MLB Non-Tender Deadline Tracker: Updated List of Players and Moves

The Major League Baseball tender deadline has once again brought drama, strategy, and a new look at how teams value their young talent for the 2026 season. Friday’s 5 p.m. ET cutoff forced clubs to decide whether to offer contracts to arbitration-eligible players or let them walk into free agency.

Now that the dust has settled, these decisions reveal not just roster plans, but also some deeper philosophies about money and competition across the league.

Breaking Down the MLB Tender Deadline

The tender deadline plays a huge role in the offseason, especially for arbitration-eligible players. Teams must choose whether to extend a contract—usually with the salary to be figured out later—or part ways altogether.

Tendered players now enter the arbitration phase. If salary talks stall, formal hearings will settle things before the 2026 season kicks off.

What Tender Decisions Really Mean

When a team tenders a player, it shows confidence in both their on-field impact and their future value within payroll limits. A non-tender usually means the team doesn’t think the player’s projected arbitration salary is worth it.

Sometimes, these choices catch fans and analysts off guard, especially when they involve big names.

Big Names Staying Put

A glance at the tender list shows several cornerstone players staying put. The Baltimore Orioles kept their young stars:

• Adley Rutschman – One of baseball’s top catchers, central to the Orioles’ competitive window.
• Gunnar Henderson – A dynamic infielder poised for a breakout campaign.
• Ryan Mountcastle – A consistent producer with power potential.

The Detroit Tigers kept faith in their emerging roster, tendering contracts to Tarik Skubal and Riley Greene. Both look like key parts of their future core.

In Tampa Bay, the Rays held onto important contributors like Randy Arozarena and recovering ace Shane McClanahan.

Teams Fortifying Their Core

Some franchises used the deadline to lock in everyday stability. The Houston Astros tendered contracts to Jeremy Peña and Yainer Díaz, keeping strength up the middle.

The Philadelphia Phillies kept Alec Bohm, Bryson Stott, and Jesús Luzardo, holding onto a well-balanced roster heading into 2026.

Surprising Non-Tenders

The deadline always brings a few shockers, and this year didn’t disappoint. Among the unexpected departures:

• Adolis García – A postseason hero for the Texas Rangers, now heading to free agency.
• Alek Manoah – Once a Cy Young contender for the Toronto Blue Jays.
• Nathaniel Lowe – A productive first baseman parted with by the Boston Red Sox.

Analyzing the Risk

Letting go of a player like García or Manoah is risky. It takes a talented contributor off the roster, usually for financial reasons.

Teams often think they can replace that production more cheaply, but fans don’t always see it that way—especially when a fan favorite gets the boot.

Salary Negotiations and Arbitrations Ahead

For those who were tendered, the next few months will revolve around salary talks. Some teams reached early agreements before the deadline.

Others left the numbers “TBD” and will keep negotiating. If they can’t agree, independent panels will decide the final salary for 2026.

Impact on the 2026 Campaign

This tender period shapes the basic structure of each roster for spring training. Arbitrations and negotiations will affect payroll flexibility, free-agent moves, and trade strategies over the winter.

For fans, it offers a first look at how front offices juggle talent and budget. Sometimes, it’s hard to tell which matters more.

The Bigger Picture

Beyond the names and numbers, the tender deadline highlights a tough truth about Major League Baseball. Building a successful franchise means balancing player development, financial planning, and strategic forecasting.

Whether a team holds onto a future star or lets a veteran go, every move on deadline day echoes through the season ahead. That’s just the nature of the game.

Conclusion

The 2024 tender deadline didn’t just lock in arbitration candidates—it told a story about where each team stands right now. The Orioles doubled down on youth, while the Rangers let go of some playoff heroes.

Moves made before the clock struck five show which clubs want to spend, which are hunting for savings, and which are betting big on their own vision for 2026. It’s a fascinating mix, honestly, and you can almost feel the tension behind every decision.

 
Here is the source article for this story: MLB non-tender deadline tracker