Cubs keep Bryant but will let Schwarber, Zamora depart.
Kyle Schwarber and Albert Almora Jr. became free agents Wednesday when the Chicago Cubs declined to offer contracts to two key players from their historic 2016 World Series championship.
While Schwarber, Almora, slugger Jose Martinez and pitcher Ryan Tepera were non-tendered, the Cubs offered 2021 contracts to infielders Kris Bryant and Javier Baez, catchers Willson Contreras and Victor Caratini, and outfielder Ian Happ. They agreed to one-year deals with relievers Kyle Ryan, Colin Rea and Dan Winkler, avoiding arbitration with all three.
Chicago also announced it had claimed former Padres reliever Robert Stock off waivers from the Boston Red Sox.
Wednesday’s non-tender deadline was the first major look at the state of the Cubs since Jed Hoyer was promoted to president of baseball operations last month, replacing Theo Epstein. Bryant, Baez, and Contreras could still be on the move this winter via trade if the club looks to cut more payroll.
White Sox shed two
The White Sox declined to offer 2021 contracts to right fielder Nomar Mazara and pitcher Carlos Rodon, sending the pair into free agency.
Chicago also announced it had reached a one-year deal with 27-yearold reliever Jace Fry worth $862,500.
Royals moves
The Royals agreed to one-year deals with OFs Jorge Soler and Franchy Cordero, 1B Hunter Dozier and RHPs Jesse Hahn and Jakob Junis.
The Royals also cut 3B Maikel Franco, who would have been due a substantial salary increase.
The only remaining arbitration-eligible players are two big ones: SS Adalberto Mondesi, their defensive linchpin, and No. 1 starter Brad Keller, who was 5-3 with a 2.47 ERA in nine starts last season.
Also, lefty
Mike Minor and the Royals have finalized an $18 million, twoyear deal, reuniting the 32-year-old starter with the club that helped him revive his career.
Notable
The AL champion Rays offered 2021 contracts to all seven of their arbitration-eligible players, including starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow.
The others were LHPs Ryan Yarbrough and Jose Alvarado, RHP Yonny Chirinos, 1B Ji-Man Choi, INF Joey Wendle and CF Manuel Margot.
The Angels acquired veteran SS Jose Iglesias from the Orioles in a trade for minor league RHPs Garrett Stallings and Jean Pinto.
The Astros have offered contracts to SS Carlos Correa, INF Aledmys Diaz and RHP Lance McCullers Jr.
A’s 1B Matt Olson reached agreement on a $5 million guaranteed oneyear contract, avoiding salary arbitration.
The Twins agreed to a $2.2 million, one-year contract with reliever Tyler Duffey.
The Reds declined to offer contracts to reliever Archie Bradley, C Curt Casali and OF Brian Goodwin. Cincy also announced that it had agreed to a one-year deal with INF Kyle Farmer.
The Dodgers acquired reliever Corey Knebel from the Brewers for a player to be named or cash. Also, reliever Scott Alexander and the Dodgers agreed to a $1 million, one-year deal, avoiding arbitration.
OF Alex Dickerson agreed to a $2.1 million, one-year contract with the Giants to avoid arbitration.
1B Jesus Aguilar has agreed to terms on a $4.35 million, one-year deal to remain with the Marlins. First baseman-outfielder Garrett Cooper agreed to a $1.9 million, one-year deal.
The Mets agreed to a $5.1 million, one-year deal with LHP Steven Matz and finalized their $15.5 million, twoyear contract with reliever Trevor May.
The D-backs offered contracts to three arbitration-eligible players: catcher Carson Kelly and pitchers Luke Weaver and Caleb Smith.
The Nationals tendered contracts to OF Juan Soto and SS Trea Turner.
The Twins declined to offer a 2021 contract to OF Eddie Rosario.