Arbitrator Compromise in Final Offer Arbitration: Evidence from Major League Baseball

Abstract

This article presents evidence that the preferred awards of arbitrators in final-offer arbitration (FOA) compromise between the perspectives of the bargainers. Using Major League Baseball FOA offers between 1986-2002, this study finds strong evidence that final offers (which are strategically formulated around the preferred award) are a weighted average of the player`s salary in the previous season and the average free agent salary. The findings are particularly interesting because FOA was created to eliminate arbitrator compromise. (JEL J520, L830)