In professional sports, players are often “optioned”—or sent down to the minor leagues—as part of a team’s roster management strategy. This process can be confusing and complicated, so it’s important to understand the rules and regulations surrounding optioning. Here, we’ll explain how many times a player can be optioned and the implications of each option.
What Is an Option?
An option is when a player is sent to the minor leagues—also known as the “farm system”—in order to gain more experience or receive more playing time. The player remains under contract with the major league team, and can be recalled by the major league team at any time.
Options are typically used to manage a team’s roster and salary cap. For example, if a team needs to free up some salary space, they may option a player to the minors, where their salary will not count against the cap. Alternatively, if a team has a player they want to give more playing time to, they may option another player to the minors in order to make room.
How Many Times Can a Player Be Optioned?
Major League Baseball (MLB) rules stipulate that a player can be optioned a maximum of three times in one season. If a team needs to option a player more than three times in one season, they must either keep the player in the minors for the remainder of the season or place them on waivers.
The three options rule applies to both position players and pitchers. For pitchers, each option applies to both the starting rotation and the bullpen. So, for example, a team can option a pitcher twice from the starting rotation and once from the bullpen in a single season.
What Are the Implications of Each Option?
When a player is optioned to the minors, their salary does not count against the team’s salary cap. This is beneficial for teams that need to free up some salary space in order to sign additional players.
However, when a player is optioned, they are not eligible to receive certain benefits, such as service time and arbitration rights. This can have a significant impact on a player’s salary and long-term career prospects.
For example, if a player is optioned three times in one season, they will not accumulate enough service time to be eligible for arbitration. This means the team will have more control over their salary, as they will not be able to demand a raise through arbitration.
Additionally, players who are optioned will not be eligible to receive performance bonuses or other incentives. This can significantly reduce a player’s earnings over the course of a season.
Conclusion
Optioning is an important part of roster management in professional sports. Players can be optioned a maximum of three times in one season, and the implications of each option can have a significant impact on a player’s salary and career prospects. It’s important for both teams and players to understand the rules and regulations surrounding optioning in order to make informed decisions.