Congratulations to the World Champion San Francisco Giants and their fans! The offseason officially begins today – 142 players immediately filed for free agency. This year the exclusive negotiating period has been shortened to five days, so free agents can talk dollars only with their old teams until Sunday. As always, MLB Trade Rumors will be your one-stop shop for all the signings, trades, and rumors. Click here to see our list of free agents, including Cliff Lee, Carl Crawford, Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Adam Dunn, Adrian Beltre, Jayson Werth, Victor Martinez, Manny Ramirez, David Ortiz, and many more.
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Last Year’s Non-Tenders
Every year, non-tendered players provide teams with extra options for upside gambles and role players. This year's non-tender deadline is just over a month away, so let's take a look at last year's non-tenders:
- Of the 38 non-tenders, ten (26%) re-signed with their former club. Ryan Langerhans, Jack Cust, Adam Miller, Anthony Reyes, Raul Chavez, Mark Worrell, Jackson Quezada, Mark DiFelice, Jonny Gomes and Scott Olsen returned to their old organizations.
- Garrett Atkins signed for more than any other non-tender. He got a $4.5MM guarantee from the Orioles and the Orioles got a .214/.276/.286 line from Atkins. The Rockies must be glad they didn't offer arbitration and get stuck paying Atkins $7-8MM for that performance.
- Six players (Atkins, Matt Capps, John Buck, Kelly Johnson, Chien-Ming Wang and Jack Cust) signed for $2MM or more. Only Atkins and Wang were flops.
- Two 2009 non-tenders, Buck and Capps, made the All-Star team.
- These five non-tenders shaped the 2010 pennant race.
- Click here to check out which teams have non-tendered the most players since 2007.
Recent Non-Tenders
About a month from now, a new class of non-tenders will hit the free agent market. We've been breaking down the cases for and against tendering players contracts, but let's take a look at the players who were non-tendered from 2007-09.
This list doesn't have tons of predictive value, since some teams (like the one atop the list) now have new GMs and others have simply had bigger arbitration classes than others. That said, the results are still interesting:
- Mets (8) – Cory Sullivan, Tim Redding, Jeremy Reed, Lance Broadway, Johnny Estrada, Ben Johnson, Juan Padilla
- Yankees (7) – Chien-Ming Wang, Chris Britton, Justin Christian, T.J. Beam, Darrell Rasner, Bronson Sardinha, Matt DeSalvo
- Padres (7) – Mark Worrell, Jackson Quezada, Clay Hensley, Charlie Haeger, Jack Cassel, Morgan Ensberg, Jason Lane
- Royals (6) – John Buck, Josh Anderson, John Bale, Joey Gathright, Jason Smith, Emil Brown
- Brewers (6) – Mark DiFelice, Mike Rivera, Seth McClung, Chris Capuano, Kevin Mench, Matt Wise
- Diamondbacks (5) – Josh Whitesell, Chris Burke, Robby Hammock, Wil Ledezma, Jeff Salazar
- Orioles (5) – Brian Bass, Daniel Cabrera, Lance Cormier, Cory Doyne, Roberto Novoa
- Rockies (5) – Garrett Atkins, Willy Taveras, Jonathan Herrera, Sean Barker, Darren Clarke
- Pirates (5) – Matt Capps, Phil Dumatrait, Denny Bautista, Brad Eldred, Brian Rogers
- Nationals (5) – Mike MacDougal, Scott Olsen, Tim Redding, Mike O’Connor, Nook Logan
- Braves (4) – Kelly Johnson, Ryan Church, Chuck James, Willie Harris
- Dodgers (4) – Angel Berroa, Yhency Brazoban, Scott Proctor, Mark Hendrickson
- Cardinals (4) – Randy Flores, Tyler Johnson, Aaron Miles (twice)
- Red Sox (3) – Brian Anderson, Kevin Cash, Brendan Donnelly
- White Sox (3) – D.J. Carrasco, Andy Gonzalez, Heath Phillips
- Reds (3) – Jonny Gomes, Brad Salmon, Jerry Gil
- Indians (3) – Adam Miller, Anthony Reyes, Jose Veras
- Marlins (3) – Alfredo Amezaga, Joe Nelson, Miguel Olivo
- Astros (3) – Ty Wigginton, Reggie Abercrombie, Adam Everett
- Angels (3) - Dustin Moseley, Jose Arredondo, Dallas McPherson
- A’s (3) – Jack Cust, Kiko Calero, Jose Garcia
- Mariners (3) - Ryan Langerhans, Jamie Burke, John Parrish
- Rays (3) – Shawn Riggans, Gabe Gross, Jonny Gomes
- Rangers (3) – Doug Mathis, Nick Gorneault, Akinori Otsuka
- Cubs (2) – Neal Cotts, Mark Prior
- Phillies (2) – Clay Condrey, Scott Mathieson
- Giants (2) – Ryan Garko, Scott Munter
- Blue Jays (2) – Raul Chavez, Josh Towers
- Tigers (1) – Chad Durbin
- Twins (1) – Jason Tyner
A User’s Guide To MLBTR’s Transaction Tracker
MLBTR is introducing a database that sorts transactions by player, date, team, transaction type, GM, agency and more. Here are some guidelines to the transaction tracker:
Features & Tips
- Hover over the leftmost column for more detailed info on a transaction, such as who a player was traded for and a link to the MLBTR post on the deal.
- You can link to results or share them on Facebook and Twitter by clicking on the “Link Results” button once you complete a search.
- You can search for transactions between teams or GMs with this database.
- We highly recommend searching for different contracts. For example, if you want to know how many teams handed out two-year extensions worth at least $10MM and no more than $12MM between 2008 and 2010, this is the tool for you.
- Some searches yield hundreds of transactions and they don’t all show up at once. Click “Load More Transactions” at the bottom of the page to ensure you’re seeing complete results.
- Click on the columns to sort according to different categories.
What The Database Can And Cannot Do
- We have made every effort to add as much data as possible, but the database does have limitations.
- We have extensive trade, signing, release and waiver claim data that dates back to 1900 thanks to the help of Sean Forman and Baseball-Reference.com. We don't have complete data for that entire period, though.
- We have GM data from 1980 on, thanks to Baseball America’s fantastic executive database.
- Signings before 2006 do not all have dollar figures attached.
- We have non-tender data from 2007 on.
- Extension data for non-current players is incomplete.
- International signing data is incomplete.
- Agent data is incomplete.
Feedback
- Send questions or corrections to mlbtrdatabase@gmail.com.
Acknowledgements
- Many thanks to Mike Melusky, Cale Cox, Daniel Lowenstein and Tony Bennett. Without their considerable skill and hard work, Tim Dierkes and I would not have come close to completing this database.
Remaining Club Or Player Options
Option decisions have been rolling in lately, and with the World Series set to end this week we can expect plenty more. The deadline is typically three days after the Series. Mutual options are usually not picked up by both sides; Miguel Olivo, Yorvit Torrealba, Russell Branyan, Adam LaRoche, Orlando Cabrera, Scott Podsednik, Vladimir Guerrero, Erik Bedard, Doug Davis, Jon Garland, Rich Harden, Octavio Dotel, and Trevor Hoffman will hit the market if theirs are declined. Let's discuss the remaining club and player options:
- Gregg Zaun, Brewers: $2.25MM club option with a $250K buyout. This is likely to be declined.
- Mark Ellis, Athletics: $6MM club option with a $500K buyout. This is expected to be exercised.
- Bill Hall, Red Sox: $9.25MM club option with a $500K buyout. Even after a decent year, this is too much to pick up.
- Omar Infante, Braves: $2.5MM club option with a $250K buyout. An easy choice to exercise.
- Adam Kennedy, Nationals: $2MM club option with a $500K buyout. This is unlikely to be picked up.
- Alex Gonzalez, Braves: $2.5MM club option. Pretty much a lock to be exercised.
- Jhonny Peralta, Tigers: $7MM club option with a $250K buyout. This should be declined, but the sides are expected to work out a two-year deal.
- Edgar Renteria, Giants: $10.5MM club option with a $500K buyout. World Series heroics aside, this is a lock to be declined. Renteria has considered retirement after the season.
- Jose Reyes, Mets: $11MM club option with a $500K buyout. The Mets will pick this up if new GM Sandy Alderson fails to work out a multiyear extension with Reyes.
- Adrian Beltre, Red Sox: $10MM player option with a $1MM buyout. This is a lock to be declined.
- Eric Chavez, Athletics: $12.5MM club option with a $3MM buyout. Certain to be declined.
- Aramis Ramirez, Cubs: $14.6MM player option. He's likely to pick up the option after an off-year.
- Jonny Gomes, Reds: $1.75MM club option with a $200K buyout. Walt Jocketty says he'll probably pick this up; if not Gomes' contract calls for his release (he'd otherwise be arbitration eligible).
- Coco Crisp, Athletics: $5.75MM club option with a $575K buyout. This is expected to be exercised.
- David Ortiz, Red Sox: $12.5MM club option with no buyout. Though Ortiz wants multiple years, the Sox are assumed to be considering this.
- Bronson Arroyo, Reds: $13MM club option with a $2MM buyout. Given Arroyo's 436 innings over the last two years, it's assumed this option jumped up to $13MM. The Reds would like to do a multiyear deal at a reduced salary, but Jocketty has committed to picking up Arroyo's option if not. This will limit the team's financial flexibility.
- Jeff Francis, Rockies: $7MM club option. The Rockies will decline, but interest is mutual on a new deal.
- Aaron Harang, Reds: $12.75MM club option with a $2MM buyout. This is a lock to be declined.
- Kevin Gregg, Blue Jays: $4.5MM club option for '11, $8.75MM for '11-'12, $750K buyout. The Jays will probably exercise one of the two.
- Kyle Farnsworth, Braves: $5.25MM club option with a $500K buyout. The Braves figure to decline this.
- Dan Wheeler, Rays: $4MM club option with a $1MM buyout. The Rays will probably decline this option, despite bullpen uncertainty.
- Mark Hendrickson, Orioles: $1.2MM club option with a $200K buyout. This is expected to be declined, but the O's could try to re-sign Hendrickson for less.
MLBTR Looking For Writers
Would you like to join the MLB Trade Rumors team? We are considering adding a writer. The position pays on an hourly basis. The criteria:
- Knowledge of all 30 baseball teams, no discernible bias. Knowledge of hot stove concepts like arbitration and free agent compensation.
- Writing experience is necessary and online writing experience is preferred.
- Attention to detail – absolutely no spelling errors, especially for player and journalist names. Ability to follow the MLBTR style and tone.
- Ability to analyze articles and craft intelligent, well-written posts summing up the news in a few paragraphs. We need the best of both worlds: quick writing with thoughtful analysis. You must be able to add value to breaking news with your own insight, numbers, or links to other relevant articles.
- Ability to use an RSS feed reader such as Google Reader. Ability to use Twitter. Both of these are crucial.
- Strong evening availability – typically 5-10pm CDT shifts.
- If you're interested, email mlbtrhelp@gmail.com and take a couple paragraphs to explain how you stand out. Hundreds will likely apply, so we cannot respond to most applications.
Last Year’s Big Free Agent Deals
20 players signed free agent deals worth at least $10MM last offseason. How'd those work out?
- Matt Holliday, Cardinals: seven years, $120MM. Holliday lived up to expectations in year one.
- John Lackey, Red Sox: five years, $82.5MM. The Red Sox would probably undo this contract given the chance. Lackey shook off the health problems of 2008-09 by tossing 215 innings, but his performance dropped off in most aspects.
- Jason Bay, Mets: four years, $66MM. Bay's numbers fell off a cliff, and then a concussion ended his season on July 25th. The Mets would undo this contract if they could.
- Chone Figgins, Mariners: four years, $36MM. Figgins' walk rate and batting average fell as the Ms moved him from leading off and playing third base to batting second and playing second base. There was also a July dugout altercation with manager Don Wakamatsu. The Mariners would undo this deal.
- Aroldis Chapman, Reds: six years, $30.25MM. No regrets here, as Chapman dominated in 13.3 relief innings for the Reds and electrified fans with the fastest pitch ever recorded. Other teams are wishing they'd outbid the Reds.
- Randy Wolf, Brewers: three years, $29.75MM. Like Lackey, Wolf provided innings but at reduced effectiveness. I'm guessing the Brewers are disappointed.
- Placido Polanco, Phillies: three years, $18MM. I imagine the Phillies are satisifed with this deal, as Polanco hit .298/.339/.386 while playing solid defense at third base.
- Joel Pineiro, Angels: two years, $16MM. He missed two months with an oblique strain, but the Halos are probably still happy given his 3.84 ERA in 152.3 innings.
- Mike Cameron, Red Sox: two years, $15.5MM. He played in only 48 games due to an abdominal strain that resulted in August surgery. The team probably regrets the contract.
- Marlon Byrd, Cubs: three years, $15MM. Byrd hit .293/.346/.429 in his Cubs debut and played capable defense; the Cubs are likely fine with his contract.
- Brandon Lyon, Astros: three years, $15MM. He tossed 78 innings of 3.12 ball, picking up 20 saves when Matt Lindstrom got hurt. The contract was panned at the time, but the Astros got what they hoped for.
- Jason Marquis, Nationals: two years, $15MM. I thought Marquis would be mediocre, not hurt. A surprising elbow injury limited him to 13 starts and has the Nats regretting the deal.
- Jose Valverde, Tigers: two years, $14MM. He had some elbow woes in September but generally met the team's expectations.
- Marco Scutaro, Red Sox: two years, $12.5MM. He stayed healthy and did a decent job on offense and defense, so the Sox are probably OK with the contract.
- Mark DeRosa, Giants: two years, $12MM. Wrist surgery limited him to 26 games, so the Giants would prefer a mulligan.
- Mike Gonzalez, Orioles: two years, $12MM. The lefty finished strong, but shoulder pain limited Gonzalez to 24.6 innings. The Orioles would like to have this one back.
- Andy Pettitte, Yankees: one year, $11.75MM. A groin injury limited Pettitte to 129 innings, but a 3.28 ERA made it worthwhile.
- Fernando Rodney, Angels: two years, $11MM. It was an unimpressive campaign, though not an unpredictable one given his '09 stats. The Angels would probably undo this deal.
- Adrian Beltre, Red Sox: one year, $10MM. Beltre had an MVP-type season and was a huge bargain for Boston.
- Ben Sheets, Athletics: one year, $10MM. Elbow problems limited Sheets to 119.3 innings of 4.53 ball. The deal was regrettable.
- There you have it: over half a billion bucks and 57 contract years given to the 20 most expensive free agents last winter. By my estimate, teams regret half of these deals.
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2011 Payroll Commitments
With the 2010-2011 offseason drawing closer, we're going to start hearing more and more about how much each team is able to spend on their 2011 roster. Some are obviously able to spend more than others, but every team will be impacted by how much money they already have tied up in existing contracts.
Below is a list of the guaranteed money that each team is responsible for next season. Players in their pre-arbitration or arbitration-eligible seasons do not count since they can simply be non-tendered. Buyouts are included, however, as is money owed to former players (like the Dodgers and Juan Pierre) as well as money received from other teams for current players (like the Cubs and Carlos Silva).
Obviously this data is unofficial, but it's a fine ballpark number to reference.
- Angels, $93.667MM: Torii Hunter, Scott Kazmir, and Dan Haren are the big obligations here.
- Astros, $41.25MM: Almost half belongs to Carlos Lee.
- Athletics, $11.48MM: Eric Chavez's $3MM buyout is the biggest commitment.
- Blue Jays, $43.243MM: Lots and lots of Vernon Wells here.
- Braves, $61.867MM: Derek Lowe, Chipper Jones, and Tim Hudson are the biggest obligations.
- Brewers, $32.371MM: Mostly Randy Wolf.
- Cardinals, $81.089MM: Albert Pujols, Matt Holliday, Chris Carpenter, and Kyle Lohse make up most of this.
- Cubs, $87.925MM: This will go up if/when Aramis Ramirez exercises his $14.6MM player option.
- Diamondbacks, $19.991MM: Chris Young and Mark Reynolds make up more than half of this.
- Dodgers, $61.833MM: This includes Ted Lilly's new deal.
- Giants, $76.933MM: A big chunk of this is going to Barry Zito and Aaron Rowand.
- Indians, $27.455MM: It's all for Travis Hafner, Grady Sizemore, and Fausto Carmona.
- Mariners, $69.596MM: Ichiro Suzuki is the big hit.
- Marlins, $19.75MM: Almost entirely Hanley Ramirez and Josh Johnson.
- Mets, $108.763MM: Both Johan Santana and Carlos Beltran are over $20MM.
- Nationals, $29.150MM: Ryan Zimmerman and Jason Marquis are the big earners.
- Orioles, $28.7MM: Brian Roberts and Nick Markakis make up the majority of this.
- Padres, $1.1MM: Just amazing. All of that money is tied up in buyouts for Jon Garland and Yorvit Torrealba, so they technically have no one under contract for next season.
- Phillies, $143.728MM: They owe six players eight-figure salaries next season.
- Pirates, $16.75MM: Ryan Doumit and Paul Maholm are the big commitments.
- Rangers, $32.1MM: Just about half goes to Michael Young.
- Rays, $17.674MM: Ben Zobrist and James Shields make up basically half of this.
- Reds, $42.733MM: Francisco Cordero, Brandon Phillips, and Scott Rolen are making the big bucks.
- Red Sox, $100.506MM: John Lackey, J.D. Drew, and Josh Beckett are almost half of this.
- Rockies, $50.841: Lots of Aaron Cook and Todd Helton in here.
- Royals, $45.53MM: Zack Greinke and Gil Meche will get most of this.
- Tigers, $61.025MM: This is less than half of their 2010 commitments.
- Twins, $72.35MM: Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, Joe Nathan, and Michael Cuddyer account for almost all of that.
- White Sox, $75.425MM: Most of this goes to Jake Peavy, Alexis Rios, and Mark Buehrle.
- Yankees, $144.612MM: Just wait until they re-sign Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera.
Thanks to Cot's Baseball Contracts for the information used in this post.
Team And Transaction-Only Feeds
If you'd like to filter MLBTR's information by team or limit it to transactions only, we've got you covered.
In the navigation bar, check out the Feeds By Team dropdown. Clicking on the name of a team returns all the posts that reference that club. For example, this page displays only posts with Braves-related rumors. The newest will always be on top.
Next to the word "Braves" you'll see an RSS button and a Twitter button. The RSS button leads here, to the URL you'd put into your RSS reader to receive only our Braves rumors. The Twitter button takes you to @mlbtrbraves, which shows all posts involving the team. The MLBTR team Twitter pages are also a place to quickly receive info from team press releases, even if that info is not used on the main site.
If you'd prefer to monitor only actual transactions, we've got several options. Our Transactions page shows only posts marked as transactions, such as signings, trades, DFAs, and releases. You can also get this same info on Twitter and RSS.