Major League Baseball teams must decide by November 21 whether to tender contracts to arbitration-eligible players for the 2026 season. Non-tendered players become free agents, a fate predicted for several notable candidates. CBS Sports highlights 10 interesting cases with predictions on their futures.
The MLB offseason approaches a critical juncture on November 21, when teams must tender contracts to players without guaranteed deals for 2026. Arbitration-eligible players face particular scrutiny if their projected salaries outweigh their value. Historical examples include last year's non-tenders like Gavin Sheets and Kyle Finnegan, who thrived elsewhere, and past stars Kyle Schwarber and Cody Bellinger, now top free agents.
CBS Sports analyzes 10 compelling candidates:
Nathaniel Lowe, 1B, Boston Red Sox (arb est. $13.5M): Signed last summer after a Nationals stint, Lowe hit .280/.370/.420 (121 OPS+) in 34 games. Despite his track record, Boston lacks need for a non-elite corner infielder at that price. Prediction: Non-tendered.
Alec Bohm, 3B, Philadelphia Phillies (arb est. $10.3M): In his final control year at age 29, Bohm is a league-average hitter with subpar defense. Phillies sources suggest he may not return. Prediction: Tendered and traded.
Jonathan India, OF/2B, Kansas City Royals (arb est. $7.4M): Acquired last winter, India had a career-worst season, sharing time with Adam Frazier and Michael Massey, though maintaining above-average OBP. Prediction: Non-tendered.
Ryan Mountcastle, 1B, Baltimore Orioles (arb est. $7.8M): A redundancy in his walk year after a poor showing. Prediction: Non-tendered.
Gavin Lux, OF/2B, Cincinnati Reds (arb est. $5M): A platoon bat versus right-handers with no defensive value, consuming over 5% of payroll. Prediction: Non-tendered.
Jesús Sánchez, OF, Houston Astros (arb est. $6.5M): Frustrating talent acquired last deadline, below-average career hitter. Prediction: Tendered.
Luis García Jr., 2B, Washington Nationals (arb est. $7M): 25-year-old contact hitter with 98 OPS+ and 3.4 WAR in over 600 games, despite defensive issues. Prediction: Tendered.
Jonah Heim, C, Texas Rangers (arb est. $6M): Declined since 2023 World Series win; Rangers aim to cut payroll. Prediction: Traded or non-tendered.
Christopher Morel, OF, Tampa Bay Rays (arb est. $2.6M): Hit .208/.277/.355 (78 OPS+) with 14 HR in nearly 500 PA after 2024 trade from Cubs. Prediction: Non-tendered.
Mark Leiter Jr., RHP, New York Yankees (arb est. $3M): 4.84 ERA belies strong underlying metrics like 92nd percentile exit velocity and 25% strikeouts, but nearing 35. Prediction: Non-tendered.
These decisions could reshape rosters as teams balance salary and performance.