The MLB off-season is full of potential moves, whether those moves are free agency, option years, arbitration eligible players, or non-tender candidates. Earlier this week I looked at some of the bigger moves that were in store for the Pirates this off-season. Below is a list of players who are eligible for off-season transactions, along with some important dates for those transactions.
Pending Free Agents
5th Day After the World Series – MLB Players become eligible for free agency
A.J. Burnett
Justin Morneau
John Buck
Clint Barmes
Jeff Karstens
Marlon Byrd
Kyle Farnsworth
The Pirates will try to bring back A.J. Burnett. I could see them also trying to bring back Marlon Byrd, since right field is a position of need. Other interesting options I’d pursue would be Clint Barmes (same as his 2013 role with Jordy Mercer), Jeff Karstens (minor league deal) and Kyle Farnsworth (minor league deal).
Option Years
2nd Day After World Series – Deadline to exercise option years
Francisco Liriano – 1 year, $6 M vesting option
Wandy Rodriguez – 1 year, $13 M player option
Liriano will have the chance to make an additional $2.5 M next year based on how many innings and starts he has. His 2014 option has already vested, so he’s under contract for $6 M. If Wandy Rodriguez exercises his player option, the Pirates would receive $5.5 M from the Houston Astros.
Arbitration Eligible
December 2nd – Deadline to tender arbitration
Garrett Jones** – 3rd out of 4 years
Charlie Morton – 3rd out of 3 years
Neil Walker – 2nd out of 4 years
Gaby Sanchez** – 2nd out of 3 years
Pedro Alvarez – 1st out of 3 years
Mark Melancon – 1st out of 3 years
Travis Snider** – 1st out of 3 years
Vin Mazzaro** – 1st out of 3 years
Felix Pie** – 1st out of 3 years
Michael McKenry* – 1st out of 4 years
*Likely Super Two Eligible
**Non-Tender Candidate
Charlie Morton, Neil Walker, Pedro Alvarez, and Mark Melancon will definitely be back. I could see the Garrett Jones/Gaby Sanchez platoon being non-tendered, since they could make up to $9 M combined in 2014. Travis Snider could also be a non-tender candidate since he doesn’t have any options remaining, and since Jose Tabata would be the fourth outfielder if the Pirates add a starter (or the probable starter if the Pirates don’t add anyone). I could see Vin Mazzaro being traded, much like the Pirates have done with other middle relievers in previous years when they hit arbitration.
Michael McKenry projects to be Super Two eligible. I don’t see him costing much, likely coming in at under $1 M. He has an option next year, and I could see the Pirates using him out of Triple-A as the third catcher, with Tony Sanchez as the backup.
Under Contract
Russell Martin – $8,500,000
Andrew McCutchen – $7,250,000
Jason Grilli – $4,000,000
Jose Tabata – $3,000,000
Out of Options
Jeanmar Gomez
Bryan Morris
Kyle McPherson
Stolmy Pimentel
Jerry Sands
Andy Oliver
Travis Snider
Vin Mazzaro
Felix Pie
Kyle McPherson could qualify for a fourth option year, since his 2013 season was lost to injury. It wouldn’t make a big difference, since he will likely start the 2014 season on the 60-day DL. However, it could give the Pirates some flexibility when he returns around mid-season.
The lack of options could impact the roster chances for Jerry Sands, Andy Oliver, Travis Snider, Vin Mazzaro, and Felix Pie. I think the others will make the Opening Day roster, despite their lack of options.