November 21 was the deadline for MLB teams to tender 2026 contracts to unsigned players on the 40-man roster. This deadline mostly affects players from three to six years of service time, giving teams the chance to move on from arbitration-eligible players. While some of this work has been by MLB teams for weeks, several notable names went to free agency on 21st. Among them were a former AL All-Star pitcher, and “El Bombi.”
American League
Here’s the list of players who were not tendered a contract on November 21 in the American League:
Orioles: Albert Suarez
Red Sox: Nathaniel Lowe (DFA), Josh Winckowski (DFA)
White Sox: Cam Booser, Tim Elko, Mike Tauchman
Guardians: Will Brennan, Nic Enright (DFA), Sam Hentges
Tigers: Andy Ibanez
Astros: Ramon Urias
Royals: Taylor Clarke. MJ Melendez
Angels: Gustavo Campero, Sebastian Rivero
Twins: DeShawn Keirsey Jr.
Yankees: Michael Arias, Jake Cousins, Ian Hamilton, Scott Effross, Mark Leiter Jr.
Athletics: JJ Bleday (DFA)
Mariners: Gregory Santos, Trent Thornton
Rays: Jake Fraley (DFA), Christopher Morel (DFA)
Rangers: Adolis Garcia, Jonah Heim, Josh Sborz, Jacob Webb
Blue Jays: None
Arguably the most notable name on this list is Adolis Garcia, who was a key piece of the Rangers’ World Series-winning team back in 2023. However, Garcia had two down seasons at the dish after that 2023 campaign, as he posted sub-.700 OPS figures in 2024 and 2025.
Garcia was non-tendered alongside two other heroes from the 2023 team, Jonah Heim and Josh Sborz.
The Mariners didn’t tender a contract to two pitchers: Trent Thornton and Gregory Santos. Santos, once a rising arm with the White Sox, was traded to Seattle in February 2024 for two prospects and a MLB Draft pick. However, injuries and inconsistencies limited him to 16 Major League outings over two seasons with the M’s.
Detroit, who played the Mariners in the ALDS, gave one-year deals to Beau Brieske, Jake Rogers, and Matt Vierling. Andy Ibanez, a hero for the Tigers in the 2024 Wild Card round, was non-tendered.
The Tigers and infielder/outfielder Matt Vierling ($3.255 million), catcher Jake Rogers ($3.05 million) and right-handed pitcher Beau Brieske ($1.1575 million) have agreed to terms on one-year contracts for the 2026 season, thus avoiding salary arbitration.
The Tigers have…
— Tigers PR (@DetroitTigersPR) November 21, 2025
Kansas City non-tendered former top catching prospect MJ Melendez. Melendez never established himself as a reliable regular after showcasing loud power as a Minor Leaguer. He only received 65 plate appearances last season.
National League
Diamondbacks: Tommy Henry (DFA), Taylor Rashi
Braves: Alek Manoah, Carson Ragsdale
Cubs: Reese McGuire, Eli Morgan
Reds: Will Banfield, Roddery Munoz, Carson Spiers (DFA)
Rockies: Michael Toglia (DFA)
Dodgers: None
Marlins: None
Brewers: None
Mets: Jose Castillo, Max Kranick, Danny Young
Phillies: Michael Mercado, Daniel Robert (DFA)
Pirates: None
Padres: Omar Cruz, Sean Reynolds
Giants: Joey Lucchesi
Cardinals: Jorge Alcala (DFA), John King, Yohel Pozo, Sem Robberse
Nationals: None
On the National League side, arguably the most notable name non-tendered was Alek Manoah.
Manoah, a former All-Star who had a tough 2023, rebounded in 2024 before an injury, and didn’t pitch at all in the Majors last year, was claimed by the Braves in September. He was released by the Blue Jays earlier that month.
The Cubs didn’t tender Reese McGuire, arguably the de facto #4 cathcer on the team’s depth chart behind Miguel Amaya, Carson Kelly, and Moises Ballesteros. Eli Morgan, who shuttled between the Majors and Triple-A after he came over from Cleveland last winter, was also non-tendered.
It should be noted that the above list includes players who went to free agency on November 21. Many teams trimmed down their 40-man roster in November, by way of DFAs and trades.
DFA indicates the player was previously designated for assignment before the non-tender deadline. This list is subject to be updated, if necessary.
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