MLB Free Agency: One Player Each Team Should Non-Tender This Winter

Much has been made of the upcoming free agent class, and rightfully so, as it is headlined by some of the top players in the game. However, those upcoming free agents won't be the only players changing teams this offseason, as there will be plenty of non-tendered players as always.

In short, a player is non-tendered when he is arbitration eligible and his team simply does not offer him a contract. That makes them a free agent, open to sign with any team they please.

So here is a look at one player from each team who could potentially be non-tendered this coming winter, and while many of them are simply role players, there are some who could certainly make a difference if they are let go.

Arizona Diamondbacks: Juan Gutierrez

2011 Stats

20 Games, 5.40 ERA, 11.3 K/9, 18.1 IP, -0.6 WAR

2011 Salary

$431,000

After spending some time as the Diamondbacks closer the past two seasons, Gutierrez's season was cut short this year when he went under the knife and had Tommy John surgery.

He spent some time as the Diamondbacks closer the past two seasons and converted 24-of-28 save opportunities despite a 4.51 ERA. He is first time arbitration eligible, so he will be looking to cash in on that past success, but it may have to be with another team willing to take a chance on him.

Atlanta Braves: Peter Moylan

2011 Stats

9 Games, 4.76 ERA, 11.1 K/9, 5.2 IP, 0.0 WAR

2011 Salary

$2 Million

Prior to this season, Moylan was the Braves most reliable and used reliever, as he appeared in 172 games and posted a 12-4 record and 2.90 ERA in 2009 and 2010 combined.

However, this year, he has missed significant time after having back surgery, and while he will be a valuable arm down the stretch, the Braves bullpen is as good as it gets. Moving forward, he won't be worth what he earns in arbitration. Certainly an interesting signing if he is non-tendered for whoever picks him up, though.

Baltimore Orioles: Luke Scott

2011 Stats

.220/.301/.402, 9 HR, 22 RBI, 24 R, -0.1 WAR

2011 Salary

$6.4 Million

Scott had the best season of his career in 2010, when he posted a line of .284 BA, 27 HR, 72 RBI, and that earned him a raise over over $2 million heading into 2011.

Injuries have derailed his season, and while he may not have earned another raise, he will be in line of make close to his 2010 salary in his final year of arbitration next year. Combine all of that with his radical political views that have rubbed some the wrong way, and there may be no more certain non-tender candidate than Scott.

Boston Red Sox: Darnell McDonald

2011 Stats

.203/.273/.355, 5 HR, 20 RBI, 23 R, -0.1 WAR

2011 Salary

$470,000

The decline of JD Drew has been a swift one in Boston, as he was bad enough to lose his starting job despite his $14 million contract this year. Rookie Josh Reddick has stepped up big in his place, but he has platooned with John McDonald.

After a solid .270 BA, 9 HR, 34 RBI season off the bench last year, McDonald has brought little to the table this year as the right-handed side of the right field platoon, and the 32-year-old could be on his way out because of it.

Chicago Cubs: Koyie Hill

2011 Stats

.195/.278/.288, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 15 R, -0.6 WAR

2011 Salary

$850,000

The Cubs are on their way to a full-on rebuild, and a number of prospects could see significant roles next season. One such prospect is catcher Wellington Castillo, who should slide into the backup catcher role and could push Geovany Soto for the starting job even.

With that in mind, the Koyie Hill era will almost certainly be over in Chicago, as he brings nothing to the table offensively and is nothing special defensively, either.

Chicago White Sox: Tony Pena

2011 Stats

17 Games, 6.20 ERA, 7.5 K/9, 20.1 IP, -0.3 WAR

2011 Salary

$1.6 Million

Picked up from the Diamondbacks at the deadline in 2009 for prospect Brandon Allen, Pena gave the White Sox bullpen a boost after the deal with a 3.75 ERA in 36 innings.

He followed that up with a sub par season last year, when he appeared in 52 games and posted a 5.10 ERA, and he has been downright bad this season. That should mean the 29-year-old will find himself looking for employment this offseason.

Cincinnati Reds: Edinson Volquez

2011 Stats

5-4, 5.93 ERA, 66 ERA+, 1.635 WHIP, 85 Ks, -1.2 WAR

2011 Salary

$1.625 Million

While it was a risky move to deal Josh Hamilton following his breakout return season, the Reds looked to have made the right decision when the player they got in return, Edinson Volquez, went 17-6 with a 3.21 ERA in his first season with the team.

Since then, however, he has gone a combined 13-9 with a 5.02 ERA in 37 starts over the past three seasons. He was demoted midway through this season, and while it would be hard to imagine the Reds not being able to find a trade partner willing to deal for Volquez, he will likely be out of Cincinnati regardless this coming season.

Cleveland Indians: Travis Buck

2011 Stats

.228/.275/.342, 2 HR, 18 RBI, 18 R, 0.1 WAR

2011 Salary

$625,000

The Indians have run into a number of issues this season due to their lack of depth in the outfield, as the light-hitting Travis Buck has managed to get 149 at bats despite his poor numbers.

While salary is not really an issue, there is just no reason to bring Buck back, as he has never shown to be much more than a solid defensive outfielder with a below average bat.

The team will be plenty busy in arbitration this winter, with Asdrubal Cabrera, Shin-Soo Choo, Chris Perez, Rafael Perez, Joe Smith and Justin Masterson all due for a raise.

Colorado Rockies: Ian Stewart

2011 Stats

.156/.243/.221, 0 HR, 6 RBI, 14 R, -1.2 WAR

2011 Salary

$2.2875 Million

Stewart opened the year as the Rockies starting third baseman after an 18 HR, 61 RBI season last year, and the team stuck with him as long as they could before demoting him on May 12 with a .064 batting average.

He has hit .213 since being called back up and reinserted into the starting lineup on July 5, but that is far from a reason for optimism. If his salary was a little lower, it would be worth seeing if he can bounce back, but it is just not worth the risk at over $3 million.

Detroit Tigers: Brad Thomas

2011 Stats

12 Games, 0-1, 9.00 ERA, 5.7 K/9, 11 IP, -0.4 WAR

2011 Salary

$800,000

After having not appeared in an MLB game since 2004, Brad Thomas came through huge for the Tigers last season, as he appeared in 49 games and recorded a 3.89 ERA.

This season has been a far cry from that success, though, as he has struggled mightily, and while he should only be in line to make roughly $1 million, that low price may not be enough of a reason to bring the 33-year-old back.

Florida Marlins: Leo Nunez

2011 Stats

64 Games, 34 Saves, 4.26 ERA, 8.0 K/9, 61.1 IP, 0.3 WAR

2011 Salary

$3.65 Million

The Marlins picked up Leo Nunez from the Royals for Mike Jacobs back in 2008, and he was immediately plugged into the closer's role. In three years, he has gone 90-of-115 in save opportunities. as he has been a bright spot on some poor Marlins teams.

However, this season he has blown six saves and seen his strikeout numbers drop, while his ERA has jumped nearly a point compared to last season. The team will try their best to trade him for whatever they can get, but if they can't find a trade partner, there is little chance they will retain Nunez for the $5-$6 million he will earn.

Houston Astros: Humberto Quintero

2011 Stats

.252/.272/.336, 2 HR, 24 RBI, 22 R, 0.4 WAR

2011 Salary

$1 Million

The Astros have clearly been in cost-cutting mode this season, dealing Hunter Pence, Michael Bourn and Jeff Keppinger while shopping a number of other players. Keeping with that trend, they may be unwilling to give a 32-year-old catcher with little offensive skill a contract over $1 million for 2012.

With the team in rebuilding mode, you could make the argument that having a veteran catcher like Quintero to handle the staff would be a plus, and a lot could hinge on whether top prospect Jason Castro will be back from knee surgery to start next season.

Kansas City Royals: Robinson Tejeda

2011 Stats

9 Games, 0-1, 6.14 ERA, 2.5 K/9, 7.1 IP, -0.1 WAR

2011 Salary

$1.55 Million

After serving as the Royals primary setup man last season when he appeared in 54 games and posted a 3.54 ERA, the Royals were counting on Robinson Tejeda to fill a similar role this season.

Instead, he struggled early and has spent the majority of 2011 at Triple-A Omaha, and with a number of young relievers emerging for the Royals this season, he will no doubt be cut loose in favor of cheap, and frankly, more effective options.

Los Angeles Angels: Jeff Mathis

2011 Stats

.183/.235/.277, 3 HR, 22 RBI, 16 R, 0.2 WAR

2011 Salary

$1.7 Million

Once a top prospect and first round selection, Jeff Mathis simply does not hit enough to warrant anything more than occasional playing time. With a .196 career average over 1,178 at bats, it is safe to say that he is a defensive catcher.

With rookie Hank Conger set to be the starter next season, it is highly unlikely that the Angels will pay in the $2 million neighborhood for a backup catcher who can't hit. His defense will likely earn him a backup job somewhere, but it won't be with the Angels.

Los Angeles Dodgers: James Loney

2011 Stats

.280/.329/.389, 9 HR, 51 RBI, 47 R, 0.4 WAR

2011 Salary

$4.785 Million

Loney had the unfortunate luck of breaking into the league at the same time as teammates Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier, and because of that, he has been expected to progress at the same rate that they have.

The fact of the matter is, Loney is just not a star, and he will never have the offensive numbers that teams look for at first base. Still just 27, he could turn into Lyle Overbay, but that looks to be his ceiling at this point. Likely to make over $5 million next year, the cash strapped Dodgers will almost certainly cut ties with Loney.

Milwaukee Brewers: Carlos Gomez

2011 Stats

.213/.262/.366, 6 HR, 19 RBI, 32 R, 1.1 WAR

2011 Salary

$1.5 Million

The Brewers acquired Carlos Gomez from the Twins in the trade that sent J.J. Hardy out of town, a trade they no doubt regret now. Always a good defender with plus speed, Gomez simply has not hit enough to keep himself in the lineup.

Nyjer Morgan has relegated him to the bench this season, and while the 25-year-old Gomez certainly still has some time to get better, he will likely be doing it elsewhere in 2012.

Minnesota Twins: Kevin Slowey

2011 Stats

0-5, 6.07 ERA, 66 ERA+, 1.395 WHIP, 23 Ks, -0.2 WAR

2011 Salary

$2.7 Million

After winning 13 games last season, Slowey found himself as the odd man out when the Twins had six starting pitchers competing for five spots this past spring.

Forced to move to the bullpen and stay ready should a rotation spot open up due to injury, Slowey was less than receptive to the move to say the least. While many believed he would be moved at the deadline, there was instead no market for him, and he could be an interesting addition to the back end of someone's rotation if he is non-tendered.

New York Mets: Mike Pelfrey

2011 Stats

7-11, 4.68 ERA, 80 ERA+, 1.450 WHIP, 93 Ks, 1.5 WAR

2011 Salary

$3.925 Million

Pelfrey seemed to finally take the next step towards fulfilling the potential that made him a first round pick last season, going 15-9 with a 3.66 ERA. However, he has regressed this year and looks to be a middle-of-the-rotation starter at best moving forward.

His salary will almost certainly exceed $5 million next season, and the Mets will have to decide if 10 wins and a 4.25 ERA is worth that.

Also, look for outfielder Angel Pagan to be non-tendered, as he is due a raise on his current $3.5 million contract and put up fourth outfielder numbers this year.

New York Yankees: Russell Martin

2011 Stats

.240/.326/.417, 17 HR, 61 RBI, 54 R, 1.4 WAR

2011 Salary

$4 Million

Non-tendered by the Dodgers last season, the Yankees snatched up Russell Martin last offseason as a stop gap option while their impressive catching prospects continued to progress.

He has been a nice surprise offensively and done a good job handling a makeshift pitching staff, and the Yankees could certainly bring him back, as money will not be an issue. It will all depend on whether they think Austin Romine or Jesus Montero is capable of stepping into the starting catching job next year.

Oakland Athletics: Dallas Braden

2011 Stats

1-1, 3.00 ERA, 136 ERA+, 1.278 WHIP, 15 Ks, 0.5 WAR

2011 Salary

$3.35 Million

After making headlines last season both for the perfect game he pitched and for feuding with Alex Rodriguez after he walked across the mound after a ground out, Braden has been sidelined for most of the 2011 season.

He was effective last season overall in winning 11 games and posting a 3.50 ERA, but the Athletics are stocked with good young pitching. Look for them to cut Braden loose and use the money they save to try to bolster their anemic offense.

Philadelphia Phillies: Ben Francisco

2011 Stats

.237/.340/.368, 6 HR, 33 RBI, 24 R, -0.7 WAR

2011 Salary

$1.175 Million

The Phillies expected to have rookie Domonic Brown manning right field this season in the wake of Jayson Werth being traded, but when he got hurt in spring training, it opened things up for Ben Francisco to get everyday at bats.

He did little with that opportunity, though, and with Hunter Pence now on the team and John Mayberry Jr. emerging as a solid fourth outfielder, the team has little use for Francisco moving forward.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Ross Ohlendorf

2011 Stats

0-2, 8.03 ERA, 49 ERA+, 2.189 WHIP, 17 Ks, -1.2 WAR

2011 Salary

$2.025 Million

The Pirates pulled off one of the best deals in recent years when they sent Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte to the Yankees for four players who have all made an impact in Pittsburgh of late. The first one to make his mark was Ohlendorf, and he was arguably the Pirates' best pitcher in 2009.

Following an 11-10 record and 3.92 ERA in 2009, Ohlendorf fell off last season and posted a 1-11 record, although his 4.07 ERA indicates his record should not have been quite that bad. This year, however, he has been awful and injured, which should be reason enough to cut him loose.

San Diego Padres: Pat Neshek

2011 Stats

25 Games, 1-1, 4.01 ERA, 7.3 K/9, 24.2 IP, 0.0 WAR

2011 Salary

$625,000

Neshek burst onto the scene with the Twins, appearing in 106 games and posting an 11-4 record with a 2.68 ERA over his first two seasons. However, Tommy John surgery robbed him of his 2009 season, and he has not been the same since.

While he does have a 4.01 ERA over 25 games this season, he has posted a horrible 8.0 BB/9 mark, and even though he will not be making a ton of money next year in arbitration, he will likely still be on his way out.

San Francisco Giants: Jonathan Sanchez

2011 Stats

4-7, 4.26 ERA, 85 ERA+, 1.441 WHIP, 102 Ks, 0.1 WAR

2011 Salary

$4.8 Million

The Giants have enjoyed the success they have the past few seasons thanks in large part to their impressive starting pitching. Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain get the headlines, and rightfully so, but last season, Jonathan Sanchez was right there with them with 13 wins and a 3.07 ERA.

However, this season, he has struggled to pitch around the high walk totals that have plagued him throughout his career. He will likely earn somewhere in the neighborhood of $6 million next year, and while it will be hard for the Giants to part with him for nothing, if they don't find a trade partner a non-tender is a real possibility.

Seattle Mariners: David Aardsma

2011 Stats

Injured, has not played.

2011 Salary

$4.5 Million

A former top prospect of the Giants, Aardsma bounced around with minimal success until landing in Seattle for the 2009 season, when everything seemed to click. He saved 38 games in his first season with the team, and then 31 last season.

However, he had Tommy John surgery this spring, and in his absence, Brandon League has stepped into the closer's role and saved 34 games with a 2.82 ERA. That earned him an All-Star berth, and considering both are due for raises in arbitration, Aardsma will no doubt be the odd man out.

St. Louis Cardinals: Ryan Theriot

2011 Stats

.271/.318/.333, 1 HR, 42 RBI, 43 R, -0.1 WAR

2011 Salary

$3.3 Million

The Cardinals set out to upgrade offensively at the shortstop position this past offseason, and seemingly did so in moving Brendan Ryan and acquiring Ryan Theriot in separate trades.

At the end of the day, however, Theriot is an average offensive player at best who is much better suited to be a second baseman than at shortstop given his limited range and lack of arm strength. Plain and simple, he doesn't produce nearly enough to warrant his current salary.

Tampa Bay Rays: Andy Sonnanstine

2011 Stats

0-2, 5.71 ERA, 65 ERA+, 1.442 WHIP, 10 Ks, -0.5 WAR

2011 Salary

$913,000

Looking back on the World Series team of 2008, the Rays relied heavily on then 25-year-old Andy Sonnanstine, as he went 13-9 with a 4.38 ERA and then went 2-1 with a 4.24 ERA in three postseason starts.

Flash forward, and Sonnanstine was never able to build off of that success and has bounced between Triple-A and Tampa Bay and between the rotation and bulllpen. The simple fact is the Rays simply have too many good young pitchers to justify paying someone like Sonnanstine anything more than the league minimum.

Some think that B.J. Upton, who is set to get a raise into the $6 million range and has been on the outs for a few seasons now, could be non-tendered, but it is hard to imagine a scenario where the Rays wouldn't be able to find anyone willing to trade for him.

Texas Rangers: David Murphy

2011 Stats

.267/.324/.388, 9 HR, 41 RBI, 40 R, -0.6 WAR

2011 Salary

$2.4 Million

Since joining the Rangers in the ill advised trade that brought Eric Gagne to the Red Sox, Murphy has been one of the best fourth outfielders in all of baseball, as he averaged a .278 BA, 15 HR, 65 RBI, 10 SB line over the past three seasons.

However, this year, his numbers are down, and he is set to turn 30 next year. While there is no questioning his value, he will be starting to get a bit pricey for a backup next year, and the Rangers have a number of good outfield prospects who could step into his role.

Toronto Blue Jays: Carlos Villanueva

2011 Stats

6-3, 4.07 ERA, 104 ERA+, 1.249 WHIP, 66 Ks, 1.8 WAR

2011 Salary

$1.415 Million

After making 50 appearances in relief for the Brewers last season, the Blue Jays acquired Villanueva over the winter and inserted him into the rotation, as he had made a number of spot starts in Milwaukee with mixed results.

He made 13 starts and registered a 5.15 ERA before being moved back to the bullpen, where he has a 1.27 ERA in 16 appearances. It is clear that he belongs in the bullpen, but with so many arms in Toronto already, he may be expendable with a raise coming his way.

Washington Nationals: Tom Gorzelanny

2011 Stats

2-6, 4.35 ERA, 89 ERA+, 1.284 WHIP, 88 Ks, 0.3 WAR

2011 Salary

$2.1 Million

The Nationals acquired the left-handed Gorzelanny last January for a trio of prospects, hoping the 28-year-old could build off of a decent 2009 season in which he won seven games and had a respectable 4.09 ERA.

That was not the case, though, as he went 2-6 with a 4.46 ERA over 15 starts before being moved to the bullpen where his ERA has dropped nearly a point. That said, the Nationals likely will not want to pay over $3 million for a long reliever.