MLB

MLB Offseason Round-Up: Gearing Up For a Busy Week

Published

6 months ago

November 12, 2023

So far, the MLB offseason has consisted of more smoke than fire. That will be changing this week coming up.

Typically, Sundays aren’t quite as busy in terms of seeing major league transactions during the offseason. But while you’re relaxing watching you’re favorite NFL team try and pull out a victory, the 30 general managers across the league have some looming decisions to think about.

While front offices are weighing free agent offers and trade discussions, there are a few additional things to consider this upcoming week.

Rule 5 Protection Deadline

On Tuesday, MLB clubs will have to protect those prospects eligible for the Rule 5 Draft in December. In order to do so, they will need to be added to a team’s 40-man roster.

There are a handful of notable prospects eligible for the Rule 5 Draft this MLB offseason. There are six prospects on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 list who fit the bill — INF Adael Amador (Rockies, No. 21), C Jefferson Quero (Brewers, No. 32) OF Emmanuel Rodriguez (Twins, No. 48), OF Yanquiel Fernandez (Rockies, No. 49), RHP Nick Frasso (Dodgers, No. 65) and RHP Daniel Espino (Guardians, No. 80).

Teams will need to clear space on their 40-man rosters to add any prospects. There could be a flurry of trades on the radar.

Non-Tender Deadline

Three days after the Rule 5 protection deadline is the tender/non-tender deadline. This is the final day in which teams can tender contracts to their players. Most often, those who are non-tendered are arbitration-eligible.

Some notable non-tender candidates this year include 1B Dominic Smith (Nationals), 1B Rowdy Tellez (Brewers), OF Trent Grisham (Padres), OF Akil Baddoo (Tigers) OF/DH Austin Meadows (Tigers) and RHP Michael Soroka (Braves) amongst others.

Like with the Rule 5 protection, there could be some trades leading up to and through this deadline. Last year, the Pittsburgh Pirates tendered shortstop Kevin Newman a contract before quickly shipping him off to the Cincinnati Reds for right-hander Dauri Moreta, for example.