MLB's Non-Tendered Players

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Yesterday MLB clubs had to decide if they were to offer contracts to players under team control; i.e. players that had less than 6 years MLB experience. Depending on amount of service time, the teams can either assign contracts or they can go to arbitrations (Players with less than 2 years service time are given contracts; players with greater than 2 years experience can negotiate contract and go to arbitration is one is not agreed upon). Any player not offered a contract (or non-tendered) becomes a free; the team that signs them controls that player until they’d have become a free agent with the original team.

Here are the Top 10 non-tendered players.

1. Matt Capps, RP – The Pirates let their closer walk, and I’m very surprised by this. They could have tendered him a deal, then dealt him when the top free agent closers had signed. They also could have traded him in the middle of last season, but Pirates front office called him the closer of the future. Instead, they cut bait and will scramble to find a new closer. Capps should be attractive on the market, which is pretty weak in top of the line closers. He can bring some heat, but can be a little wild at times. I could see him being a good fit with Seattle, Florida, or Texas.

2. Adam Miller, SP – While Miller has never actually thrown a MLB pitch, he’s got the best potential on the list. Miller, a former top prospect of the Indians, has battle injuries for his entire career; that’s part of the reason he wasn’t offered a new contract. I’ll be curious to see if the gets an offer and if he’ll join a MLB roster. I wouldn’t rule out any teams on him, as he’s likely to start the season in the minors and could possibly be in a bullpen.

3. Chien-Ming Wang, SP – Wang was one of the top pitchers for the Yankees over the last few season, but a lost season cost him his future in the Bronx. Wang doesn’t strike out many, which is a red flag for a pitcher like him. He’s a good fit for the back of the rotation. Look for the Mets, Cardinals, and Brewers to inquire on him.

4. Kelly Johnson, 2B – The Braves had 2 good stints with Johnson; one in the outfield and one at second base. After both seasons, Johnson got injured. This past season, elbow problems cost him time and his starting job. He was going to be an expencive bench player, so the Braves cut him loose. I expect the Giants, Cubs, and Indians to check on him if he doesn’t re-sign with the Braves on a cheaper deal.

5. Mike MacDougal, RP – MacDougal resurrected his career as closer in Washington this past season, but became expendable when Brian Bruney was acquired. He’s wild and will make games exciting. My geuss is he will probably be signed as a middle reliever who can close in a pinch. Again, the Marlins, Rangers, and Mariners could be good fits.

6. Ryan Garko, 1B – Garko, who started his career with the Indians, had a falling out with Giants manager Bruce Bochy, so it isn’t entirely surprising to see him non-tendered. He has a good amount of power, but his problem is right handed pitching. He’s a good platoon player and will have a chance to hook on with a team this spring. The Royals, Mets, and Mariners as good fits.

7. Ryan Church, OF – Church has the injury bug that makes it a question of when he’s getting injured each season. The Braves took a chance on him at the trade deadline and weren’t impressed. He’s a middle of the road hitter and a top notch defender. At this point, teams will take a flyer on him if they have a thin outfield or need a good bench/defensive replacement. Look at the Cardinals, Athletics, and Padres to inquired on him.

8. Jack Cust, DH – Cust has declined over the past 3 seasons, but he’s still got pop and can take a walk. Oakland was looking to upgrade, so it’s not surprising to see him on the market. His defense is really the only thing keeping him from an everyday role; he’s pretty much a DH only. Oakland could re-sign him to cheaper deal; look for Blue Jays, Twins, or Rangers to also make contact.

9. Anthony Reyes, SP – The Indians/Cardinals swap that moved Reyes from St. Louis to Cleveland has pretty much been erased from memory since Reyes was non-tendered (the Cardinals lost Luis Perdomo in last years Rule V draft). Reyes has a good 2 seam fastball and off speed pitches, but has problems staying healthy. If he can stay healthy for a season, he can be an effective pitcher. Look for the Royals, Padres, and Marlins to check on the pitcher.

10. Jose Arredondo, RP – The Angels cut loose this fireballer who just found out that he needs Tommy John surgery. He’ll miss the entire season, but I expect that there will be a decent market for the pitcher. He’s got closer potential and will be cheap once he’s back. I think the Angels will re-sign him, but expect most teams to look into him.

Honorable Mention: Garret Atkins, 3B (defensive liablity and questions about hitting outsite of Coors); John Buck, C (good power for a catcher); Mark Worrell, RP (solid reliever who missed all of last season); Alfredo Amezaga, OF (can play pretty much any position); Jonny Gomes, OF (another lefty platoon option).

Note: I wrote this before the Indians announced that they re-signed Miller and Reyes.