June 1 is a typically active day of MLB players opting out of contracts, and this year was no different. Here are five players who are looking for new teams.
On Thursday morning, some veteran minor-league players had a decision to make: opt into the remainder of their 2023 contracts with their current MLB teams or opt-out in search for a major-league opportunity.
It created a frenzy of activity throughout the league.
Here's a recap of five players who are now looking for new teams, via major-league sources.
MLB Rumors: 5 opt-outs for Cubs, Red Sox, Yankees and more
5. Jorge Alfaro, C, Boston Red Sox
Alfaro signed a minor-league contract with the Boston Red Sox this offseason and believed he would get ample major-league playing time. Instead, the team was comfortable with their current catching platoon in Connor Wong and Reese McGuire, and it limited any opportunities for Alfaro. Could a reunion with the San Diego Padres, who are desperately in need of catching help, be a possibility?
4. Vinny Nittoli, P, Chicago Cubs
Nittoli opted out of his contract with the Chicago Cubs, as FanSided first reported. The Cubs have 48 hours to add Nittoli to the roster before granting his release, but all signs point to Nittoli hitting free agency, and he's likely to garner interest. While he has only three innings of major-league experience, he was solid with Triple-A Iowa, posting a 3.48 ERA in 20.2 innings.
3. Tyler Duffey, P, Chicago Cubs
Duffey opted out of his contract with the Chicago Cubs, as FanSided first reported. Duffey, 32, has extensive major-league experience (475 innings), but struggled in 2022, and has registered a 4.43 ERA in 22.1 innings and a 26.1 strikeout percentage and 15.2 walk percentage. Duffey is a strong candidate for another minor-league contract.
2. Kole Calhoun, OF, New York Yankees
Calhoun opted out of his contract with the Yankees — and it's possible that some team adds him on a major-league deal if New York does not add him to the major-league roster in the next 72 hours. In 97 plate appearances, he's posted a .293/.402/.561 slash line, and the 35-year-old has also been a productive corner outfielder.
1. Cesar Hernandez, Utility, Seattle Mariners
Mike Ford also opted out of his contract with the Mariners, but the team is adding him to the major-league roster, so he will stay in Seattle. It's unlikely the same will be said for Hernandez, who hit .272/.436/.336 in 43 games with Triple-A Tacoma. Considering his defensive versatility — he can play second and third bases, shortstop and center field — he should draw interest in free agency.
