I have an arb-eligible player that I'm planning to trade for cash, because I get a comp pick only if I offer him arbitration, he declines, then becomes a free agent. But don't they always accept an arbitration deal (either accept my offer, or whatever the arbiter decides)?

In other words, is there a way for me to get a comp pick from a arb-eligible player, or am I safe to trade him for cash? I'd prefer a comp pick over a little cash, but I don't think that's an option if I'm understanding this right.

He has to leave to get the pick.

I should've clarified:

(A) If I don't offer him arbitration and he leaves, I don't get a pick when he signs elsewhere.
(B) If I offer him arbitration, my understanding is that he'll almost surely sign with me (whether it's my offer or arbiter's deal).

So really there's no way to get a comp pick out of him this season, right? (If this is true, I want to trade him for cash).

The only way to not arb him (if he is eligible) is to waive him or sign him long term. Waiving him will get you nothing. What world lets you trade players for cash?

Option 1: If you arb him for the 3rd time this season, then he will leave for free agency next season. Then, if he is a Type A or Type B player and he signs with someone, you will get a comp pick the following season (so in 2 seasons). That's the only way you will get a comp pick for him.

Option 2: If he is of value to your team for the long term, you sign him to his long term demands instead of arb'ing him.

Option 3: You release him before running through arbitration. You will get nothing for him, and you will owe him nothing.

You can also trade him before or after arb'ing him. But you will still not get a comp pick for him.

Thanks for the clarification. @brianp87, Moneyball (formerly GW2) has quite a bit of trading players for cash.

Posted by lamps24 on 2/25/2019 7:19:00 PM (view original):
Thanks for the clarification. @brianp87, Moneyball (formerly GW2) has quite a bit of trading players for cash.

Hope it works out.