Hays, Finnegan, Rodgers Among 62 Players Cut Loose in MLB Free Agency Frenzy
NEW YORK — The MLB offseason is officially heating up, and Friday brought a whirlwind of roster moves that left fans buzzing. Outfielder Austin Hays, right-hander Kyle Finnegan, and second baseman Brendan Rodgers were among 62 players who became free agents after their teams decided not to offer them contracts for the 2025 season. The decision to non-tender these players has set the stage for what could be a fascinating free-agent market.
Joining the list of newly available players are right-hander Jordan Romano, left-hander Patrick Sandoval, and outfielder Mike Tauchman. Many of these players were arbitration-eligible, meaning their teams opted to cut ties rather than negotiate potentially higher salaries. The Washington Nationals also made headlines by parting ways with right-hander Tanner Rainey, the last remaining player from their 2019 World Series championship roster.
Who’s In, Who’s Out?
While 62 players were non-tendered, more than 20 others managed to secure contracts before the deadline. Some notable deals include:
- Mike Yastrzemski (San Francisco Giants): $9.25 million
- Brusdar Graterol (Los Angeles Dodgers): $5.4 million
- Trent Grisham (New York Yankees): $5 million
These deals highlight the tough decisions teams face during the offseason. For some players, the non-tender deadline is a chance to test the open market, while others secure their spots on rosters for the upcoming season.
Spotlight on Hays and Finnegan
Among the most notable names on the non-tender list is Austin Hays. The 29-year-old outfielder was an All-Star in 2023, when he hit .275 with 16 home runs and 67 RBIs for the Baltimore Orioles. However, his 2024 season was less consistent. After being traded to the Philadelphia Phillies on July 26, Hays batted .256 with two home runs and six RBIs in just 22 games, battling a kidney infection that limited his availability. Now, Hays will look to bounce back and find a new home for 2025.
Meanwhile, Kyle Finnegan is another intriguing free agent. The 33-year-old right-hander was an All-Star in 2024, finishing the season with an impressive 38 saves for the Washington Nationals. Finnegan’s ability to close out games makes him a valuable asset for teams in need of bullpen help.
What’s Next for Arbitration-Eligible Players?
The non-tender deadline also marked the last opportunity for teams to release arbitration-eligible players without committing to at least 30 days of termination pay. As a result, the flurry of moves left 167 players eligible to exchange proposed arbitration salaries with their teams on January 9. This group includes some big names who could still see significant paydays.
Among the players who reached one-year deals ahead of the deadline were:
- Dustin May (Los Angeles Dodgers): $2,135,000
- Matt Thaiss (Chicago Cubs): $1 million in majors, $400,000 in minors
- Lucas Gilbreath (Colorado Rockies): $785,000
- Mason Thompson (Washington Nationals): $770,000 in majors, $374,600 in minors
Additionally, the San Diego Padres reached a unique deal with Tyler Wade. The infielder/outfielder agreed to a $900,000, one-year contract that includes an $850,000 salary for 2025 and a $1 million team option for 2026 with a $50,000 buyout. Wade can also earn up to $150,000 in performance bonuses based on plate appearances.
Minor League Deals and What’s Ahead
In addition to the major league contracts, the New York Mets made some moves of their own, signing first baseman Joey Meneses and catcher Jakson Reetz to minor league deals. These signings could provide depth and flexibility for the Mets as they prepare for the 2025 season.
As the offseason continues, all eyes will be on the free-agent market. With big names like Hays and Finnegan now available, teams have plenty of opportunities to bolster their rosters. The hot stove season is just getting started, and fans can expect plenty of drama in the weeks to come.
Originally Written by: Associated Press
