Friday marks the deadline for MLB teams to tender contracts to arbitration-eligible players for next season. Those who are not offered a contract are considered non-tendered and immediately become free agents.
With that in mind, we will be examining potential non-tender candidates on the A's. We started with Josh Phegley on Monday, and followed with Ryan Dull on Tuesday and Kendall Graveman on Wednesday. Next up is relief pitcher Cory Gearrin.
[RELATED: Dull creates interesting decision]
With our All Access Daily newsletter, stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams!
SIGN UP HERE The 32-year-old right-hander is projected to get $2.4 million in arbitration, according to MLB Trade Rumors. That might be too much to spend on a depth reliever, especially for a team with as many bullpen arms as the A's.
Gearrin went 2-1 with a 3.77 ERA and one save last season across the Giants, Rangers, and A's. He only pitched six innings for Oakland, allowing four earned runs.
For his career, Gearrin is 12-9 with a 3.54 ERA.
The A's already have picked up Fernando Rodney's option for next season. They also figure to return Blake Treinen, Lou Trivino, J.B. Wendelken, Yusmeiro Petit, and Ryan Buchter, as well as potentially Shawn Kelley. While Gearrin can still be an effective option out of the bullpen, the A's may not have room for him.
Athletics
Find the latest Athletics news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Bay Area and California.
Of course, Oakland always could tender Gearrin a contract and then trade him. There will be several teams in need of bullpen help, and Gearrin has proven to be a reliable big league reliever throughout his career.
Either way, it seems unlikely that Gearrin will be back in green and gold next season.