Each year, MLB’s non-tender deadline allows clubs to release some of their players who are still under team control early to test the open market. This can happen due to increasing arbitration costs or the need to clear space on the 40-man roster. We recently discussed five hitters from this year’s group of non-tendered players who could be interesting to watch during the offseason. While it’s unlikely any of these players will have a resurgence like Cody Bellinger and Kyle Schwarber, who became All-Star caliber players after their non-tenders, it’s possible that a pitcher from this year’s group could emerge as a notable player in the future.
One of the standout non-tenders last winter was right-hander Brandon Woodruff, who missed the entire 2024 season due to shoulder surgery after being a key player in the Brewers rotation. Another notable non-tender in recent memory is Kevin Gausman, who had a successful career after breaking out at 29 years old. Even if no player from this year’s crop of non-tendered arms reaches Gausman’s level of success, it’s not uncommon to find impactful relievers or quality starters among non-tendered players. For example, Spencer Turnbull and Tim Hill were both non-tendered last year but ended up playing for playoff contenders in 2024. Could a player from this year’s group of non-tenders follow a similar path? Let’s take a look at five pitchers who hit free agency after last week’s non-tender deadline and could be interesting prospects to watch this offseason. Players are listed alphabetically with their age for the 2025 season noted.
Kyle Finnegan (33)
Finnegan’s non-tender came as a surprise, considering he made his first All-Star appearance this year. He has been a reliable presence at the back of the Nationals’ bullpen, with a 3.56 ERA and a 23.5% strikeout rate in over 290 innings of work. Despite his consistency, Finnegan’s price tag in arbitration had increased, leading to his non-tender. With an upper-90s fastball and late-inning experience, Finnegan should attract interest this offseason.
Hoby Milner (34)
Milner, a left-handed reliever, may draw attention on the free agent market despite being non-tendered by the Brewers. While his 2024 season was challenging with a high ERA, his underlying numbers suggest he could be a valuable bullpen addition. Throughout his time with the Brewers, he has shown steady performance as a left-handed reliever, with a 3.44 ERA over three years. This track record should make him a sought-after player this winter.
Cal Quantrill (30)
Quantrill is a reliable arm who has been a consistent back-of-the-rotation starter. Despite his unspectacular numbers, his history as a league-average pitcher should make him appealing to teams in need of rotation depth. Quantrill also has experience as a swing man and may draw interest for a bullpen role.
Jordan Romano (32)
Romano, a two-time All-Star, has been a standout closer for the Blue Jays in recent years. While his performance in 2024 was disappointing, his strong numbers prior to that season should generate interest from teams looking for bullpen help. Despite concerns about his health following elbow surgery, Romano’s track record suggests he could be a valuable asset in the ninth inning.
Patrick Sandoval (28)
Sandoval, the youngest player on this list, has shown potential as a mid-rotation starter in the past. Despite a decline in performance and undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2024, Sandoval’s track record prior to that season indicates he could bounce back. With his free agency not until 2026, a team might take a chance on him with a two-year deal in hopes of a return to his previous form.
