The non-tender deadline serves as a pivotal moment each year for Major League Baseball teams, as they must decide whether to extend contracts to arbitration-eligible players on their rosters. When a contract is tendered, the player and the team can negotiate a salary to avoid an arbitration hearing. Conversely, if a contract is not tendered, the player is classified as 'non-tendered' and immediately becomes a free agent. The notable case from last year's non-tender deadline was Brandon Woodruff of the Milwaukee Brewers, whose non-tender was purely procedural, allowing him to sign a new deal that aligned with his recovery from Tommy John surgery. The deadline for non-tender decisions this year was 8 PM ET on Friday night, leading to the emergence of several significant players now available on the 2024-25 MLB free-agent market.
Among the top non-tendered players are outfielder Dylan Carlson, who was a highly regarded prospect in the St. Louis Cardinals' system and the third-place finisher in the 2021 NL Rookie of the Year voting. Carlson struggled to meet expectations, as evidenced by his .219 batting average and a 78 OPS+ in 127 plate appearances with the Tampa Bay Rays following a trade. Reliever Brent Honeywell Jr. also finds himself on the market after posting a 2.62 ERA in 18 appearances with the Los Angeles Dodgers, although his underlying metrics suggest areas of concern, including an 11.9 percent strikeout rate. Furthermore, Connor Joe, who served as a versatile utility player for the Pittsburgh Pirates, compiled a .238 batting average and a 95 OPS+ over the past three seasons. His 2023 performance showcased a 105 OPS+, 31 doubles, 11 home runs, and 42 RBIs, highlighting his capability as a contributor.
In addition to these players, infielder Nick Madrigal, the fourth overall pick in the 2018 draft by the Chicago White Sox, has yet to capitalize on the potential expected of him. With a career batting line of .274/.323/.344, he showcases solid contact skills but lacks notable power. Starting pitcher Cal Quantrill appeared to be a promising addition for the Colorado Rockies but concluded the 2024 season with a troubling 4.98 ERA, leading the National League in walks issued. Outfielder Gavin Sheets has demonstrated power over the past four seasons, hitting double-digit home runs, and remains a potential low-cost option. Other notable names include Mike Tauchman, who excelled with a 106 OPS+ and a .360 on-base percentage during his tenure with the Chicago Cubs, and several others aiming to prove their value in an increasingly competitive free-agent market.
