Non-tendered players hit free-agent market
Noteworthy names not offered contracts include Alvarez, Carter, Holland
Major League clubs faced difficult decisions leading up to Wednesday's 11:59 p.m. ET deadline to tender contracts for the 2016 season to arbitration-eligible players, a process that saw a number of players let go by their organizations.
Here's a look at some noteworthy players to hit the free-agent market after being non-tendered:
• The Pirates chose to part ways with slugger Pedro Alvarez, who has been the subject of trade rumors for more than a year. Alvarez provided value offensively, but throwing issues forced the Bucs to move him from third base to first last season, and Alvarez struggled with the transition. Pittsburgh selected Alvarez second overall in the 2008 Draft, but he's now searching for a new organization.
Video: Justice on Pirates not tendering contract to Alvarez
• Another power bat hit the open market when the Astros let Chris Carter go. Houston had been rumored to be shopping Carter before the deadline, but no deal was made. Carter batted .199 and struck out 151 times in 2015, though he had solid power numbers with 24 home runs and 17 doubles. Over three seasons with the Astros, Carter slugged 90 homers with 545 strikeouts.
Video: Justice on Astros electing not to tender Carter
• The Royals did not offer a contract to closer Greg Holland, which was not a total surprise because the closer is recovering from Tommy John surgery and will miss the upcoming season. Holland could still return to Kansas City, however. Royals general manager Dayton Moore said Tuesday the club would be "open-minded" about striking a deal with Holland. It's been speculated that a two-year contract could make sense for both sides, allowing Holland to rehab next year and return to the mound for the 2017 season.
• Mike Minor, another pitcher recovering from surgery, was non-tendered by the Braves. Minor has battled shoulder problems in recent years, and the left-hander underwent surgery in May to repair a partially torn left labrum. Atlanta was trying to reach an agreement with Minor this week on a deal for 2016, but negotiations ended a few hours before Wednesday's deadline.
• Along those same lines, the Marlins cut ties with Henderson Alvarez, their Opening Day starter last season. He's recovering from midseason surgery on his right shoulder. President of baseball operations Mike Hill said the decision to non-tender Alvarez was "very difficult" because of his production in recent seasons. But Alvarez was limited to just four starts this year, going 0-4 with a 6.45 ERA, and Miami did not expect the right-hander to ready for Opening Day 2016. In addition to shoulder issues, Alvarez has been pitching through a partial tear in his right elbow for years.
• The A's were quick to non-tender first baseman Ike Davis, who became expendable when Oakland acquired Yonder Alonso in a multiplayer deal with San Diego earlier Wednesday. In his only season with the A's, Davis hit .229 with three home runs and 20 RBIs in 74 games. He had two stints on the disabled list and underwent season-ending hip surgery in August.