The Cubs' Kyle Schwarber and Albert Almora Jr. were among several established players who became free agents after their teams placed them on waivers instead of offering them arbitration before MLB's non-tender deadline on Wednesday night.

Schwarber was a key piece of the Cubs' World Series-winning team in 2016 when he hit .412 in the Fall Classic after returning from a major injury to his left knee, but he struggled mightily at the plate last year, hitting just .188 with 11 homers in 59 games. Almora, a former sixth overall draft pick, was limited to just 34 plate appearances this season after struggling in 2019, hitting just .236.

Minnesota outfielder Eddie Rosario was put on waivers after he hit .257 with 13 home runs and could have received a hefty raise through arbitration. It was estimated that he could have been awarded as much as $10 million a season, according to the Star Tribune.

Cincinnati's Brian Goodwin also regressed this season, hitting .215 with six homers and 17 runs scored after hitting .262 for the Angels in 2019.

The Braves' Adam Duvall, who smacked 16 homers and drove in 33 runs in 57 games in 2020, when he was regarded as one of the game's better hitters and helped lead the Braves to the cusp of the World Series, is looking for a new team. So too is Cleveland's Tyler Naquin, who hit just .218 last season.

The White Sox non-tendered Nomar Maraza, who hit .228 in his first season in Chicago. The team also waived left-hander Carlos Rodon after injuries and ineffectiveness limited him to 42 1/3 innings and a 5.74 ERA over the past two seasons.

The Royals cut ties with third baseman Maikel Franco, who led the tam in doubles (16) and RBIs (38). The move clears the way for the arrival of Kelvin Gutierrez, one of the team's best prospects.

Texas waived Danny Santana, whose recent elbow surgery left him questionable to return in time for Opening Day. Santana hit .283 with 28 homers with a .534 slugging percentage in 2019.

--Field Level Media