MLB Non-Tender Decisions Reshape American League Rosters
The deadline to tender contracts to arbitration-eligible players passed this evening at 4pm CT, triggering a flurry of activity across the American League as teams made difficult decisions on their rosters. Non-tendered players immediately become free agents, opening up opportunities for all 30 MLB teams to bolster their ranks. Projections for 2026 salaries, compiled last month by MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz, played a significant role in these choices, as clubs weighed potential costs against player performance and future outlook.
A Wave of Cuts Across the AL
Several teams opted for significant roster adjustments, releasing players to avoid the financial commitment of arbitration. The Los Angeles Angels announced they’ve non-tendered outfielder Gustavo Campero and catcher Sebastian Rivero. Campero, a depth piece, has a career slash line of .202/.272/.346 over the past two seasons, while Rivero primarily served as the club’s third catcher. According to the Angels, these moves simply clear space on the 40-man roster, as retaining their arbitration-eligible players was a straightforward decision.
The Houston Astros technically made one non-tender, dropping infielder Ramón Urías after he was designated for assignment earlier in the week. Meanwhile, the Oakland Athletics officially non-tendered outfielder JJ Bleday, a move anticipated after he was designated for assignment on Tuesday. Bleday was projected to earn $2.2 million in 2026.
The Boston Red Sox also made a pair of cuts, non-tendering first baseman Nathaniel Lowe and reliever Josh Winckowski, both of whom had been designated for assignment earlier in the week.
Surprises and Strategic Moves
Some decisions stood out as particularly noteworthy. The Seattle Mariners non-tendered reliever Gregory Santos, despite a relatively modest $800,000 projection, narrowly above the MLB minimum. A team source indicated the move was primarily to free up a spot on the 40-man roster. Santos, acquired from the White Sox, has struggled with injuries, making only 16 MLB appearances with a 5.02 ERA over the past two years.
The Baltimore Orioles surprised some observers by tendering a contract to first baseman Ryan Mountcastle, as first reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan, while non-tendering swingman Albert Suárez. Suárez, 36, was a reliable depth starter in 2024 but was limited to five MLB appearances due to a flexor strain. He is not expected to require surgery.
The Texas Rangers made the most drastic cuts, non-tendering Adolis García, Jonah Heim, Josh Sborz, and Jacob Webb. Further details on these moves were covered extensively by MLBTR.
The Tampa Bay Rays non-tendered outfielders Christopher Morel and Jake Fraley, both of whom had been designated for assignment earlier in the week. However, Marc Topkin of The Tampa Bay Times reported the Rays remain open to re-signing Fraley at a price lower than his $3.6 million arbitration projection.
Royals and Tigers Trim Roster, White Sox Make Changes
The Kansas City Royals non-tendered outfielder MJ Melendez and reliever Taylor Clarke. Melendez, a former top prospect, never fully materialized at the major league level, posting a career .215/.297/.388 slash line. Clarke’s release was more surprising, given his recent performance – a 3.25 ERA and 21.4% strikeout rate over 55 1/3 innings.
The Detroit Tigers are non-tendering utility player Andy Ibáñez, who had been a valuable platoon bat but saw his production against left-handed pitchers decline. Ibáñez is a career .254/.305/.389 hitter.
Finally, the Chicago White Sox non-tendered outfielder Mike Tauchman, who delivered a solid .263/.356/.400 line in 93 games this past season, as first reported by Bruce Levine of 670 The Score. The White Sox also dropped lefty reliever Cam Booser and first baseman Tim Elko, neither of whom were eligible for arbitration.
Notably, the Toronto Blue Jays tendered contracts to all of their arbitration-eligible players, signaling a commitment to their current roster core.
These non-tender decisions mark a pivotal moment in the offseason, setting the stage for a dynamic free agent market and reshaping the competitive landscape of the American League. Teams will now turn their attention to filling these roster gaps, potentially creating opportunities for players seeking a new home.
