MLB Non-Tender Deadline: Key Players for Yankees to Target in Free Agency

On November 22, MLB‘s non-tender deadline passed at 8 p.m. ET. This was the deadline for teams to decide on contracts for players entering arbitration or pre-arbitration. Teams either tender contracts to these players or non-tender them, which makes the players free agents immediately.

Some notable players were non-tendered and are now available as free agents. One player of interest is Kyle Finnegan, who recorded a career-high 38 saves and was an All-Star in 2024. Despite his strong performance, Finnegan had a 5.79 ERA and opponents hit .337 against him after the All-Star break, raising concerns about his price tag.

Finnegan’s experience, with 88 saves over the last four seasons, could attract interest. He could serve as a reliable late-inning option or be a valuable trade asset for smaller teams.

How might Kyle Finnegan’s recent performance affect his appeal to teams in free agency?

Interview with MLB Specialist on Non-Tender Deadline and Kyle Finnegan’s Free Agency

Published on November 23, 2023, by News Directory 3

Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today. With the MLB non-tender deadline passing on November 22, many players have now become free agents. Can you explain the significance of this deadline for teams and players alike?

Specialist: Certainly! The non-tender deadline is crucial because it marks the point where teams must make significant decisions regarding players entering arbitration or pre-arbitration. They have to assess whether to offer these players a contract or not. If a team chooses to non-tender a player, that player becomes a free agent immediately, allowing them to explore opportunities with other teams. This process can dramatically reshape rosters and player values across the league.

Interviewer: One of the notable names non-tendered this year is Kyle Finnegan. Can you share your thoughts on his performance this past season and the implications of his non-tender?

Specialist: Finnegan had a standout first half of the season, recording a career-high 38 saves and earning an All-Star nod in 2024. However, his performance declined significantly in the second half. A 5.79 ERA and an opponent batting average of .337 indicate some underlying issues. Teams will weigh his early success against those later struggles, which contribute to the decision to non-tender him. It points to the risk of paying higher for a player who may have hit a rough patch, even with a compelling resume.

Interviewer: Given his experience with 88 saves over the last four seasons, how do you think teams will perceive Finnegan in the market?

Specialist: Finnegan’s track record certainly makes him an attractive target for teams looking for late-inning depth in their bullpen. His experience can be a valuable asset, especially for smaller market teams that might see him as a reliable closer option at a lower cost. Teams could also look to him as a potential trade asset if he can rebound, giving them flexibility without breaking the bank.

Interviewer: There’s been speculation about the New York Yankees expressing interest in Finnegan as well. How would adding him benefit their roster in the current landscape?

Specialist: The Yankees, with their considerable resources, could capitalize on the opportunity to sign Finnegan for a low-cost deal. Strengthening the bullpen has been an ongoing need, and adding a player with his experience could fill that void effectively. Furthermore, by securing a player like Finnegan, they could allocate additional funds toward pursuing high-profile talent, such as Juan Soto, elevating their competitiveness. It’s a strategic move that suits their current goals, particularly in bolstering late-game performances.

Interviewer: Last question—what do you see as Finnegan’s best path moving forward as a free agent?

Specialist: For Finnegan, the best path involves finding a team willing to overlook his second-half struggles and invest in his potential for recovery. A change of scenery could be beneficial for him, as well as getting into a situation where he can thrive on a rebuilding team or even a solid contender looking for a bargain. If he can refine his mechanics and regain his first-half form, he could re-establish his value and pave the way for a more lucrative contract in the future.

Interviewer: Thank you for your insights! It’ll be interesting to see how this unfolds in the coming weeks.

Specialist: My pleasure! The offseason is always full of surprises, and I’m excited to see how the market develops.

The New York Yankees, though not a small market team, might benefit from signing Finnegan on a low-cost deal. This move could strengthen their bullpen while allowing them to pursue talent like Juan Soto.