What To Watch For At Non-Tender Deadline

While the MLB offseason is in a bit of a lull ahead of December’s Winter Meetings, Friday’s 8 p.m. ET non-tender deadline is one of the first notable occasions every offseason. On this date, teams are tasked with making their final decisions as to whether or not they will put forth contracts to eligible players for the upcoming year.

Typically, we see a notable player or two hit the open market as a result. It was right-handed pitcher Brandon Woodruff last time around after he underwent shoulder surgery, though the Milwaukee Brewers ultimately brought him back on a two-year deal while he rehabbed. In 2022, the Los Angeles Dodgers opted not to tender a contract to outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger, who then latched on with the Chicago Cubs and enjoyed a stellar 2023 campaign.

The Mets have seven arbitration-eligible players left to make a decision on after outrighting left-hander Joey Lucchesi and outfielder DJ Stewart earlier this month, all of whom will be listed below with their estimated salaries from MLB Trade Rumors for next season:

• RHP Paul Blackburn: $4.4MM
• LHP David Peterson: $4.4MM
• OF Tyrone Taylor: $2.9MM
• OF Jose Siri: $2.3MM
• RHP Tylor Megill: $2.1MM
• LHP Alex Young: $1.4MM
• C Luis Torrens: $1.1MM
• RHP Sean Reid-Foley: $900K

Peterson, Megill, Torrens and Taylor are virtual locks to return given all four were on New York’s roster throughout the postseason and are in line for defined roles next year. Siri falls into that category as well after the Mets acquired him via trade from the Tampa Bay Rays earlier this week.

Reid-Foley was fantastic when healthy in 2024, posting a 1.66 ERA over 21 2/3 innings. His last appearance came on June 16, however, due to a right shoulder injury. The 29-year-old doesn’t have any options left, and New York’s judgement on his future with the team will depend on the outlook of his health.

The Mets claimed Young off waivers from the San Francisco Giants on July 17. The southpaw turned in some strong performances down the stretch, recording a 2.87 ERA across 15 2/3 innings, though he was largely reserved for mop-up duty by the end of the season. Young was not included on the postseason roster, and it’s likely that the organization will cut ties with him.

New York’s rotation is barren at the moment, so tendering Blackburn looks like a slam dunk on paper. While that’s still likely the way things will play out, it’s not quite as simple of a move as it appears. The 30-year-old was tagged for a 5.18 ERA in five starts and 24 1/3 frames after coming over from the Oakland Athletics at the trade deadline before sustaining both a hand injury and a cerebrospinal fluid leak. Blackburn’s final outing came on Aug. 23, and it’s unknown when he’ll be able to return to the mound. He’s a prototypical backend arm that is capable of eating innings, thus making him an ideal fit for the Mets, but his injury status could put his roster spot in jeopardy.

Elsewhere around the league, there’s quite a few intriguing news that could hit free agency.

Austin Hays ($6.4MM) and Dylan Carlson ($2.7MM), a pair of outfielders who joined the Philadelphia Phillies and Rays at the trade deadline, respectively, both struggled with their new teams in the second half of the year and profile as prime non-tender candidates.

San Francisco Giants outfielder Mike Yastrzemski ($9.5MM) is another name to watch, given his high salary projection and the fact that he’ll turn 35 years old next season after finishing with a .739 OPS in 2023.

Atlanta Braves right-handed pitcher Griffin Canning ($5.1MM), who tallied a 5.19 ERA in 31 starts for the Los Angeles Angels last season, is in danger of being let go after he was traded for outfielder/designated hitter Jorge Soler at the onset of the offseason. Right-hander Aaron Civale ($8MM), despite putting up a 3.53 ERA with the Milwaukee Brewers in 14 outings, could also prove too expense to keep around in the Cream City.

A report by Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun suggests that the Blue Jays may choose to non-tender two-time All-Star closer Jordan Romano ($7.75MM) after he required elbow surgery in July. He struggled to the tune of a 6.59 ERA over 15 appearances this past year, though he figures to draw plenty of interest should he be non-tendered.

By that same token, Pittsburgh Pirates closer and two-time All-Star David Bednar ($6.6MM) may also land with a new team after posting a 5.77 ERA and seven blown saves in 2024.

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