Major League Baseball reached a key offseason deadline on Friday at 5 p.m. ET, marking the cutoff for teams to offer contracts for 2026 to players who are arbitration-eligible or in pre-arbitration. Players not receiving these contract offers became free agents, joining a group of skilled players who have previously experienced this, such as designated hitter Kyle Schwarber and outfielder Cody Bellinger. CBS Sports highlights some of the most notable players who were non-tendered, including Nathaniel Rowe, Alec Manoah, and Gavin Lux.
One significant name is Adris Garcia of the Texas Rangers, the 2023 ALCS MVP, who despite solid defense and power, didn’t get a bid due to offensive limitations and a projected $12 million arbitration salary, which would have been his final year under team control. The Rangers also non-tendered catcher Jonah Heim and reliever Josh Sborz, removing key parts of their recent World Series team. Boston Red Sox’s first baseman Nathaniel Rowe was another notable non-tender due to his high projected salary and inconsistent offense, despite being a strong defender.
Pitcher Alec Manoah, once a contender for the Cy Young Award, has struggled with injuries including Tommy John surgery and the Atlanta Braves acquired him after the Toronto Blue Jays waived him, but salary disagreements led to no tender offer. Christopher Morel, recently traded to the Tampa Bay Rays, shows immense power but defensive struggles; at 26, he still has three years of team control, making him a tempting gamble for teams. ’ reliever Evan Phillips, sidelined with Tommy John surgery, was non-tendered but could potentially re-sign with them under a low-cost deal to rehab and return in 2027.
The report finishes with a comprehensive list of all non-tendered players by team, showing a wide range of players from various levels of experience and roles across the league.
Fan Take: This roster shake-up highlights the harsh business side of MLB where teams must balance talent with financial strategy, often making tough decisions on key players. For fans, it means exciting opportunities as fresh talent rises and veterans seek new homes, injecting unpredictability and fresh narratives into the upcoming season.
