2014 MLB non-tender possibilities, should the Cubs be interested?

The deadline for tendering a contract to a player who is arbitration-eligible is Monday, Dec. 2 and more than 40 players, according to Tim Dierkes of MLB Trade Rumors, could be non-tender possibilities this offseason.

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Dierkes lists 44 players he believes might no tender a contract and would become free agents including, three Chicago Cubs: recently-acquired first baseman Mat Gamel, reliever Daniel Bard, and second baseman Darwin Barney.

There a few players the Cubs might be interested. The Cubs are seeking a backup catch and Lou Marson and Michael McKenry, both make the list.

Marson, 27, has spent the last five seasons with the Cleveland Indians and hit .217/.308/.295 with 38 doubles, four triples, four home runs and 58 RBIs in 253 games. The 28-year-old McKenry, hit hit .226/.293/.381 with 32 doubles, 17 homers and 64 RBIs in 187 games with the Pittsburgh Pirates the past three seasons.

Pitchers Daniel Hudson, Tommy Hanson, and Andrew Bailey also make the list and may be worth a look. All three have had injury issues but have had success in the past.

The Cubs are a heavy lefhanded-hitting outfield so, adding a righthanded-hitting oufielder might be useful. Drew Stubbs, John Mayberry, Jr., Nolan Reimold, and Justin Ruggiano are all on the list. Stubbs draws the most interest due to his effective hitting at Wrigley Field: .265/.318/.454 with eight homers in 196 at-bats.

Non-tendering any or all of the three Cubs’ players would open spots on the 40-roster. Do you think the Cubs should tender contracts to Gamel, Bard, or Barney?

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