Relievers Hoover, McFarland become FAs

D-backs tender contracts to 13 of 15 arbitration-eligible players

December 2nd, 2017

PHOENIX -- The D-backs tendered contracts to 13 players on Friday, while pitchers 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 , , , Chris Herrmann, Chris Owings, A.J. Pollock, , Nick Ahmed, , , , 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.