3 non-tendered players the San Diego Padres should sign immediately

If you are looking for unearthed treasures on the Major League Baseball free agent market, look no further than those players recently non-tendered. MLB clubs had until 8 p.m. (Eastern) last Friday to tender a contract offer to players still under team control. Often, a player is non-tendered because the front office does not value them enough to go through the salary arbitration process.

Organizations will be active in the non-tendered portion of the free agent market this winter. Some signings may not work, but there are gems in the group.

Let's take a look at three non-tendered players whom the San Diego Padres should sign immediately:

SP Brandon Woodruff

It was surprising to see Brandon Woodruff on the non-tendered list, as he was a quality starting pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers. In 2021, Woodruff went 9-10 with a 2.56 ERA to finish fifth for the National League Cy Young Award. However, injuries to his throwing shoulder have limited his availability on the mound of late.

Woodruff missed the first four months of the 2023 season due to a subscapularis strain in his right shoulder. His return to the hill was outstanding, as Woodruff went 5-1 with a 2.28 ERA in 11 starts. He posted 74 strikeouts in 67 innings pitched. Unfortunately, Woodruff suffered another shoulder injury (anterior capsule) that required season-ending surgery.

His status for the 2024 season is unknown at the moment. The Padres would be investing for the future if they pursue Woodruff. The team is hoping he will be completely healthy at some point next season. Woodruff would be a welcome addition to the starting rotation behind Yu Darvish and Joe Musgrove. The Friar Faithful hopes he will match his previous success to ease their concerns.

CF Kyle Lewis

Kyle Lewis sky-rocketed into the majors as he won the American League Rookie of the Year Award during the COVID-shortened 2020 season. Lewis batted .262 with 11 home runs, 28 RBI and .801 OPS in 58 games. Unfortunately, his prolonged hitting struggles have diminished Lewis' star value as a top player.

A lingering knee injury has limited his effectiveness at the plate (.202 batting average) and ability to play regularly (70 games) since the 2021 season. It has contributed to his inability to make consistent contact at the plate. Lewis struggles to speed up his bat against high-velocity pitchers. He strikes out over 30 percent of his at-bats. The Padres must decide if the extra work with Lewis is worth the effort to regain his stroke and become an offensive threat in the lineup.

Lewis is 28 and could benefit from a change of scenery to re-ignite his baseball career. But before offering a contract, the Friars need to see Lewis’ medicals on his surgically repaired knee. It will confirm whether or not he is a viable candidate for an outfielder position.