MLB Non-Tender Decisions See Rangers Decline Options on Adolis García, Jonah Heim
In a surprising move signaling potential roster adjustments, the Texas Rangers declined to tender contracts to outfielder Adolis García and catcher Jonah Heim on Friday, making both players free agents. The decisions avoid arbitration salaries for the 2024 season but represent a significant shift for key contributors to the Rangers’ recent World Series championship team.
Non-tender decisions occur when teams choose not to offer arbitration-eligible players a contract by a league-mandated deadline. This allows teams to avoid potentially costly arbitration awards,but also means the players become instantly available to sign with any club. For the Rangers, the moves create roster flexibility and financial space as they navigate the offseason, though they also relinquish control of two players who were integral to their postseason success.
Beyond the rangers, several other teams also made non-tender announcements. The Los Angeles Dodgers non-tendered reliever Evan phillips, currently recovering from june Tommy John surgery. The Pittsburgh Pirates released outfielders Alexander Canario and Ronny Simon, along with right-handers Colin Holderman and Dauri Moreta. San Francisco Giants left-hander Joey Lucchesi,who posted a 3.76 ERA in 38 innings, was also non-tendered, as were Cincinnati Reds catcher Will Banfield and right-handers Roddery Munoz and Carson Spiers.
Cleveland Guardians outfielder Will Brennan, recovering from Tommy John surgery, and reliever Sam Hentges were also released. St. Louis Cardinals left-hander John King, right-hander Sem Robberse, and catcher Yohel Pozo were non-tendered, alongside Kansas City Royals outfielder MJ Melendez (five hits in 60 at-bats) and reliever Taylor Clarke (3.25 ERA in 51 appearances). Veteran outfielder Mike Tauchman was released by the Chicago White Sox, while Baltimore Orioles swingman Albert Suárez, sidelined by a shoulder injury, was also non-tendered. The Los Angeles Angels released outfielder Gustavo Campero and catcher Sebastian Rivero,and the New york Yankees non-tendered right-handed relievers mark Leiter Jr., Jake Cousins, Scott effross, Ian Hamilton, and Michael Arias.
