Alexi Ogando Among Players Non-Tendered by Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers declined to tender arbitration-eligible players right-handed pitcher Alexi Ogando and utility infielder Adam Rosales, as well as left-handed pitcher Michael Kirkman. The club has tendered 2015 contracts to all other players on the roster before the 11:59 p.m. ET deadline.

The Rangers’ decision to non-tender Adam Rosales should come as no surprise. Last season the Texas Rangers signed Adam Rosales to a 1-year/$750K deal to avoid arbitration. The Rangers designated him for assignment on March 30, and called him up on June 30. Adam Rosales finished the 2014 season with 20 runs, 43 hits, 4 home runs, 19 RBI, 4 stolen bases, and a .262/.328/.378 slash line.

Right-handed pitcher Alexi Ogando and the Texas Rangers agreed to a 1-year/$2.625MM contract last season to avoid arbitration, and this time Ogando was projected to earn $2.6MM in 2015 if tendered. Ogando pitched strictly out of the bullpen this season with a 2-3 record and a 6.84 ERA before being placed on the DL for elbow inflammation. Missing the last four months of the 2014 season, Ogando decided to not pitch in the winter league, although he was medically cleared to do so. Alexi Ogando pitched 25.0 innings in 27 games, earned one save, and earned 22 strikeouts.

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I expected the Rangers to tender Alexi Ogando, partially because I thought the club had asked him not to pitch in the winter league, which led me to believe they wanted to ensure he stayed healthy. However, there are some in the media stating that his decision to not pitch in the winter league could have factored into the teams decision.

Michael Kirkman is the only non-tendered player that was not arbitration-eligible. The Texas Rangers designated the left-handed pitcher for assignment on March 28, then outrighted to the minors on April 1. The Rangers called up Kirkman on September 2. He finished the season with the Texas Rangers pitching 5.2 innings, earning three strikeouts for a record of 0-1 with a 1.59 ERA. While with the Round Rock Express (AAA) Michael Kirkman was 5-5, 4.47 ERA in 36 games, with one save and 62 strikeouts.

The non-tender of Michael Kirkman is one that caught me off-guard. Not because he was spectacular, but I really thought the Texas Rangers would tender all of the players on the 40-man roster.

With the three transactions made tonight the club now has 37 men on their roster. Hopefully, this means we will have some exciting news to discuss leading up to the Winter Meetings next week. What do you think about the non-tender list?

*All projected salaries from Matt Swartz of MLB Trade Rumors*