Dustin May was among the arbitration-eligible players the Los Angeles Dodgers tendered a contract to last November as he is going through the process for the first time in his career.
Friday is the deadline for teams and players to agree to terms or face the potential of an arbitration hearing next month. Initial reports had Dodgers coming to terms with Walker Buehler, Caleb Ferguson, Will Smith and Trayce Thompson.
According to Jack Harris of the L.A. Times, May and the Dodgers avoided arbitration as well by agreeing to a $1.675 million salary for the 2023 season:
Dodgers and Dustin May have agreed to a $1.675 million deal for next year to avoid arbitration, per his agent, Craig Rose of Paragon Sports
— Jack Harris (@Jack_A_Harris) January 13, 2023
May’s salary for this season exceeds the $1.4 million projection by MLB Trade Rumors.
The right-hander had expectedly mixed results in his return from Tommy John surgery. May looked dominant in his 2022 debut and pitched well in a second consecutive outing against the Miami Marlins, but faced challenges in back-to-back starts against the San Diego Padres.
The 25-year-old additionally struggled in his final outing of the year, as he allowed five runs on seven hits to the Arizona Diamondbacks over just four innings of work. May didn’t pitch again after that Sept. 21 game due to being placed on the 15-day injured list because of back tightness/an oblique issue.
May recovered in time to be included on the Dodgers’ postseason roster for the National League Division Series, but he was not utilized in any of the four games.
Dustin May primed for significant role
While the Dodgers presumably will be cautious with May in his first full season after Tommy John, he figures to be heavily relied upon.
The starting rotation lost Tyler Anderson and Andrew Heaney in free agency, and Buehler likely won’t pitch until late in the 2023 season, if at all.
Are you following Dodger Blue on Instagram? It’s the best way to see exclusive coverage from games and events, get your questions answered, and more!
