The Pirates non-tendered Pedro Alvarez on Wednesday, making the first baseman a free agent. Midnight Wednesday is the deadline for teams to tender their pre-arbitration and arbitration-eligible players' contracts.
Alvarez, 28, was projected to earn $8.1 million through arbitration in 2016 according to MLB Trade Rumors. It would have been his final season of team control before free agency. The Pirates had reportedly been looking to trade Alvarez but obviously were unable to do so.
Two years ago Alvarez led the NL with 36 home runs. He hit .243/.318/.469 (114 OPS+) with 27 home runs in 2015. Alvarez has averaged 28 homers and a 111 OPS+ the past three seasons, making him a legitimate power threat in this low offense era.
>>Marlins Non-Tender Former All-Star Alvarez
The Marlins have non-tendered right-hander Henderson Alvarez, the team announced. Alvarez is now a free agent. Midnight Wednesday is the deadline for teams to tender contract offers to their pre-arbitration and arbitration-eligible players.
Alvarez, 25, started Opening Day for the Marlins this past season while Jose Fernandez rehabbed from Tommy John surgery. He was an All-Star in 2014 after going 12-7 with a 2.65 ERA (140 ERA+) in 30 starts and 187 innings.
Due to ongoing shoulder problems, Alvarez started only four games in 2015 and had a 6.45 ERA. He did not pitch after May 22 and underwent surgery to repair a tear in his shoulder. Alvarez's rehab is reportedly going well, though he is not expected to return until at least May.
