NEW YORK — A significant shift in the MLB landscape occurred as 62 players entered free agency on Friday when their respective teams opted not to extend contracts for the 2025 season. Among these players are notable former All-Stars such as outfielder Austin Hays and pitcher Kyle Finnegan, alongside second baseman Brendan Rodgers.
Other players who have found themselves without contracts include right-hander Jordan Romano, left-hander Patrick Sandoval, and outfielder Michael Tauchman. This mass release of talent predominately involved players who would usually qualify for salary arbitration.
Washington made headlines by parting ways with right-hander Tanner Rainey, the last remaining member of their 2019 World Series-winning team. The deadline for teams to release arbitration-eligible players without facing the obligation of 30 days of termination pay has led to this wave of player movement.
More than 20 players successfully secured contracts just ahead of the deadline, including Mike Yastrzemski from San Francisco, who signed for $9.25 million, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Brusdar Graterol for $5.4 million, and Trent Grisham from the New York Yankees, who agreed to a deal worth $5 million.
Austin Hays, the 29-year-old outfielder, earned All-Star honors in 2023, boasting a solid season with a .275 batting average, accompanied by 16 home runs and 67 RBIs while playing for Baltimore. He was later traded to the Phillies and capped the season with a .256 average, contributing two home runs and six RBIs in 22 games, albeit struggling with a kidney infection during that period.
Kyle Finnegan, now 33, received All-Star recognition this season while with Washington, finishing his campaign with an impressive 38 saves.
The deadline also marked a pivotal moment, allowing teams to release arbitration-eligible players without facing prolonged financial commitments. The subsequent cuts and contract signings have left 167 players eligible to negotiate their arbitration salaries, with discussions commencing on January 9.
Several players secured one-year contracts, including Dodgers pitcher Dustin May for $2,135,000, Cubs catcher Matt Thaiss, who will earn $1 million in the majors and $400,000 in minors, Colorado’s Lucas Gilbreath for $785,000, and Washington’s Mason Thompson with a contract valued at $770,000 in the majors and $374,600 in the minors.
In a noteworthy signing, San Diego’s Tyler Wade reached a one-year deal worth $900,000. This contract includes a base salary of $850,000 for the current season, a team option for 2026 worth $1 million, and a $50,000 buyout, alongside possibilities for up to $150,000 in performance bonuses based on plate appearances.
Additionally, the Mets have entered into minor league contracts with first baseman Joey Meneses and catcher Jakson Reetz.