The list of MLB non-tenders could be pretty long this winter.
Minnesota Twins outfielder Eddie Rosario
All early signs are pointing to the Minnesota Twins moving on from Eddie Rosario and non-tendering the 29-year-old outfielder who has spent the last six seasons in a Twins uniform.
Rosario is projected to make close to $10 million through arbitration, which may also severely limit his trade value. There aren’t very many, if any, MLB teams looking for a slightly above league-average hitter for that price tag in this market.
But that doesn’t mean Eddie Rosario isn’t worthy of a starting job somewhere. In 57 games for the Twins this season, Rosario hit .257 with 13 home runs, a career-high 8% walk rate, and a 110 wRC+. He hit 32 home runs and 28 doubles as recently as 2019 and doesn’t strike out very much from the left side of the plate. However, he provides little baserunning or defensive value.
If the Twins do move on from Rosario, they have replacements in place in either Alex Kirilloff or Trevor Larnach, two high-profiled outfield prospects currently in the organization.
Toronto Blue Jays infielder Travis Shaw
The Toronto Blue Jays are quickly becoming one of the more aggressive teams to watch this offseason, having already brought back starting pitcher Robbie Ray to shore up the backend of the rotation, and being open about their desire to bring in more high-quality, elite talent.
The Jays already have a great young core in their infield, but Francisco Lindor is available for trade and the Blue Jays have the means to acquire him. They have also recently been connected to free agent second baseman Kolten Wong.
Bringing in either one of these middle infielders would allow Toronto to shuffle the infield around a bit, leaving Travis Shaw as the odd man out. Even if the Jays don’t land a prized middle infielder, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.reportedly wants to be back in the hot corner.
If Toronto believes Shaw is eventually forced to the bench, his projected salary of $5 million will be better used elsewhere.
He hasn’t been able to repeat his 2017 and 2018 numbers in Milwaukee when he hit 31 and 32 home runs, but he does provide value by being able to play both corner infield spots and that power potential still hanging around in his bat.