MLB Rumors: 11 Players Elect Free Agency

As the MLB offseason begins for some teams, 11 players have elected minor league free agency after being outrighted off their respective teams' 40-man rosters during the season. 

Among the notable names are catcher Seby Zavala (Seattle Mariners), infielders Keston Hiura (Los Angeles Angels), and outfielder Edward Olivares (Pittsburgh Pirates). 

Each of these players now has the requisite service time and career outrights necessary to test the open market, hoping to find new opportunities for the 2025 season.

Keston Hiura. 20 home runs. 36 games.

You guys know the drill by now 😅 pic.twitter.com/hUF4OWmspH

— Salt Lake Bees (@SaltLakeBees) August 21, 2024

Zavala, a defensive specialist, had a challenging 2024 season, being designated for assignment three times by the Mariners. 

Despite his strong defense, he hit just .154 in 18 games, and with Seattle's catching depth secure, Zavala chose to explore other options. 

Keston Hiura, once a top prospect with the Milwaukee Brewers, has struggled to regain a regular role despite his power potential. 

After spending 2023 with the Tigers, Hiura slashed .323 during spring training but was left in Triple-A due to Detroit's crowded roster. 

"The Tigers would surely like to keep Hiura around as depth," noted Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press, "but other teams could give him a shot at the big leagues with his reverse splits and power potential."

"THAT'S THE WAY YOU PLAY BASEBALL!"

Edward Olivares makes it 5-0 after some excellent base running Oneil Cruz!!!!! pic.twitter.com/ptcV38ZgaS

— Platinum Ke’Bryan (@PlatinumKey13) June 25, 2024

Outfielder Edward Olivares, who was acquired by the Pirates from the Kansas City Royals, also chose free agency after being outrighted to Triple-A Indianapolis. 

Olivares struggled offensively, batting just .224 over 91 games, and Pittsburgh's acquisition of Bryan De La Cruz made him expendable. 

Joining Zavala, Hiura, and Olivares are several pitchers, including Dan Altavilla (Royals), Matt Andriese (Miami Marlins), Aaron Brooks (Oakland Athletics), and Anthony Gose (Cleveland Guardians), all of whom are now looking for fresh starts as teams begin reshaping their rosters for the upcoming season.

Photo Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images