8 players to watch at non-tender deadline

Friday’s 11:59 p.m. ET non-tender deadline is rapidly approaching, and several Major League teams have decisions to make regarding their arbitration-eligible players.

Clubs will have to decide whether to offer contracts to players who are eligible for arbitration or are not yet eligible, but are on the team’s 40-man roster.

A player who is non-tendered becomes a free agent and can then sign with any other team. A tendered player can negotiate the details of a contract with his club. If the two sides are unable to agree on a deal and the player is eligible for arbitration, a hearing will determine the player’s 2017 salary.

Here is a look at some of the notable names who could be non-tendered before Friday’s deadline.

Norichika Aoki, Astros

The Astros claimed the veteran outfielder off waivers from the Mariners in early November, but he would likely be a role player for Houston since the club recently inked Josh Reddick to a four-year deal. Aoki, who would earn around $7 million in arbitration, hit .283 with four home runs and 28 RBIs in 118 games for Seattle in 2016. The 34-year-old would make for a solid leadoff option in a largely right-handed lineup if he does not remain in Houston.

Brett Lawrie, White Sox

Lawrie hit .248 with 12 home runs and 36 RBIs in 94 games for Chicago last year, missing the latter half of the season with a hamstring injury and quad soreness. Lawrie is scheduled to earn approximately $5 million in arbitration if the White Sox choose to tender him, but he could …

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