a 4.76 ERA, and 44 strikeouts across 45.1 innings.

His projected salary for 2027 is $1.2 million. His overall ERA does not fully reflect the differences between his performances with each team. With New York, he posted a 3.99 ERA over 29.1 innings, showing greater consistency than during his time in Washington. That late-season improvement could strengthen his case for remaining in the Mets' bullpen, although his future role will depend on the organization's offseason decisions.

How Are Salary Projections Calculated?

The estimates were developed by Matt Swartz, a contributor to MLB Trade Rumors, using an algorithm that considers service time, playing time, position, role, performance statistics, and salary inflation. The model provides a reference point for anticipating the financial impact of arbitration but does not determine each player's final salary.

Combined, the four projections total $13.3 million. That figure could change during negotiations, as teams and players may reach agreements before an arbitration hearing. For these Cuban players, the upcoming offseason will provide an opportunity to turn their performances and career track records into better financial terms ahead of the 2027 season.

CEO & Founder of Swing Completo | Sports Journalist & MLB Specialist A distinguished sports journalist and media executive with over 20 years of experience, I serve as the CEO and Founder of Swing Completo LLC, based in Connecticut, U.S. My work centers on driving editorial strategy and scaling digital infrastructure to provide high-authority coverage of Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Hispanic community. Since 2015, I have been a key member of the ESPN production team in Bristol, CT. During this tenure, I have been honored with multiple Sports Emmy Awards for excellence in MLB coverage—encompassing World Series, Little League World Series, and Spring Training—as well as contributions to the award-winning production team for SportsCenter. Throughout my career, I have collaborated with prominent Spanish-language sports media in the U.S., including ESPN Deportes. Additionally, I served as Press Chief for the Cuban Professional Baseball Federation (FEPCUBE), leading communications for international baseball initiatives. I hold a degree in Social Communication complemented by a Master’s degree in Sports Journalism. Under my leadership, Swing Completo has become a premier reference for U.S.-based Hispanic audiences. Our growth, marked by the YouTube Silver Creator Award and recognition by Google in case studies regarding media growth and SEO optimization, reflects my commitment to merging rigorous, traditional journalism with modern digital innovation. My current focus remains on producing expert-led content and advancing the technological standards of sports news platforms.
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