Braves starter Kris Medlen and Padres shortstop Everth Cabrera were among several notable players who became free agents upon being non-tendered by their clubs on Tuesday.
Kris Medlen, Everth Cabrera highlight MLB non-tendered list
Injuries and off-field troubles contributed to a few clubs’ decisions to let talented players become free agents on Tuesday.
Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
Medlen, 29, missed the entire 2014 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, but owns a 2.95 ERA in more than 500 big-league innings. The right-hander will have the opportunity to return to the mound and begin rebuilding his value as soon as June, according to David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Brandon Beachy, like Medlen, was also non-tendered after missing all of last season. Beachy has been limited to 46 starts in parts of four big league seasons, but he's struck out more than a batter per inning and owns a 3.23 ERA during that time.
Cabrera’s departure from San Diego might have more to do with his off-field troubles than his on-field production. Though he had a down year in 2014, Cabrera is a year removed from posting a 113 OPS+ and stealing 37 bases in his age-26 season. The speedy infielder has dealt with major issues in each of the last two years, starting with a suspension for his involvement in the Biogenesis scandal in 2013 and an arrest for driving under the influence of marijuana three months ago.
Thank you @Padres and fans for my first years in the big leagues. I am going to keep working hard to be a better person and player.
— Everth Cabrera (@CabreraEverth) December 3, 2014 Alexi Ogando is another intriguing player not offered a contract by his team. The 31-year-old righty has dealt with injury issues recently, but on the whole, has been pretty good when given a stable role by the Rangers. Ogando was at his best in 2012 as a reliever, striking out a batter per inning while posting a 3.27 ERA in 66 frames.
See More:
