Why do teams renew pre-arbitration players for less than the amount they offered in a 1 year deal?  For example, the Yankees offered Wang $520K.  He wanted more and didn’t sign the offer.  He got renewed for $491K.  What’s the downside for the player in signing the offer that he’s willing to give up $29K?

Players and agents seem to think by taking the lower number, it will help them in arbitration hearings.  Don’t think it has been proven that it does help, though.