Brendan Donovan, Andre Pallante, and Lars Nootbaar could be headed for hearings. Record-setting closer scores $4.4-million raise after 49-save season. JoJo Romero and John King also finalize deals.

As the likelihood of Nolan Arenado remaining in St. Louis grows, the Cardinals must find other ways to trim payroll.

Thursday marks the deadline for MLB clubs like the St. Louis Cardinals to agree on a deal with players who are arbitration-eligible before either the player or team file for arbitration.