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MLB Players Out of Minor League Options Work to Make Clubs in Spring Training
Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
A number of MLB players are fighting for jobs in spring training as they have no options left.
MLB players are working to keep or earn jobs in their major league camps as the World Baseball Classic comes to a close.
MLB Trade Rumors put out a list this week that highlighted each player for every team that is out of minor league options and must win a job in the major leagues this spring or face hitting the waiver wire in order to go to the minor leagues.
First, we'll take a look at what exactly options are, then we'll take a look at each team's list and the likelihood that each player makes the roster for his current team.
What are options?
Going into the depth and oddities about options could be an entire article all its own, which is part of what MLB.com columnist Jonathan Mayo did in 2011 in this story.
Most fans hear the word option many times over throughout the course of a season, many are unaware of exactly what an option truly is.
Here is the definition from the MLB rule book, Rule 11 (C):
LIMITATIONS ON OPTIONAL ASSIGNMENTS. An optional assignment of a player contract shall be permitted for not more than three seasons between Major League Clubs and Minor League Clubs; provided that if the player is optioned for less than a total of 20 days in one season, as determined by the date(s) of the optional assignment(s) and recall(s), respectively, the player shall not be charged with an optional transfer in connection with the foregoing limitation.
To butter it more basically, options are something that do not come into play until a player is added to a team's 40-man roster. Once he is added to the 40-man, he is allowed three options to the minor leagues. Those are not three individual times being sent down, but three seasons of being sent to the minor leagues for more than 20 days for an option to be utilized.
Once those three options have been used on a player in his career, he has no options left, wherever he may end up as a player, meaning he will always need to clear waivers in order to be sent down to the minor leagues.
Now that the rule is as clear as mud, we'll take a look at each team's list and who could be in jeopardy of being exposed to waivers or released by his team if he doesn't make the roster. We'll go division-by-division.
Baltimore Orioles
Brad Brach – Brach is going to be the primary setup man in Baltimore after posting a 2.05 ERA and 1.04 ERA over 79 innings and 71 appearances in 2016.
Zach Britton – Britton was in serious consideration for the 2016 AL Cy Young. He will be the closer in Baltimore.
Dylan Bundy – Bundy finished strong in 2016 to establish himself back into the Baltimore future after a number of years struggling with injury. He'll be a fixture in the rotation.
Oliver Drake – Roster Resource currently lists Drake as winning the final bullpen slot, though his spring performance has put him on the bubble for the final bullpen slot in Baltimore. He made 14 appearances in 2016 with a 4.00 ERA and 1.00 WHIP.
Boston Red Sox
Josh Rutledge – Rutledge was a shrewd Rule 5 pick and is likely to make the roster due to his positional flexibility and his right-handed bat off the bench.
Tyler Thornburg – Thornburg's power arm will be leaned on heavily in Boston this season, so he's in no risk of not making it, though he might end up on the DL to open the season.
Sandy Leon – Leon's crazy breakout 2016 has essentially locked him into a 2017 opening day job because he's out of options, but with Blake Swihart looming, he'll have to perform.
Steven Wright – The injury to David Price's elbow really ended the other competition that affected options in Boston as Wright will be ensured a rotation spot.
Drew Pomeranz – Price's injury will also allow Pomeranz a sure spot in the rotation on opening day, though he'll have to perform to ensure he has one when Price returns as he, Wright, and Eduardo Rodriguez were expected to compete for two rotation spots among the three of them.
Christian Vazquez – Vazquez is basically in the same exact boat as Leon, though he'd likely get more leash due to his high-end defense and comparative youth if Swihart passes up both.
Heath Hembree – Hembree's versatility and ability to go multiple innings have him locked in to a bullpen role, barring injury.
Bryce Brentz – With one of the more elite offensive and defensive outfields in the major leagues and an extremely versatile reserve in Chris Young, it will require a late injury in camp for Brentz to get a shot.
New York Yankees
Dellin Betances – While he may not be the closer, Betances may be the most important pitcher in the Yankee bullpen.
Tommy Layne – Layne's likely going to end up with a lefty job out of the pen simply due to having no options over Chasen Shreve, who has one.
Aaron Hicks – Hicks came into the spring in a battle for the right field job with big-power prospect Aaron Judge, and though Hicks has hit better and offers significantly better defense, Judge has had loud hits in the spring and could end up with the job, relegating Hicks to the backup job.
Austin Romine – Romine has shown plenty behind the plate and reportedly has the lead in the competition for the backup catcher position with Kyle Higashioka.
Gary Sanchez – After his amazing end of the season, Sanchez is absolutely locked in as the starting catcher in the Bronx.
Chris Carter – Carter was pleased to jump on with the Yankees, but starter Greg Bird has come back sooner than expected at first base, likely leaving few at bats for Carter, though he's likely going to be on the Yankee bench if just for his right-handed power.
Tampa Bay Rays
Chris Archer – Archer is the Rays' ace, so there's little risk he won't make the team.
Brad Boxberger – Likely assigned to the primary setup role if healthy, Boxberger really won't be in any risk of not making the Tampa Bay club.
Xavier Cedeno – The 30-year-old Cedeno will serve as Tampa Bay's primary lefty in the bullpen, so his job should be fairly secure.
Alex Colome – Colome is going to be the Rays closer as long as he maintains health, so his roster spot is quite secure.
Danny Farquhar – Farquhar has really locked in a spot in a setup role at this point in the bullpen, so his role should be fairly secure.
Nick Franklin – The Rays have come out and said that they'd like to use Franklin for a 400-AB utility. His spot is secure in Tampa Bay.
Erasmo Ramirez – The Rays found a lot of value in having Erasmo as a swingman that can be solid in both short and long situations, so he's fairly set in a bullpen role.
Jumbo Diaz – Diaz has put in time pitching in the WBC rather than in Tampa's camp, but they recently claimed him on waivers, and he's considered a reasonable lock for a bullpen spot by most Rays insiders.
Toronto Blue Jays
Mike Bolsinger – Bolsinger is in a heated competition in Blue Jays camp for a long man role in the bullpen with minor league invitees Mat Latos and Gavin Floyd. Roster Resource shows Bolsinger as the leader in house right now.
Ezequiel Carrera – Carrera will likely pair with Melvin Upton, Jr. in left field, so he's secure in his roster spot.
Ryan Goins – A roster spot for the defensive specialist will depend on the health of 2B Devon Travis, who has been out with injury. Goins will pair with Darwin Barney to cover the position until Travis is healthy.
Bo Schultz – Schultz's shot to make the roster took a hit this past week when a couple of Toronto beat reporters mentioned that the Blue Jays intend to carry two lefties in the bullpen, likely meaning Aaron Loup will make the roster and leaving Schultz on the outside looking in.
Atlanta Braves
Kevin Chapman – The Braves JUST claimed Chapman on waivers in the last week and now he's going to get an opportunity to make their bullpen as the Braves will likely open with two lefty relievers on the DL. Where things will land when Paco Rodriguez is ready is another consideration, but for now, Chapman should be cleared for opening day.
Chase d'Arnaud – Chase provided the Braves with plenty of versatility in 2016, playing six positions over 84 games. He's not been playing in spring, though, which could lead to an injury that starts him on the DL to open the season.
Ian Krol – After a strong 2016, Krol will be the primary lefty for the Braves out of the bullpen, capable of working against both sides of the plate.
Jose Ramirez – The hard-throwing Ramirez pitched solid, albeit not spectacular, in 33 appearances in 2016, posting a 3.58 ERA and 1.35 WHIP, but he should be fairly secure in his role.
Chaz Roe – Roe's elite slider played well in Atlanta, leading to a 1.05 WHIP in his 21 games with the Braves along with a 1.75 FIP. However, he's in competition for the last spot in the bullpen with non-roster invitees Blaine Boyer and Eric O'Flaherty.
Miami Marlins
Derek Dietrich – Dietrich was already assured of his role on the bench before Martin Prado injured his hamstring in the WBC. He may now end up the strong side of a platoon to open the season at the hot corner.
Adeiny Hechavarria – While he may not be the most impressive with the stick, Hechavarria is a master with the glove and will start at short for the Marlins.
Dan Straily – Straily was a scrap heap guy the Reds turned into a major find last season. The Reds turned him into two productive prospects as the Marlins built a rotation of depth rather than elite starters after the tragic passing of Jose Fernandez.
Jose Urena – Urena is the guy here with the most tenuous spot going toward opening day. He's currently battling Justin Nicolino, Odrisamer Despaigne, and Severino Gonzalez (among others) for the last spot in the bullpen, which will likely be a long relief spot.
Jeff Locke – Locke is a sure bet to be part of the roster, but he will open 2017 on the DL.
New York Mets
Josh Edgin – One of only two guys with option issues for the Mets, Edgin could end up losing the final bullpen spot as non-roster invitees Ben Rowen and Paul Sewald have both impressed in camp and could take the last bullpen spot.
Wilmer Flores – With David Wright's injury, Flores becomes even more important as his power to compliment Jose Reyes and Neil Walker at 3B and 2B, likely getting a couple of starts a game and being a solid righty bat off the bench.
Philadelphia Phillies
Freddy Galvis – Galvis was known for his glove, but he ended up smacking 20 home runs in 2016's home run boom throughout the league on top of that. He's a place holder until J.P. Crawford is ready, but his glove should keep him around even then.
Cesar Hernandez – The primary second baseman in 2016, Hernandez will be in no worry of losing his roster spot this spring after tying for the lead league in triples and hitting .294.
Washington Nationals
Clint Robinson – When the Nationals signed Adam Lind, it meant the likely end to Clint Robinson's career and the dings to outfielders in camp lends more credence to carrying an extra outfielder over a guy primarily used for a power pinch-hitter.
Enny Romero – While he hasn't had a lot of chance to show his stuff in the Nationals camp, throwing 98-99 in the WBC has Romero a good bet to take a bullpen spot.
Chicago White Sox
Matt Davidson – Davidson was given multiple opportunities over the last few years to win the starting third base job in Chicago, but after struggling to stay healthy or hit above the Mendoza line in AAA, he's likely to be passed through waivers as spring ends.
Leury Garcia – Garcia's role was likely cemented with starting center fielder Charlie Tilson went down for opening day, meaning that his primary competition for a bench spot in Peter Bourjos was likely going to be starting in center field and Garcia will have a bench role.
Dan Jennings – Jennings has developed into a solid lefty reliever, and he's currently slated as the primary lefty in the ChiSox bullpen for opening day.
Rymer Liriano – Liriano is likely going to offer new manager Rick Renteria a solid bat platoon for lefty pitchers, but if his bat really goes well, he could push his way into a starting role in RF or DH.
Carlos Sanchez – AKA Yolmer as he has requested to be called now, Sanchez was the starting 2B in 2015 and provides a likely backup plan to Tyler Saladino should he struggle, at least until uber-prospect Yoan Moncada takes over.
Michael Ynoa – Before Yoenis Cespedes, Ynoa was the sign that Billy Bean wasn't kidding in the international market. After a traveled career, Ynoa has found a home in the White Sox bullpen.
Cleveland Indians
Trevor Bauer – Bauer's humor is on display in the video above, and he'll be on display in the rotation for the Indians on opening day, barring injury.
Lonnie Chisenhall – Chisenhall should be in the opening day lineup in the outfield, so his spot is secure.
Brandon Guyer – Human pin cushion Guyer will likely be the primary outfield backup off the bench and is fairly secure in his role.
Zach McAllister – McAllister has really developed well as a reliever since transitioning from the rotation.
Dan Otero – Otero had bounced around in his career, but he put up incredible numbers in 2016 and is expected to have an important role in the 2017 Indians bullpen.
Danny Salazar – If he's healthy, Salazar will have a rotation spot, and if he's not, he'll be on the DL, so he's not in any danger of losing his roster spot.
Detroit Tigers
Andrew Romine – Romine is the primary utility infielder for the Tigers and will have a spot fairly certain out of camp.
Tyler Collins – Collins remains in a battle for a starting outfield spot and could end up the strong side of a platoon with Mikie Mahtook in center field.
Jose Iglesias – One of the elite glove men in the American League, Iglesias is in no danger of losing his roster spot.
Dixon Machado – Machado could be an interesting guy to watch as there's really a competition with he and another out of options guy in Moya for two very different positions. Machado would draw interest on the waiver wire for sure.
Steven Moya – Moya's in a fight with Machado for the last bench spot, but he very well could find himself traded as his lefty power could be valuable for someone off the bench.
Kansas City Royals
Christian Colon – Interestingly, two of the four competitors for the Royals second base job are guys with no options. Colon offers higher draft pedigree, but he has not taken hold of opportunities he's been given, though they've only amounted to 329 plate appearances thus far in his 7th year since being drafted fourth overall in 2010.
Cheslor Cuthbert – One of the other candidates for the second base position, Cuthbert should settle well into a utility role if he doesn't get the job after filling in very well for an injured Mike Moustakas in 2016, hitting .274/.318/.413 in 510 plate appearances.
Minnesota Twins
Ehire Adrianza – Adrianza is in competition for the bench infielder role, and right now he's on the outside looking in, which could mean being exposed to waivers at the end of camp.
Eduardo Escobar – The reason Adrianza is likely out is that Escobar has shown well defensively in a utility role around the infield. He hasn't shown a lot with his bat this spring, but he has enough track record with the Twins that he's likely got the spot sewn up.
Robbie Grossman – Looking at Grossman physically, you'd assume he'd be an excellent fourth outfielder, figuring his high-end speed would lead to solid defense at all three positions, but Grossman is absolutely lost reading the ball and getting jumps in center, which is why he's probably the most tedious for a job on this list as he battles non-roster invitees Drew Stubbs and J.B. Shuck for a job.
Jorge Polanco – Polanco is currently penciled in at shortstop, so it's highly unlikely he'll not be on the roster.
Danny Santana – Santana is a quagmire in that he hasn't shown a lot offensively or defensively since his big 2014 at the plate. However, since he can handle infield and outfield positions and provides some speed off the bench, he'll likely have a sure spot on the opening day roster.
Michael Tonkin – Tonkin is locked in a tight battle for the last bullpen spot with a list of competitors six deep.
Chicago Cubs
Matt Szczur – Szczur has been around for a while, but he's facing some competition this spring for the bench role from John Andreoli, who hit very well for Team Italy during the WBC.
Mike Montgomery – Montgomery looks to be headed toward a long relief role, but he and Brett Anderson are still technically competing for the 5th spot in the Cubs rotation.
Hector Rondon – The former closer who graciously stepped aside for Aroldis Chapman in 2016 is now working as the setup man for Wade Davis after another trade this offseason, but his spot should be quite secure.
Cincinnati Reds
Arismendy Alcantara – The former top prospect with the Cubs is the lead utility infielder on the Reds bench.
Tony Cingrani – Cingrani found his best role when he moved out of the rotation and then out of the closer role into a middle relief role.
Blake Wood – With veterans Homer Bailey and Anthony DeSclafani going down with injury, Wood's ability to go multiple innings out of the bullpen will be valued highly in the Reds roster building.
Milwaukee Brewers
Tommy Milone – Milone was facing an uphill battle in the first place and simply hasn't wowed the Brewers in the spring. It will be interesting to see if he clears waivers.
Kirk Nieuwenhuis – Nieuwenhuis will be the fourth outfielder in Milwaukee, the only lefty-hitting outfielder on their roster.
Jonathan Villar – Villar's a certainty on the roster, though his definite spot is still up in question as he could play some second, some third, and even give young Orlando Arcia a day off at short now and then.
Jesus Aguilar – Aguilar was claimed on waivers by the Brewers, and with Eric Thames taking a bit to get going in his transition from Korea along with the position flexibility of a number of players on the Brewers roster, they very well may carry the 1B-only Aguilar for his RH power.
Jhan Marinez – Marinez is a fixture in the middle of the Brewers pen, not the closer, but a solid piece nonetheless.
Wily Peralta – Peralta should compete for either a 5th starter spot or a long man spot in the bullpen, on the roster in either scenario.
Hernan Perez – Perez's positional flexibility and tremendous 2016 will have him a definite spot in 2017.
Manny Pina – Being out of options will likely mean that Pina opens the season as the backup catcher in Milwaukee, though he could be moving quickly depending on who the starter is for the Brewers at the position.
Carlos Torres – While not a big strikeout pitcher, Torres could be the primary setup guy in the Brewers bullpen, so he won't be in risk.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Alen Hanson – Hanson has a pretty solid role sewn up as a utility man, but there are a number of such players in camp this spring.
Wade LeBlanc – LeBlanc is currently fighting for the last spot in the bullpen, and with 2 other lefties nearly guaranteed bullpen spots, LeBlanc could find himself losing out on that long relief role.
Felipe Rivero – With lefty Tony Watson set as closer, Rivero is likely to be the primary set up lefty in the Pirates pen.
St. Louis Cardinals
Greg Garcia – Garcia pairs with Jedd Gyorko to give St. Louis a 1-2 utility infield punch with Garcia really being the glove guy and Gyorko being the bat guy.
Tyler Lyons – Lyons is still recovering from surgery and will open the season on the DL, but will be an interesting roster decision for the team once he's ready to go.
Miguel Socolovich – Socolovich has seemingly sewn up the final bullpen spot in camp through multiple reports recently, though there's plenty of camp left for changes to happen.
Houston Astros
Mike Fiers – Fiers has become an interesting conversation piece in the Astros camp this spring as he's likely to open the season as the long man in the bullpen rather than the rotation, giving extra depth to the Astros bullpen.
Brad Peacock – Peacock is fighting with James Hoyt, Michael Feliz, and Jandel Gustave for the final bullpen spot, and it will likely come down to production over the final couple of weeks.
Max Stassi – Stassi had his likely destination decided when the Astros acquired Brian McCann in the offseason. He will likely be exposed to waivers or traded before the season opens.
Los Angeles Angels
Austin Adams – Adams is in the fight for the final bullpen spot, but right now, he's on the outside looking in.
Kirby Yates – Yates has thrown well with an added split-finger pitch to be a likely member of the bullpen on opening day.
Cam Bedrosian – With Huston Street likely to open the season on the DL, Bedrosian will most likely open the season as the Angels closer.
J.C. Ramirez – After an excellent 2016, Ramirez is penciled in for a bullpen spot.
Oakland Athletics
Stephen Vogt – Vogt will be the starting catcher in Oakland and one of the best offensive catchers in the league, so his roster spot is secure.
Liam Hendriks – Hendriks will be the last member of what could be one of the best bullpens in the league.
Raul Alcantara – Currently, Alcantara is in competition for the last bullpen spot with a couple of other pitchers, but the A's did send out Paul Blackburn and Bobby Wahl to minor league camp, and those were two of his competitors.
Seattle Mariners
Leonys Martin – Martin will be the starting center fielder in 2017 for Seattle, so his spot is sure.
Evan Scribner – Scribner has had a solid camp to solidify his spot in the bullpen.
Nick Vincent – While Vincent hasn't taken the performance step to take the set up role while Steve Cishek opens on the DL, he is sure of a bullpen spot.
Texas Rangers
Sam Dyson – Dyson should be the closer in Texas with his powerful sinker, so his spot is sure.
Jeremy Jeffress – Jeffress could not take over the closer job in Texas, but he'll be sure of a bullpen spot with the Rangers.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Randall Delgado – Injuries and poor performance have elevated Delgado to a possible role as the primary setup man on opening day, so his bullpen spot is quite secure.
Chris Herrmann – After a career year in 2016 with the bat, Herrmann will serve as a utility bench player that can catch and cover outfield corners as well.
Colorado Rockies
Cristhian Adames – Adames may be a victim of circumstance this spring. With injuries to outfielders and starting first baseman Ian Desmond, the Rockies will end up keeping extra players in those roles, which means a second utility infielder is not going to be a priority, and Adames will be behind Alexi Amarista in the utility infield role due to Amarista's superior defensive skills.
DJ LeMahieu – LeMahieu won a batting title in 2016, and he'll be the starting second baseman in Colorado.
Jordan Lyles – Lyles is pretty locked into his bullpen spot in Colorado.
Chris Rusin – In what has become a deep bullpen, Rusin will end up at the mercy of the way that new Rockies manager Bud Black chooses to structure his pitching staff. He could keep one of Jeff Hoffman or German Marquez in the bullpen if they don't make the rotation, but that would be in place of Rusin's spot, especially as he battles an oblique injury currently.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Chris Hatcher – Hatcher is a guy that could be more on the bubble when the season opens, but due to preseason injuries, he'll have an opening day spot in the bullpen.
Luis Avilan – Avilan may not be an elite lefty out of the bullpen, but he's a solid LOOGY when used as such, and he's found a comfortable spot in that role in L.A.
More from Call to the Pen
San Diego Padres
Christian Bethancourt – You want to make yourself more valuable when you're staring down a spring where you'll be out of options? Do like Bethancourt and make yourself into the ultimate utility man, able to handle catcher, outfield, and pitch in relief as well.
Paul Clemens – Though the Padres certainly have an open competition for all pitching spots, Clemens hasn't shown enough to protect from waivers.
Jarred Cosart – Though he's a starter by trade, the Padres likely will open with Cosart in the pen, and with the rotation that they are intending to roll out, a bullpen full of long men might be a wise idea.
Christian Friedrich – Friedrich is in the same boat as Cosart. He's a starter, but right now, he is penciled in to the bullpen mix.
Brad Hand – Hand has looked very good in a likely setup role in the bullpen, and he could be a guy to consider a "backup closer" if Brandon Maurer were to struggle or have injury.
Luis Sardinas – Sardinas is in a competition at shortstop with veteran non-roster invitee Erick Aybar. You would think the Padres would want to give the spot to the younger guy in Sardinas.
San Francisco Giants
Hunter Strickland – Strickland will likely be the primary setup man with the Giants this season for closer Mark Melancon.
George Kontos – Kontos has established himself well in the bullpen and should have an important role.
Jarrett Parker – Parker has impressed all spring with both his hitting and his baseball instincts, likely to be the opening day left fielder in San Francisco.
Gorkys Hernandez – With Angel Pagan out of San Francisco, Hernandez has an ideal role to fill working in a backup outfield role that Bruce Bochy loves to have.
Cory Gearrin – Gearrin is a solid groundball pitcher, which gives him a solid role in a bullpen.
Conor Gillaspie – Gillaspie will be the primary backup to third base, though his job could be tenuous once Jae-gyun Hwang gets his feet under him in Triple-A.
