What's Happening?
The Seattle Mariners have decided to non-tender Gregory Santos, Tayler Saucedo, and Trent Thornton, making them free agents ahead of the deadline. Santos, a right-handed pitcher, struggled last season
with a 5.14 ERA over eight outings, leading to his demotion to Triple-A Tacoma. His season was further impacted by right knee surgery, which sidelined him until September. Despite a brief rehab stint, Santos was not considered for a postseason roster spot. The decision to non-tender these players reflects the Mariners' assessment of their performance and potential contribution to the team.
Why It's Important?
The non-tendering of Santos and the others is a strategic move by the Mariners to optimize their roster and financial commitments. Santos, who earned $750,000 last year, would have been eligible for arbitration, potentially increasing his salary. By non-tendering him, the Mariners free up resources to pursue other players who may better fit their long-term plans. This decision also underscores the competitive nature of MLB, where teams must constantly evaluate player performance and potential to maintain a winning roster. For Santos and the others, becoming free agents opens up opportunities to join other teams and potentially revitalize their careers.
