According to MLB.com’s Matthew Leach, the Cardinals hold "some sliver of hope" that an arbitration hearing can be avoided with outfielder Ryan Ludwick.
Ludwick asked for $4.25MM and the Cardinals countered with a $2.8MM bid back when figures were due. That gap is obviously going to be tough to overcome, but the Red Birds do have some time. Ludwick’s hearing won’t take place until Tuesday, February 17.
The 30-year-old exploded last season, finising with a line of .299/.375/.591, including 37 home runs and 113 RBI.
