Every spring at MLBTR, we publish a list of players who are out of minor league options and cannot be sent to the minor leagues without first clearing outright waivers. Option status is particularly relevant as teams set their rosters prior to Opening Day. A lack of minor league options is often a key reason a certain player will make the roster over another who had a superior spring performance, and it’s a frequent factor in March trades.
The following is a list of all 40-man players throughout the league with fewer than five years of service time — players with more than five years of service can refuse an optional assignment — and no minor league options remaining. We’ve included players who have signed extensions or multi-year deals, even though they’re often less likely to be optioned.
Angels
- Jaime Barria, RHP
- Tucker Davidson, LHP
- Brett Phillips, OF
- Jose Quijada, LHP
- Luis Rengifo, INF
- Jose Suarez, LHP
- Matt Thaiss, C/1B
Astros
- Mauricio Dubon, INF/OF
Athletics
- Domingo Acevedo, RHP
- Paul Blackburn, RHP
- Cristian Pache, OF
- Drew Rucinski, RHP
Blue Jays
- Trevor Richards, RHP
- Mitch White, RHP
Braves
- Sam Hilliard, OF
- Lucas Luetge, LHP
- Tyler Matzek, LHP
- Jackson Stephens, RHP
- Michael Tonkin, RHP
Brewers
- Matt Bush, RHP
- Javy Guerra, RHP
- Keston Hiura, 1B/2B
- Adrian Houser, RHP
- Joel Payamps, RHP
- Tyrone Taylor, OF
- Rowdy Tellez, 1B
- Bryse Wilson, RHP
Cardinals
- Drew VerHagen, RHP
Cubs
- Adbert Alzolay, RHP
- Zach McKinstry, INF/OF
- Julian Merryweather, RHP
- Justin Steele, LHP
Diamondbacks
- Lourdes Gurriel Jr., OF
- Christian Walker, 1B
Dodgers
- Yency Almonte, RHP
- Phil Bickford, RHP
- Evan Phillips, RHP
- Trayce Thompson, OF
Giants
- Thairo Estrada, 2B/SS/OF
- LaMonte Wade Jr., 1B/OF
Guardians
- Enyel De Los Santos, RHP
- Sam Hentges, LHP
Mariners
- Chris Flexen, RHP
- Trevor Gott, RHP
- Paul Sewald, RHP
Marlins
- JT Chargois, RHP
- Steven Okert, LHP
- Jesus Sanchez, OF
- Jacob Stallings, C
Mets
- Tomas Nido, C
- Stephen Nogosek, RHP
- Brooks Raley, LHP
- Daniel Vogelbach, 1B
Nationals
- Tanner Rainey, RHP
- Keibert Ruiz, C
- Ildemaro Vargas, INF/OF
Orioles
- Jorge Mateo, SS
- Cionel Perez, LHP
- Ramon Urias, INF
- Austin Voth, RHP
Padres
- Nabil Crismatt, RHP
- Brent Honeywell Jr., RHP
- Nick Martinez, RHP
Phillies
- Edmundo Sosa, INF
- Ranger Suarez, LHP
- Andrew Vasquez, LHP
Pirates
- Chase De Jong, RHP
- Duane Underwood Jr., RHP
Rangers
- Josh Sborz, RHP
- Leody Taveras, OF
Rays
- Shawn Armstrong, RHP
- Christian Bethancourt, C/1B
- Garrett Cleavinger, LHP
- Isaac Paredes, INF
- Harold Ramirez, 1B/OF
- Luke Raley, 1B/OF
- Jose Siri, OF
Red Sox
- Christian Arroyo, 2B
- Yu Chang, INF
- Reese McGuire, C
- Nick Pivetta, RHP
- Rob Refsnyder, INF/OF
- Joely Rodriguez, LHP
Reds
- Ian Gibaut, RHP
- Lucas Sims, RHP
Rockies
- Yonathan Daza, OF
- Pierce Johnson, RHP
- Justin Lawrence, RHP
Royals
- None
Tigers
- Eric Haase, C/OF
Twins
- Nick Gordon, INF/OF
- Jorge Lopez, RHP
- Dennis Santana, RHP
White Sox
- Jose Ruiz, RHP
- Seby Zavala, C
Yankees
- Albert Abreu, RHP
- Jimmy Cordero, RHP
- Estevan Florial, OF
- Domingo German, RHP
- Clay Holmes, RHP
- Kyle Higashioka, C
