Top 5 Intriguing MLB Free Agents After Non-Tender Deadline: Former Top-Five Pick & More!
Major League Baseball recently passed its non-tender deadline. This deadline offers teams a chance to release players who are arbitration-eligible or pre-arbitration. Players who are not tendered become free agents immediately.
Here are some notable players who have been non-tendered:
-
Nick Madrigal, INF (Chicago Cubs)
Madrigal was the No. 4 pick in the 2018 draft. He underperformed in the majors, holding a career OPS+ of 86, mainly due to a lack of power. The Cubs decided not to pay him an estimated $2 million in arbitration, letting him become a free agent.
-
Patrick Sandoval, LHP (Los Angeles Angels)
Sandoval was the 2024 Opening Day starter for the Angels. After undergoing Tommy John surgery in June, he will miss much of the 2025 season. The Angels chose not to pay him around $6 million for his rehabilitation.
-
Austin Hays, OF (Philadelphia Phillies)
Hays struggled after joining the Phillies mid-season, hitting .256/.275/.397 in 22 games. With a projected arbitration salary over $6 million, the Phillies opted to release him.
-
Jordan Romano, RHP (Toronto Blue Jays)
A two-time All-Star, Romano battled elbow issues, leading to limited appearances in 2024. After surgery in July, the Blue Jays released him rather than commit approx $8 million for 2025.
- Kyle Finnegan, RHP (Washington Nationals)
Finnegan was the Nationals’ closer for two seasons and an All-Star in 2024. However, his projected $9 million salary for 2025 seemed too high for the Nationals, prompting his release.
In addition to these players, various others were non-tendered across teams. Here are a few:
- Athletics: RHP Dany Jiménez
- Diamondbacks: LHP Brandon Hughes
- Atlanta Braves: OF Ramón Laureano, RHP Griffin Canning
- Boston Red Sox: RHP Bryan Mata
Teams use this non-tender deadline to reshape their rosters. Some players may find new opportunities, while teams can explore budget-friendly options in the free-agent market.