Which Non-Tendered Major Leaguers Will Land Multi-Year Deals?

Out of more than 30 players, who were non tendered last season, only three received multi year contracts. The culprits: Ty Wigginton (two years, Baltimore), Wily Taveras (two years, Cincinnati), and Aaron Miles (two years, Chicago).

As the list of non tenders was finalized last night, I think the number of non-tenders, who land multi year contracts will be similar to last year's total, but probably wind up lower. Let's take a look at some of the non tenders, who are candidates to land a multi year contract:

Matt Capps

Upside:

If Brandon Lyon can land a three-year/$15 million dollar deal, then shouldn't Matt Capps be able to land at least a two year deal?

Capps is only 26 years old.

Capps has experience closing.

Capps's ERA from 2006-2008 was 3.04 and his WHIP was 1.05.

Downside:

Why was he so hittable in 2009?

Why did his walk rate rise so dramatically in 2009?

Can he be an effective closer on a good team?

Does he strike out enough hitters?


Jack Cust:

Upside:

Averaged 28 home runs from 2007-2009.

Averaged .378 OBP from 2007-2008.

Led the AL in walks in 2008.

Downside:

Can he hit for a high enough average?

Declining OBP and slugging.

Inability to play defense.

Ryan Garko

Upside:

Very few right handed power hitting first basemen on the free agent market.

Career .313 hitter against left handed pitching.

.351 lifetime OBP.

6.2 UZR/150 last season at first base.

Downside:

Can he hit enough to be a starting first baseman?

How many teams are willing to give Garko more than a one year deal?


Kelly Johnson

Upside:

Averaged 14 HR from 2007-2008.

39 doubles in 2008.

.375 OBP in 2007.

Downside:

Can he hit enough to be a left fielder?

Can he field enough to be a starting second baseman?

Declining OBP.

Why has he struggled against right handed pitching?


Garrett Atkins

Upside:

Averaged 25 HR from 2006-2008.

.409 OBP in 2006.

.289 lifetime batting average.

Downside:

Is he a product of Coors Field?

Defensive liability at third base.

Declining OBP, slugging percentage.

Declining HR total.

Declining batting average.

Who is the real Garrett Atkins? At what level will he be able to produce outside of Coors?

Which non tenders do you think will land multi year deals?