MLB Rumor Roundup: Darren O’Day Added To List of Free Agents
The MLB offseason is heating up as more announcements are being made regarding player options and signings. As some of the decisions were expected, others were pretty surprising, let’s go take a look at what happened on Thursday.
Braves Say Goodbye To O’Day
Jon Heyman of MLB Network reported that the Braves have decided not to option reliever Darren O’Day. This is a pretty surprising revelation as O’Day had a 1.21 ERA in his two years with the Braves.
On the other hand, O’Day had only pitched a little more than four innings during his time in Atlanta and is a bit of a veteran so Atlanta may be looking to save some money this offseason.
Osuna Becomes Early Non-Tender
The Houston Astros have placed Roberto Osuna on outright waivers essentially making him a non-tender, with the expectation that he’ll clear waivers and elect free agency.
Osuna only pitched four innings in 2020 due to an elbow injury, and was expected to make $10M in 2021 with arbitration, via Jake Kaplan of The Athletic.
Graveman Is Staying In Seattle
The Mariners announced they’ve re-signed relief pitcher Kendall Graveman after declining his 3.5 million dollar contract option. The club has instead decided a day later to give the right-hander a one year $1.25M contract with the possibility of more in incentives.
Graveman ended the 2020 season with a 5.79 ERA and -0.3 WAR over 11 games played. The pitcher only made two starts before being placed on the injured list with a neck issue, later being diagnosed with a “benign bone tumor”.
After 14 Years Braun Is Gone
Former MVP Ryan Braun has spent the last 14 years as a staple in the Milwaukee Brewers Organization. That time has officially come to an end, as they decided to decline the 2021 option on the left fielders contract. Instead deciding to pay him a $4 million dollar buyout, rather than the $15 million he would have been owed.
Braun leaves as the franchise leader in home runs with 352 and third among position players with a 46.7 WAR.
White Sox Add Infield Depth
Despite the infielder not playing since his 2019 appearance on the Seattle Mariners, Tim Beckham has been signed to a minor league contract by the White Sox. Beckham has the opportunity to make $1.35 million if he makes their major league roster via Bob Nightengale of USA Today.
The 30-year-old hit .237/.293/.461 with 15 home runs and 102 strikeouts in 88 games for the Mariners in 2019.