Major League Baseball (MLB) is a professional baseball league that consists of 30 teams and is one of the most popular sports leagues in the world. MLB teams are constantly looking for ways to improve their rosters and add talent. One of the ways teams can acquire players is through the non-tender process. This process is when teams do not offer a contract to a player that is currently under team control and make them a free agent. This article will explain how the non-tender process works in MLB.
What is a Non-Tender?
A non-tender is when a team does not offer a contract to a player that is currently under team control. This makes the player a free agent and allows them to sign with any team in the league. Players that are non-tendered are usually players that the team believes will not be worth the amount of money they are asking for or players that are expendable due to their performance.
Who is Eligible to be Non-Tendered?
Players that are eligible to be non-tendered are players that have less than six years of MLB service time and are arbitration eligible. Players that have six years of service time are considered “free agents” and can sign with any team. Players that are arbitration eligible are players that are still under team control, but have enough service time to be eligible for salary arbitration.
When Does Non-Tendering Take Place?
Non-tendering usually takes place during the MLB off-season, which is typically from late October to late November. Teams must submit their list of players that they do not plan to tender a contract to by December 2nd. The players become free agents after that date and are eligible to sign with any team.
What Happens to Players That Are Non-Tendered?
Players that are non-tendered become free agents and are eligible to sign with any team in the league. The player’s former team may be able to re-sign the player at a lower salary, but the player is free to sign with any team.
What are the Benefits of Non-Tendering?
Non-tendering is beneficial to teams because it allows them to free up salary cap space and roster spots for other players. It also allows teams to acquire players that may be better fits for their team without having to give up any assets in return.
What are the Downsides of Non-Tendering?
The downside of non-tendering is that it can be risky for teams. Players that are non-tendered are usually players that the team believes will not be worth the amount of money they are asking for or players that are expendable due to their performance. If a team non-tenders a player that ends up being successful with another team, the team will have missed out on reaping the rewards of having that player on their team.
What is the Impact of Non-Tendering on the Player?
Non-tendering can have a significant impact on a player’s career. Players that are non-tendered are usually players that the team believes will not be worth the amount of money they are asking for or players that are expendable due to their performance. Players that are non-tendered must find a new team in order to continue their career, which can be difficult if they do not have a good reputation or if teams are not interested in signing them.
Who are Some Notable Players That Have Been Non-Tendered?
There have been several notable players that have been non-tendered in recent years. These players include Gerrit Cole, who was non-tendered by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2019 and ended up signing a nine-year, $324 million deal with the New York Yankees; Brad Hand, who was non-tendered by the San Diego Padres in 2018 and ended up signing a three-year, $18.75 million deal with the Cleveland Indians; and Trevor Bauer, who was non-tendered by the Cincinnati Reds in 2020 and ended up signing a three-year, $102 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
What is the Impact of Non-Tendering on the Free Agent Market?
Non-tendering can have a significant impact on the free agent market. Players that are non-tendered are usually players that the team believes will not be worth the amount of money they are asking for. This opens up the market for teams to acquire players at a lower price than what they would have to pay to re-sign the player.
Conclusion
Non-tendering is an important part of the MLB off-season and can have a significant impact on teams, players, and the free agent market. Teams can benefit from non-tendering by freeing up salary cap space and roster spots for other players. Players that are non-tendered become free agents and are eligible to sign with any team in the league. Non-tendering can also have an impact on the free agent market as players that are non-tendered are usually players that the team believes will not be worth the amount of money they are asking for.