5 players who could be surprising non-tenders and become FAs

The deadline for Major League Baseball's 30 clubs to inform arbitration-eligible players if they'll receive a contract for the 2018 season is Friday at 8 p.m. ET.

And, as usual, we can expect to see some established names let go to become free agents. Last offseason, for instance, Chris Carter was non-tendered by the Milwaukee Brewers even though he tied for the National League lead in home runs the season prior.

With that in mind, here are five notable players who could be non-tendered this week despite being able to help their respective clubs next season.

Adeiny Hechavarria, Tampa Bay

2017 Stats

When the Rays acquired Hechavarria from the Marlins last June, it signaled the end of the Tim Beckham experiment in Tampa Bay. The Rays then traded Beckham to Baltimore at the deadline and slotted in the defensively gifted but soft-hitting Hechavarria at shortstop. But, with a projected raise via arbitration to a salary in the $5-million range, the 28-year-old may be too expensive for the frugal Rays, who could insert the more affordable Matt Duffy at short until prospect Willy Adames is ready for the big leagues.

Drew Smyly, Seattle

Mariners GM Jerry Dipoto gave up three players (Mallex Smith, Ryan Yarbrough, Carlos Vargas) to acquire Smyly ahead of last season, but hasn't received anything in return for his investment. Smyly only made three appearances in spring training before injuring his pitching elbow, and eventually underwent Tommy John surgery. He's expected to miss the first half of 2018, and with an estimated arbitration price tag of nearly $7 million, he may never appear in a regular-season contest for Seattle.

Brock Holt, Boston

The highly versatile Holt - who's played every position but pitcher and catcher during his career - was an All-Star in 2015, but it's been downhill ever since. He's struggled with concussions and vertigo issues, and hit just .200/.305/.243 in 64 big-league games last season. Holt's not expected to receive a huge raise in arbitration (projected to earn $2 million), but the Red Sox may opt to give his roster spot to someone else.

Hector Rondon, Chicago Cubs

In 2015, Rondon was a shutdown closer for an emerging Cubs team that would reach the postseason via the NL wild card. Fast-forward to the present day, and the 29-year-old may not be in Chicago's future plans, as he's projected to earn more than $6 million in arbitration. Rondon's been striking out more hitters over the past two seasons, but the rise of his ERA (1.67 in 2015, 4.24 in 2017) and FIP (2.68 in 2015, 4.12 in 2017) are certainly concerning.

Evan Gattis, Houston

Since arriving in Houston via trade from the Atlanta Braves in 2015, Gattis has collected 71 home runs and driven in 215 runs, but was relegated to splitting catching duties with Brian McCann last season while also slotting in as the DH. It doesn't make a lot of sense for the Astros to break up the band after winning the World Series, but Gattis is projected to earn $6.6 million in arbitration and the team has 26-year-old Max Stassi ready and waiting to be the backup behind the plate.

Projected arbitration figures courtesy of MLB Trade Rumors

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)