The end of the Major League Baseball (MLB) season is an exciting time for fans, players, and teams alike. It’s a time when teams can make changes to their rosters for the upcoming season, and many of those changes involve non-tendering players. Non-tendering is when a team does not offer a contract to a player who is eligible for arbitration. If a team does not offer a contract in time, the player is then a free agent and can sign with any team.
What is Arbitration?
Arbitration is a process by which a player and his team can negotiate a new contract. If the team and player cannot agree on a new contract, an arbitrator must decide the terms of a contract. The team and player can both present evidence to the arbitrator and the arbitrator will then decide the terms of the contract.
Who Is Eligible for Arbitration?
Players who have three or more years of MLB service time are eligible for arbitration. This includes players who have been in the league for three or more years, as well as players who have been with their current team for at least three years.
Why Do Teams Non-Tender Players?
Teams may non-tender players for a variety of reasons. One of the main reasons is financial. If a team does not think that a player is worth the price that the player is asking for, the team may decide not to offer a contract. Another reason is performance. If a player does not perform well or does not meet the expectations of the team, the team may decide to non-tender the player.
Notable Players Who Were Non-Tendered in 2020
The 2020 MLB season saw several notable players who were non-tendered by their teams. The following players were all non-tendered and are now free agents:
• Jake Marisnick: Marisnick was non-tendered by the Houston Astros after three seasons with the team. The outfielder was expected to be a part of the Astros outfield for the 2020 season, but he was non-tendered due to his poor offensive numbers.
• Justin Smoak: Smoak was non-tendered by the Toronto Blue Jays after seven seasons with the team. The first baseman was expected to be the starting first baseman for the 2020 season, but his poor offensive numbers led to his non-tender.
• Domingo Santana: Santana was non-tendered by the Seattle Mariners after two seasons with the team. The outfielder had a breakout season in 2019, but his numbers dropped significantly in 2020, leading to his non-tender.
• Hector Rondon: Rondon was non-tendered by the Chicago Cubs after four seasons with the team. The reliever was expected to be a key member of the Cubs bullpen for the 2020 season, but his struggles in the second half of the season led to his non-tender.
• J.A. Happ: Happ was non-tendered by the New York Yankees after two seasons with the team. The left-hander was expected to be a key member of the Yankees rotation for the 2020 season, but his struggles in the second half of the season led to his non-tender.
• Yasmani Grandal: Grandal was non-tendered by the Milwaukee Brewers after one season with the team. The catcher had a solid offensive season in 2020, but his defensive struggles led to his non-tender.
Conclusion
The end of the MLB season is a time for teams to make changes to their rosters, and the non-tender process is one way that teams can do this. Non-tendering players is a difficult decision, but it can be a necessary one if teams cannot come to an agreement with the player. The 2020 season saw several notable players who were non-tendered, and they are now free agents who can sign with any team.