Relievers Hoover, McFarland become FAs

PHOENIX -- The D-backs tendered contracts to 13 players on Friday, while pitchers J.J. Hoover and T.J. McFarland -- both of whom were eligible for arbitration -- were non-tendered and are now free agents.
The D-backs had 15 players eligible for arbitration, the biggest class in the Majors. That is now reduced to 13 and includes Patrick Corbin, Randall Delgado, Shelby Miller, Chris Herrmann, Chris Owings, A.J. Pollock, Taijuan Walker, Nick Ahmed, Andrew Chafin, Jake Lamb, David Peralta, Robbie Ray and Brad Boxberger.
"Again, I think it's a reflection of the good, young talent that's on the roster," D-backs general manager Mike Hazen said of the large arbitration class. "And we'll handle the workload as we need to."
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MLBTradeRumors.com projected Hoover to make $1.6 million and McFarland $1 million had they been tendered contracts.
Hoover pitched well at the beginning of the 2017 season, compiling a 1.86 ERA in April over 12 appearances, and he also finished the season with scoreless outings in 13 of his final 15 appearances. The right-hander did struggle at times, though, and was demoted to Triple-A Reno twice during the regular season.
McFarland came to Spring Training in 2017 as a non-roster invitee and had a 2.29 ERA in his first 26 appearances, but the lefty struggled to the tune of a 13.50 ERA in August.