*Photo from Metsmerized online*
MLB's non tender deadline was on December 2, where teams had to decide whether to tender their arbitation-eligible players contracts for the next season, or not tender them a contract, making those players free agents and eligible to sign with any team. Over 50 players were non tendered this year, and here are the 5 that should draw a reasonable market from teams.
*Photo from Twins Daily*
Eddie Rosario, OF
Rosario's case is an interesting one. The Twins had reportedly been aggressively pursuing a trade that would send Rosario out of Minnesota, but couldn't find a deal and non tendered him instead, after he went unclaimed on waivers. But, Rosario has been consistently reliable in his 6 seasons with the Twins, despite not making an all star game. His biggest weakness has been a lack of drawing walks, but he is still an everyday option in the outfield and fits into the second tier of outfield free agents available.
*Photo from the Chicago Tribune*
Kyle Schwarber, OF
The Cubs had been rumored all winter that they would be shedding costs, and Schwarber is the first major domino to drop, which means the Cubs will either hang on to their talented core for at least another year, or more blowups are close by. Schwarber has big power, as seen in his mammoth homers, but like the stereotypical power hitter, those massive homers come with lots of strikeouts. He's also a below grade defender, meaning he is probably best suited as a DH in the American League, especially with the DH in the NL next year being unclear at the moment.
*Photo from the Chicago Tribune*
Albert Almora Jr, OF
Almora, a former top 10 pick by the Cubs, has always been a fantastic defender in center field for the Cubs, but has had highly noted struggles hitting the last two seasons, driving in just one run this season on a .167 batting average. Maybe a change of scenery could help Almora get some of his hitting ability back, but anyone who signs him will be getting an upgrade defensively.
*Photo from the Wilmington News Journal*
Brian Goodwin, OF
Ever since breaking into the majors with the Nationals in 2016, Goodwin has bounced around the league, winding up with the Royals in 2017, and the Angels from 2018 to the trade deadline in 2020, when he was sent to the Reds. Goodwin is serviceable as a defender, not good, not bad, and he has been a mostly average hitter as well, except for when he hit .262 with a career high 17 homers for the Angels in 2019. Goodwin is a good depth option as a 4th outfielder for a contender, and that's likely where he'll end up.
*Photo from CBS Sports*
Maikel Franco, 3B
Despite his massive inconsistency in Philadelphia, Franco settled in with the Royals in 2020, playing all 60 games of the regular season. Franco had a solid season at the plate, hitting at a .278 clip with 8 homers, but that didn't stop him from getting non tendered for a second straight year. Franco hits for contact, he doesn't strike out, and he's a good defender at the hot corner as well. He can be a good add for a team looking for a productive 3rd baseman without breaking the bank.
*Photo from CBS Sports*
Carlos Rodon, LHP
Rodon, a former 3rd overall pick, has had a very disappointing career, marred by injuries and poor performance. His performance this season, pitching to a rather high 8.22 ERA in just 7 2/3 innings pitched, might have been due to his continuing recovery from Tommy John surgery in 2019. Rodon can serve as a low risk high reward pitcher due to his injury history. Rodon certainly has the potential to be great, maybe the right team can turn him around.
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