I think it's been proven that on the whole billionaire owners are not really interested in prioritizing relations with labor at the cost of money in their own pocket. I don't really see a way around the issue that isn't susceptible to gaming while also allowing players to have a say in/ negotiate for a higher salary.Very interestingly, the other Rays RP who was in arbitration who also loss took his grievance public as well
Colin Poche ‘a little shocked’ to lose arbitration case, takes issue with panel not Rays (tampabay.com)
I guess my takeaway on it is that I'm surprised to see an MLB Franchise go to the process over like...100k. This feels like something that even if you handle it professionally as possible it's going to cause some strain. It may not be as important for players like Thompson or Poche but like, the Brewers had this with Corbin Burnes and it caused some real friction.
I think if there's an issue to deal with it would be that MLB as a proxy for ownership chooses the judges, and MLB seems to have a fairly strong winning percentage when they go hearings. I think the players and union should be looking at having more of say in choosing the judges, I can't see why the hearings shouldn't result in more of a 50/50 split on results (and really given the WAR provided per $, it looks like the players deserve to come out ahead).