One of the most interesting elements of spring training every year, at least for those of us who feast on roster construction minutiae, is the collection of players who are out of minor league options. MLBTR just released a full list of such players earlier today.
In many instances, a player being out of minor league options is inconsequential. Justin Steele, Isaac Paredes and Evan Phillips are among the players who fit that description but are in no risk of losing their MLB roster spot. They're all key players on big league rosters who'd never be in danger of being sent down to the minors anyhow.
However, there are typically a handful of players every spring who are on the roster bubble with their current club but who could be a better fit on a team with less competition in their current position. Most of these players have already had big league opportunities with their current club but whether due to injury or poor performance (or both) have yet to firmly seize hold of a roster spot. As players exhaust their minor league options, they'll tend to face increased competition from younger players progressing through the minor league ranks and/or external additions made via trade or free agency. An out-of-options player who doesn't fit his current roster can still go on to find a more solid role and some success elsewhere. Joey Bart was in just this spot last year and after being squeezed out in San Francisco has emerged as Pittsburgh's starting catcher. The Yankees didn't have a spot for Ben Rortvedt, but he's the Rays' clear No. 2 catcher now.
Let's run through 10 names to keep an eye on this spring. Not all of these players will lose their roster spots, and even some who do might not wind up making an impact elsewhere. But each of the names listed here has some reason to hold a bit more intrigue than many of their out-of-options brethren (players listed alphabetically)...
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Add Jerar Encarnacion and David Villar from the Giants to this list.
One or both gone after spring training (it’s probably Villar).
Too bad for Villar but he could be the next Rooker if he gets regular playing time somewhere. He’s from Florida and either one of those teams could use him.
Its been sad to watch how quickly Villar became an afterthought in the Giants’ org. He had a good debut but feel badly on his face the following season. The Giants didn’t give him much rope and he has performed admirably in very short stints when given the chance. I do hope some other team gives him a chance and he does well.
I think, unless he has an awful spring, Encarnacion is safe to make the team this year and see what he can do as a backup outfielder and DH.
Encarnacion is already tearing the hide off the ball this spring. I think he’s a lock to make the team.
The Giants announced Villar would be the starting third baseman prior to the 2023 season. What they should have done is made it an open competition between JD Davis and Villar; JD ultimately got the job and played well until a June injury.
Villar just needs a chance and he needs to get his confidence back. I was hoping he’d practice at 2nd base during the offseason to earn more playing time; he’s not going to usurp Chapman at 3rd. Hopefully SFG can get something decent in trade for Villar as he doesn’t have a path to a roster spot right now. The Yankees need some infield help, David would do well in NY.
Rosario would be a better starting SS right now than anyone the White Sox have.
This is why you don’t trade Marcus Stroman, even *if* that stuff about him eating deer meat is true… garbage time for Gil
Venison is delicious. Although I’m am not aware of what Stroman’s story is.
Venison is very delicious but dont know how Stroman lines up,
Stroman asked Buehrle if he could come spend a winter with him hunting deer in 2015 while with the Jays..
Found this beauty:
amazon.com/Addicted-Hunting-Stroman-Baseball-Pullo…
Im not sure if there is something im missing but I dont know what that issue is if he likes certain meats. Some people eat baby calfs (veal) that dont see the light of day which is probably much worse in my opinion. Veal is at majority of restaurants so it is mass produced where i rarely see venison served anywhere.
What is the thing about him eating deer meat?
Life is really tough when you’re “out of options”.
I wonder how Steve Adams know that Campusano is a lock as a bench player on the Padres. Does he have an inside scoop on who will be the Padres starting catcher?
Brew, are your referring to the fact that he’s not listed as a no-options guy? If so, SD Tribune article regarding Campusano’s Spring Training has him with one option still remaining….
Hey Clip. I was referring to the comment “backup catcher Luis Campusano”. If the Padres decided on their starting C, and it’s not Campy I didn’t get the memo. It was I my assumption that the position would be largely shared between Campy and Diaz, with Campusano given one more chance to take the lead role.
Ah, sorry, I misunderstood. That makes sense. I think you’re right on the money with that.