Introduction

On Friday, 31 players found themselves without contracts in Major League Baseball, hitting the free-agent market after being non-tendered by their respective teams. While these players might not be high-profile names that generate a frenzy among fans, history shows that often, hidden gems can be unearthed from this pool of talent.

In recent years, players like Kevin Gausman, Carlos Rodon, and Cody Bellinger have risen from non-tendered status to become impactful contributors for their new clubs. Even last season, non-tendered Jacob Stallings provided significant value to the Rockies after signing a modest $1.5 million deal. Similarly, Spencer Turnbull made waves for the Phillies with a stellar 2.65 ERA despite an injury that cut his season short.

The reason players are non-tendered is often tied to underperformance or injuries, suggesting they may not command the salaries anticipated through arbitration. However, teams like the Toronto Blue Jays might just find intriguing low-cost opportunities among this year's non-tendered class as they seek to enhance their roster depth for a competitive season.

With the Blue Jays aiming to bolster their bullpen and fill gaps in left field or third base, let's explore six intriguing non-tendered players who could make a significant impact on the team: three pitchers and three position players.

1. LHP Hoby Milner

Milner's 4.73 ERA belies a promising underlying performance, evidenced by his 3.15 xERA and 3.14 FIP. Despite a difficult 2024 season where bad luck played a factor—such as a disastrous BABIP and rising home run rates—Milner's solid strikeout and walk rates offer hope for a rebound. His ability to induce ground balls (60.5% on his sinker) makes him an appealing option for the Blue Jays bullpen. At a projected one-year, $1.5 million deal, he could fulfill multiple roles, similar to Tim Mayza’s contributions.

2. RHP Kyle Finnegan

Unsurprisingly, a closer coming off an All-Star season with 38 saves being non-tendered raises eyebrows. Finnegan boasts a powerful fastball, but challenges with getting hitters to miss have plagued his performance, leading to a high hard-hit rate. The Blue Jays could capitalize on this unique situation, giving Finnegan a chance to refine his approach and add depth to their late-game scenario.

3. RHP Jacob Webb

Webb has delivered consistent performance over the past two years with a 3.34 ERA but has relatively high walk numbers. If the Blue Jays can help him reduce those walks, he could thrive in a medium-leverage role. His outstanding changeup, which batters struggled against, makes him a versatile option for various game situations.

4. OF Austin Hays

Although 2024 was a season to forget for Hays due to injuries, his pre-2024 numbers reveal solid potential as a hitter, with a comparatively strong performance against left-handed pitching. If he can regain his form, he could serve as a valuable bench option for the Blue Jays, especially as they seek to optimize matchups throughout the season.

5. OF Mike Tauchman

Tauchman has had roller-coaster career ups and downs, but his keen eye at the plate and ability to get on base make him a candidate for the Blue Jays' lineup. He can cover outfield positions traditionally while bringing a mix of hitting ability and experience to the team, which could be particularly valuable as injuries often plague rosters.

6. IF Josh Rojas

Known for his versatility, Rojas can play multiple infield and outfield positions, which is a coveted trait for any team. While his recent batting numbers have fluctuated, his strong defensive acumen and base-stealing capabilities add depth and flexibility for Toronto's lineup. A low-profile signing like Rojas can provide crucial coverage on injury-hit days while retaining the ability to contribute offensively.

In summary, while the Blue Jays aim for big names in free agency, these six non-tendered players present exciting potential low-cost solutions to strengthen the roster. With the right environment and coaching, they could emerge as pivotal pieces in Toronto's quest for success in the upcoming season. This is a classic case of "one player's loss is another player's gain!" Who do you think will make the biggest impact?