3 Veterans Who Could Become Free Agents This Weekend

We've seen plenty of major league veterans with at least six years of service time pin their hopes on minor league deals this offseason. But if they aren't added to that team's 40-man roster within five days of Opening Day, they have the ability to opt-out and become free agents to try and latch on with another team. 

Let's have a look at 3 notable veterans who have that decision to make this weekend:

Tyler Naquin, Milwaukee Brewers

The 32-year-old outfielder has been a league-average hitter over his seven-year career (OPS+ of 100), but can certainly provide some pop from the left side of the plate. However, he's only hitting .154 this spring with no homers in ten games.

Brewers general manager Matt Arnold has acknowledged he has some tough decisions to make. One of the biggest issues is that Luke Voit, though only a five-year veteran, also has an opt-out clause he can use by Friday if he's not added to the roster. In addition, Keston Huira might have to be optioned to add both Naquin and Voit.

Jason Heyward, Los Angeles Dodgers

The 33-year-old veteran hasn't hit a lick in many years, but can still play some nice outfield defense in a pinch, and is a good clubhouse guy to have around. 

Manager Dave Roberts has said all along that Heyward is likely to make the team, but decision-time is now upon them to fish or cut bait. Heyward has hit .220 this spring with two home runs.

Ian Kennedy, Texas Rangers

This is Kennedy's second go-round with Texas, as he had a nice first half with them in 2021 before being traded at the deadline. Last year, however, the 38-year-old slumped to a dreadful 5.36 ERA with the Arizona Diamondbacks. 

He's pitched six innings this spring with a 3.00 ERA. The problem is, the Rangers might not have a candidate they want to remove from the 40-man roster at this point to make room for Kennedy. It'll be interesting to see if he chooses to stick around on a minor league assignment if he doesn't make the team out of camp.

Photo: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports