Injuries and off-field troubles contributed to a few clubs' decisions to let talented players become free agents on Tuesday.
Braves starter Kris Medlen and Padres shortstop Everth Cabrera were among several notable players who became free agents upon being non-tendered by their clubs on Tuesday.
Medlen, 29, missed the entire 2014 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, but owns a 2.95 ERA in more than 500 big-league innings. The right-hander will have the opportunity to return to the mound and begin rebuilding his value as soon as June, according to David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Brandon Beachy, like Medlen, was also non-tendered after missing all of last season. Beachy has been limited to 46 starts in parts of four big league seasons, but he's struck out more than a batter per inning and owns a 3.23 ERA during that time.
Cabrera's departure from San Diego might have more to do with his off-field troubles than his on-field production. Though he had a down year in 2014, Cabrera is a year removed from posting a 113 OPS+ and stealing 37 bases in his age-26 season. The speedy infielder has dealt with major issues in each of the last two years, starting with a suspension for his involvement in the Biogenesis scandal in 2013 and an arrest for driving under the influence of marijuana three months ago.
Thank you @Padres and fans for my first years in the big leagues. I am going to keep working hard to be a better person and player.
— Everth Cabrera (@CabreraEverth) December 3, 2014Alexi Ogando is another intriguing player not offered a contract by his team. The 31-year-old righty has dealt with injury issues recently, but on the whole, has been pretty good when given a stable role by the Rangers. Ogando was at his best in 2012 as a reliever, striking out a batter per inning while posting a 3.27 ERA in 66 frames.