Players hit minor league free agency on a daily basis during the postseason, as opposed to major league free agents who hit free agency following the World Series when their contracts expire. On Thursday, MLBTR covered 15 players who elected minor league free agency, and we will continue to provide occasional updates as players continue to hit the open market, as noted on the MiLB.com transactions log.
If a player is not on their organization’s 40-man roster at the end of the season, he will hit minor league free agency as long as he has at least 3 years of MLB service time, been assigned outright more than once in his career, and/or has played in the minor leagues for parts of seven or more seasons. Everyone on today’s list is part of that group of players, and most will search for another minor league deal this offseason, though a few may manage to latch onto a major league club and secure a bench or bullpen spot entering the 2023 season.
Infielders:
- JT Riddle (Mets)
Outfielders:
- Willie Calhoun (Giants)
- Monte Harrison (Angels)
- Magneuris Sierra (Angels)
- Dillon Thomas (Angels)
- Marcus Wilson (Mariners)
Pitchers:
- Kyle Barraclough (Angels)
- Drew Carlton (Tigers)
- Jesus Cruz (Braves)
- Julian Fernandez (Rockies)
- Carson Fulmer (Dodgers)
- Kevin Herget (Rays)
- Jake Jewell (Twins)
- Michael Kelly (Phillies)
- Matt Koch (Mariners)
- Adam Kolarek (A’s)
- Denyi Reyes (Orioles)
- Locke St. John (Mets)
- Tanner Tully (Guardians)
Somewhere among those players is an Evan Phillips just waiting for the right coaches.
Especially the pitchers. One little tweak and you’re a new pitcher
Especially the hitters. One little tweak and you’re Max Muncy, JD Martinez etc etc
At least the Athletics now have another Max Muncy to try and develop with
Same birthday as him too! Crazy co-incidence
Evan Phillips was actually really good already when he was coming up with the Braves…
It would be interesting to see if someone could turn St. John into a left handed relief pitcher. He is suited for middle relief but not sure if he can go at the MLB level. Definitely a “Buy-Low” candidate.
Thanks for providing these updates. Maybe for future ones note to the right of the names which ones are new.
Why and the heck did the Tigs let Carlton go?
Get out of here Harris
Harris didn’t do anything. Avila outrighted Carlton twice.
Gotcha, I thought he was on the dl. Hopeful they get him back.
If you read the article, it would have been pretty clear, Newman.
I read the article, where is it clear, as to why Detroit let Carlton go?
Because he was outrighted off the roster and it was up to him whether he declared free agency or not. Harris had no say in it really.
Denyi Reyes is an interesting name here. He is young (26 next year) got his first taste of AAA and MLB this year, and has solid WHIP numbers thru his minor league career as well as limiting home runs and stingy walks per 9 numbers. I’d be ringing his agents phone now
Does anyone else feel as if their will be more minor leaguers electing free agency this year than in past years? I mean 70 have already elected free agency. Is this due to last off-seasons lockout?
It’s possible. The Rule 5 was canceled earlier this year due to the lockout, which could create additional pressure on spots and thus players declaring free agency.
Daniel Bard is lobbying for his team to sign Thomas
Carson Fullmer has already been on 1/2 of the teams in the league.. or so it seems! Wondering if he’ll ever make it or will he go down as a first round bust by the White Sox?
Bust
Damn Fulmer/Harrison/Calhoun… Trade your prospects, folks.
Thought the exact same thing when I read those 3 names
The best example of what AAAA means are these guys
YES!
This list is a perfect example of why you don’t prospect hug.
Its sad that at one point those players (Harrison, Sierra, Thomas) were starting in the Angels Outfield
I’m looking forward to the first time Scott Harris claims a guy off waivers and someone declares him a Farhan clone.
Already happened…twice.
Would love to see Marcus Wilson have some success, crushed the ball for Tacoma last year when he wasn’t striking flying or grounding out, which seemed to happen a lot.
Tully isn’t a high velocity guy, but he’s always had good control as a lefty who can start or relieve. I am curious to see if he can catch on somewhere.
Agreed. I like him as a depth guy at least, and he’s probably more of a fringe roster/swingman guy, but there’s value in that. Especially as a lefty.
For whatever reason, I get massive Bruce Chen vibes from him. Chen had a pretty long career being basically the same pitcher Tully projects to be.
If Tully projected to be a Bruce Chen 2.0, do you think the Cleveland pitching factory would have let him go?
Figure it out AA and reup Swanson!
And the Drew Carlton era ends in Detroit.
Until they slam the door on you, you can pursue your dream! You have to be very good to play even above rookie league as an athlete. Hitting the ball very difficult.
‘Hitting the ball very difficult’….
still, beisbol ben berry berry good to me
– Chico Escuela
Carson Fulmer, only the White Sox could draft him 8th and Walker Buehler was 25th, he’s beyond awful
How about them Yankees with their no rain, rain delay, postponement. City of grifters and skullduggery.