For most people, the hottest shopping season does not start until the day after Thanksgiving. For MLB general managers, Friday’s non-tender deadline is when bargain hunting begins.
By 5 p.m. ET today, every team must decide whether to offer contracts to its arbitration-eligible players for the 2026 season. If they choose not to, the player becomes a free agent and can sign with any club. It is an annual chance for opportunistic front offices to find impact players at bargain prices.
This year’s crop is especially rich.
MLB’s list of “intriguing non-tender candidates” includes several notable names. Jonah Heim, the Texas Rangers catcher, is among them, flagged by multiple outlets for his All-Star pedigree and recent regression. Rangers outfielder Adolis Garcia also turns heads. Despite his postseason heroics, the downturn has put him on the maybe-tender list.
Other serious names include Kansas City infielder Jonathan India, who has not recaptured his Rookie of the Year form and carries a high arbitration projection. Washington infielder Luis Garcia Jr. Took a noticeable step back in 2025, making his arbitration number risky. Baltimore first baseman and outfielder Ryan Mountcastle has become more expendable with Samuel Basallo and Coby Mayo arriving, and Astros outfielder Jesus Sanchez has raw power but a.700 OPS ceiling and defensive questions that shrink his value.
There are also pitching decisions. Dodgers reliever Evan Phillips is projected to earn more than $6 million despite recovering from Tommy John surgery and missing most or all of the 2026 season.
For teams that move quickly, this period is less about big names and more about smart gambles. Non-tender day provides access to players with upside who might become valuable pieces in a new uniform.
Where most teams see risk, others see opportunity.
