“Non tendered” means a team has decided not to offer a contract to one of its players who is eligible for salary arbitration. When that deadline passes without an offer, the player becomes a free agent and can sign with any club.
People usually say it like this: “The club non-tendered him last night” or “He got non-tendered and is now on the open market.” Fans and reporters use it when teams dump a player to save money or clear a roster spot, and the player tweets that he’s excited for “what’s next” after being non-tendered.
Meaning & Usage Examples
- “The Braves non-tendered outfielder Adam Duvall.”
- “If they non-tender the reliever, they’ll free up $3 million.”
Common Context
Most non-tenders happen in early December, right before the arbitration deadline. Teams weigh a player’s expected salary against his on-field value; if the math doesn’t work, they cut ties and the player instantly becomes a free agent.
Does being non-tendered mean the player is bad?
No. It usually means the team thinks his projected salary is too high for their budget, not that he can’t play.
Can a non-tendered player re-sign with the same club?
Yes. He can return on a new, usually cheaper deal once he hits the open market.
Leave a Reply