Texas Rangers Headline MLB’s 66 Top Non-Tender Free Agents

The MLB offseason took a wild turn on Friday as the non-tender deadline arrived. Sixty-six players suddenly became free agents after teams chose not to offer them contracts for the 2026 season.

In a league where money and player value always collide, some pretty big names landed on the open market. Even a few from the reigning World Series champion Texas Rangers got cut loose, which nobody really saw coming.

This day shook up a bunch of rosters. It’s already hinting at a chaotic winter full of trades, negotiations, and arbitration drama.

Major Names Hit the Free Agent Market

The biggest shock came out of Arlington. The Texas Rangers decided not to tender contracts to three key players from their championship squad: outfielder Adolis García, catcher Jonah Heim, and righty Josh Sborz.

All three played huge roles last season and in the playoffs. Their exit feels bold—maybe even reckless—as Texas looks toward 2026.

Notable Non-Tenders Around the League

The Rangers weren’t the only team making waves. The Seattle Mariners dropped three players, which hints at some kind of overhaul brewing in Seattle.

The New York Yankees trimmed their bullpen, cutting loose relievers Mark Leiter Jr., Ian Hamilton, Scott Effross, and Jake Cousins. That’s a lot of arms gone in one day.

Other big moves caught some folks off guard:

• Boston Red Sox releasing first baseman Nathaniel Lowe
• Houston Astros cutting infielder Ramón Urías
• Chicago White Sox parting with outfielder Mike Tauchman
• Oakland Athletics letting go of outfielder JJ Bleday
• Kansas City Royals non-tendering outfielder MJ Melendez
• Atlanta Braves releasing right-hander Alek Manoah

Pre-Deadline Agreements Bring Financial Clarity

While plenty of players hit the market, 34 players avoided that fate by hammering out deals before the deadline. These agreements brought some stability and offered a peek into how teams are valuing their guys right now.

Significant Pre-Deadline Contracts

Some of the more interesting contracts:

• Kansas City Royals — Jonathan India agreed to an $8 million deal
• Atlanta Braves — Mauricio Dubón locked in $6.1 million
• New York Yankees — Clarke Schmidt secured $4.5 million for next season

These numbers show how front offices juggle budget limits with the urge to keep talent, especially when free agency is lurking.

Trade Activity Adds Another Layer

Teams didn’t just sit back—they worked the phones and made trades to fill gaps. The San Francisco Giants swung a deal, sending cash to the Miami Marlins for outfielder Joey Wiemer.

Wiemer hit three home runs in 27 games last year. For the Giants, it’s a low-risk move that could bring some upside if things break right.

Smaller Deals That Could Pay Big Dividends

Beyond the splashy trades, teams made quieter moves to fill out their rosters:

• Oakland Athletics — pitchers Luis Medina and Ken Waldichuk signed
• Baltimore Orioles — closer Félix Bautista stuck around
• Detroit Tigers — Matt Vierling and Jake Rogers agreed to terms

Maybe these names don’t grab headlines like García or Heim, but honestly, these are the kinds of deals that end up mattering over a long season.

Looking Ahead: Arbitration Battles and Offseason Strategy

After the non-tender deadline, 174 players still qualify for arbitration. That process starts with salary exchanges on January 8.

Hearings run from January 26 to February 13 in Scottsdale, Arizona. It’s shaping up to be a tense stretch for agents and front offices alike.

The Bigger Picture

The sheer volume of Friday’s transactions really shows just how unpredictable modern MLB roster construction can be. Club executives face pressure to stay competitive while keeping payrolls under control.

Honestly, we’ll probably see more surprises before pitchers and catchers even report for spring training. Fans might want to brace themselves for trades, unexpected free-agent signings, and arbitration battles that could shake up entire divisions.

The 2026 season is already starting to take shape, but it’s happening in a whirlwind of calculated risks and strategic gambles. For players suddenly tossed onto the market, there’s opportunity—if they’re ready for it.

Teams have to make some tough calls, hoping these moves actually lead to long-term success. And for the rest of us? The hot stove just got a whole lot hotter.

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Here is the source article for this story: Key Texas Rangers top MLB list of 66 non-tender free agents