Emilio Bonifacio DFA'd

[cmathewson]

This makes sense only if it allows the team to carry an extra bat because he can play all over the diamond. Reports of whether he can play center as well as Mastro and short as well as Escobar are all over the map. I don't have enough data to say one way or the other. But if having him means we can bring one fewer utility guy than we normally need, I'm for it.

 

BTW, this is the problem with relying exclusively on stats. When guys are primarily bench guys, it is really hard to judge how much luck is involved with their numbers. I have not seen enough of him to judge him. Punto I know was not as good as his defensive numbers. I'm confident in that assessment after watching him play in hundreds of games. I don't have anything on this guy. So I'll gladly defer to the professional scouts. If they sign him, they determine that he's good enough. If not, no big loss.

[cmathewson]

Eggs-Ackley!!! Well said Doc!!! I'm giving you Jokin and String 4 points. Those points ain't worth much but it's the thought that counts.

 

I want Bonofacio on the roster. I don't want him because I think he is Jacoby Ellsbury. I want him for this roster... This team context... Because He's perfect and I can't think of a single player in all of MLB that's as perfect for our needs.

 

We are going into 2014 presumably with Trevor Plouffe at 3B and Alex Presley in CF and not a single experienced player at those positions backing them up.

 

Presley just might be the be the every day CF by default out of Spring Training just like Clete Thomas was in the back half of 2013.

 

Presley could hit .200 in 2014 and there is no one to take him out of the lineup. Presley could hit .200 and he'd have to be penciled in every day regardless.

 

I remember 2013... It wasn't that long ago. We started with Hicks in CF and he was all we had. Wilken Ramirez was the backup CF and after it was clear that Hicks had to be sent down. Here comes Clete Thomas and Clete played every day. I don't want to do that again!!!

 

Hicks needs to start at Rochester. We don't know if he's gonna figure out the MLB breaking pitch or not. Mastro is no guarantee to be rostered. Buxton won't be rushed and we have corner OF's coming out of our ears.

 

.

 

 

I think ink you undervalue Hicks by a lot. I do think they'll start the year with Presley. But, if he struggles, I expect Hicks to take over for the rest of the year. Then you've got Mastro and Presley vying for fourth outfielder. We have one more viable center fielder than we had last year. I can't say Bonny is any better in center than those two, all things considered.

 

His value is as a replacement for Escobar. Being able to play in the outfield is what makes him potentially a better fit than Escobar. But it isn't the reason you sign him.

[TheLeviathan]

I would imagine our 13 position players breaking out of camp look like this (unless I'm missing something):

 

C - Suzuki, Fryer

1B - Mauer, Parmelee

IF - Plouffe, Escobar, Florimon, Dozier

OF - Willingham, Pressley, Arcia, Kubel

 

To me, that leaves room for a guy like Bonifacio to serve as a super utility player. I'd prefer him over Mastroanni or even Bartlett.

[Riverbrian]

There is a device that you can put on your finger to measure oxygen saturation in a person. If it gives you a good reading you know it is working. If you get a bad number, check the patient, then and most often troubleshoot. I think that pretty much sums up defensive metrics. Small sample size could be the problem. Does he have the small sample size because he does not play out there well? Reading the ball in various outfield positions and playing bounces off walls may not be the easiest thing to do. Regardless, someone saw things they did not like to get the numberThe lack of 3B/ss time would point towards not a great arm.

 

Good analogy!!!

 

Ok... Troubleshooting this patient. The data I use is what teams do with him... It suggests that he is a utility player. That's why I recommend signing him as a utility player and not a starter.

 

2008... The Nats are not happy with Felipe Lopez at 2B. They trade for Bonofacio... Giving up Jon Rauch to the D-Backs to get him. The Nats give Bonofacio the lions share of work at 2B for the final two months. He is traded to the Marlins in the off season for Josh Willingham (Among Others).

 

2009... Mike Jacobs was traded to the Royals because Gaby Sanchez was supposed to be the hot new 1B option. Sanchez struggles in ST so with cold feet. Manager Fredi Gonzalez moves Jorge Cantu over to 1B and hands Emilio Bonofacio 3B. He doesn't hurt the Marlins... They win 87 games but the Marlin fans (16 of them) hate Bonofacio just like Twins Fans hated Punto. A light hitting 3B is gonna get you hated.

 

2010... Sanchez is finally installed as the 1B and Cantu is moved back to 3B. Bonofacio becomes Super Utility. He plays 29 games in the OF and 20 Games in the INF. The Marlins are working with Coughlin, Ross, Maybin and Morrison in the OF and a young Mike Stanton making noise in the minors. Maybin under performs so Cody Ross plays CF more than anyone else that year. Bonofacio plays 6 different positions and never finds a regular home. He plays CF more than other position due to Maybin struggling.

 

2011... Bonofacio puts the super in super utility. Having a decent year and collecting over 600 at bats at multiple positions. The wheels are coming off the Marlins. Jack McKeon is brought in as manager mid season to try and stabilize things in the final season before the brand new stadium. The Marlins feel (I assume) that Bonofacio is more valuable as the utility guy because Donnie Murphy is the opening day starter at 3B. The Marlins are still unsure of Mike Stanton's readiness. Bono first hits the lineup as the RF bringing Stanton along slowly. Murphy Tanks at 3B and Bono is back at 3B and Hanley plays terribly and eventually injures his shoulder so Bonofacio spends a big chunk off the season at SS. He plays full time without having a full time job and nearly hits .300... Marlin fans (all 12 of them) don't hate him as much anymore and the Marlins decide to pay him a couple of million to hang around in 2012.

 

2012... Ozzie Guillen... New Stadium and Jose Reyes... Reyes at SS... Ramirez moves to 3B... Bonofacio is named the opening day CF. He hits around .270 with very little power and steals around 20 bases in a little over a month before he gets knocked out by a thumb injury in May. He comes back in July and the Marlins are dead!!! Stanton is hurt... Infante is traded to Detroit and Hanley is traded to the Dodgers. Ruggiano becomes the new CF and Bono is moved to 2B to fill the Infante hole. He gets hurt again and is traded in the off season to the Blue Jays.

 

2013... He opens the Season as the Opening day 2B. He has what can be qualified as a bad year in Toronto. However... In my opinion... It is his first bad year. Let's say... Bad half year... Other years were at least average. He was horribly awful in April thru June... He turns it around in July... The Wheel are coming off the Jays... He's struggling at 2B... Pretty soon the utility role that he's a natural at comes calling. Bautista and Lawrie can't stay healthy. Melky, Rasmus, Jose Reyes all need time to heal. Bono moves around the Diamond like he never has before. He is traded to the Royals and the Royals hand him the everyday 2B job and he returns to normal form hitting near .280.

 

2014... The Royals are not that impressed obviously and they have a decent roster. They sign Infante to play 2B and plug a long time sore point. Bonofacio is DFA'd.

 

I want him... Some here don't.

 

The Twins need backup at 3B and CF and speed. Can anyone think of another MLB player who kills all 3 of these birds with one stone like Bono does. I can't.

[cmathewson]

Good analogy!!!

 

Ok... Troubleshooting this patient. The data I use is what teams do with him... It suggests that he is a utility player. That's why I recommend signing him as a utility player and not a starter.

 

2008... The Nats are not happy with Felipe Lopez at 2B. They trade for Bonofacio... Giving up Jon Rauch to the D-Backs to get him. The Nats give Bonofacio the lions share of work at 2B for the final two months. He is traded to the Marlins in the off season for Josh Willingham (Among Others).

 

2009... Mike Jacobs was traded to the Royals because Gaby Sanchez was supposed to be the hot new 1B option. Sanchez struggles in ST so with cold feet. Manager Fredi Gonzalez moves Jorge Cantu over to 1B and hands Emilio Bonofacio 3B. He doesn't hurt the Marlins... They win 87 games but the Marlin fans (16 of them) hate Bonofacio just like Twins Fans hated Punto. A light hitting 3B is gonna get you hated.

 

2010... Sanchez is finally installed as the 1B and Cantu is moved back to 3B. Bonofacio becomes Super Utility. He plays 29 games in the OF and 20 Games in the INF. The Marlins are working with Coughlin, Ross, Maybin and Morrison in the OF and a young Mike Stanton making noise in the minors. Maybin under performs so Cody Ross plays CF more than anyone else that year. Bonofacio plays 6 different positions and never finds a regular home. He plays CF more than other position due to Maybin struggling.

 

2011... Bonofacio puts the super in super utility. Having a decent year and collecting over 600 at bats at multiple positions. The wheels are coming off the Marlins. Jack McKeon is brought in as manager mid season to try and stabilize things in the final season before the brand new stadium. The Marlins feel (I assume) that Bonofacio is more valuable as the utility guy because Donnie Murphy is the opening day starter at 3B. The Marlins are still unsure of Mike Stanton's readiness. Bono first hits the lineup as the RF bringing Stanton along slowly. Murphy Tanks at 3B and Bono is back at 3B and Hanley plays terribly and eventually injures his shoulder so Bonofacio spends a big chunk off the season at SS. He plays full time without having a full time job and nearly hits .300... Marlin fans (all 12 of them) don't hate him as much anymore and the Marlins decide to pay him a couple of million to hang around in 2012.

 

2012... Ozzie Guillen... New Stadium and Jose Reyes... Reyes at SS... Ramirez moves to 3B... Bonofacio is named the opening day CF. He hits around .270 with very little power and steals around 20 bases in a little over a month before he gets knocked out by a thumb injury in May. He comes back in July and the Marlins are dead!!! Stanton is hurt... Infante is traded to Detroit and Hanley is traded to the Dodgers. Ruggiano becomes the new CF and Bono is moved to 2B to fill the Infante hole. He gets hurt again and is traded in the off season to the Blue Jays.

 

2013... He opens the Season as the Opening day 2B. He has what can be qualified as a bad year in Toronto. However... In my opinion... It is his first bad year. Let's say... Bad half year... Other years were at least average. He was horribly awful in April thru June... He turns it around in July... The Wheel are coming off the Jays... He's struggling at 2B... Pretty soon the utility role that he's a natural at comes calling. Bautista and Lawrie can't stay healthy. Melky, Rasmus, Jose Reyes all need time to heal. Bono moves around the Diamond like he never has before. He is traded to the Royals and the Royals hand him the everyday 2B job and he returns to normal form hitting near .280.

 

2014... The Royals are not that impressed obviously and they have a decent roster. They sign Infante to play 2B and plug a long time sore point. Bonofacio is DFA'd.

 

I want him... Some here don't.

 

The Twins need backup at 3B and CF and speed. Can anyone think of another MLB player who kills all 3 of these birds with one stone like Bono does. I can't.

 

 

Good history lesson. The common thread in all his misfortune is mediocrity on teams that are looking to build rosters with above average players. That is a good description of the Twins. Perhaps he's a better fit for a team looking for a veteran on the bench and not in development mode, as the Nats, Marlins and Royals were in, and the Twins are in. The goal is development first and respectability second. Bono adds nothing to the development discussion, unless he's purely a sign and trade target. Those guys are best signed to minor league deals, Like Matt Guerrier and Jason Bartlett. So, my new position is get him on a minor league deal and make him beat out Escobar in ST. If another team offers him a major league deal, take a pass.

[Riverbrian]

I think ink you undervalue Hicks by a lot. I do think they'll start the year with Presley. But, if he struggles, I expect Hicks to take over for the rest of the year. Then you've got Mastro and Presley vying for fourth outfielder. We have one more viable center fielder than we had last year. I can't say Bonny is any better in center than those two, all things considered.

 

His value is as a replacement for Escobar. Being able to play in the outfield is what makes him potentially a better fit than Escobar. But it isn't the reason you sign him.

 

I hope I didn't give the impression that I'm down on Hicks. I think he has the skill to be a long time Twin. I love him and I think he'll get here and stick sometime.

 

He was obviously not ready last year. And not ready by a longshot and it would be a mistake to move into 2014 with Hicks in the plans at all until you see what he does.

 

When Hicks comes... Bono can be moved elsewhere like everyone else has done with him. Or Cut him loose if we are loaded.

 

Right now... Hicks ain't ready... Mastro is going to get pushed out the door by Kubel and Presley is playing CF everyday ala Clete Thomas. Trevor Plouffe is playing 3B everyday and sometimes Plouffe doesn't show up.

 

The past two years... Having to keep going back to a dry well because you didn't have a viable option to replace or at least challenge the everyday guy struggling day in and day out is killing the Twins.

 

Bonofacio becomes a cheap experienced option at two positions of need and 4 other positions to boot.

 

The more I get in this discussion... The stronger my conviction is getting.

[Riverbrian]

Good history lesson. The common thread in all his misfortune is mediocrity on teams that are looking to build rosters with above average players. That is a good description of the Twins. Perhaps he's a better fit for a team looking for a veteran on the bench and not in development mode, as the Nats, Marlins and Royals were in, and the Twins are in. The goal is development first and respectability second. Bono adds nothing to the development discussion, unless he's purely a sign and trade target. Those guys are best signed to minor league deals, Like Matt Guerrier and Jason Bartlett. So, my new position is get him on a minor league deal and make him beat out Escobar in ST. If another team offers him a major league deal, take a pass.

 

It might be better for Emilio to join the Red Sox or Yankees. It doesn't do us much good though.

 

As of right now... In my opinion. Bono blocks no prospect. 2 million a year should not block any prospect.

 

Hicks and Sano most likely won't be here opening day... When they come... Decisions are made...

 

Until they come... you have to set up your roster for the pre Sano/Hicks days.

 

For that Roster... Bono is perfect.

[Riverbrian]

I would imagine our 13 position players breaking out of camp look like this (unless I'm missing something):

 

C - Suzuki, Fryer

1B - Mauer, Parmelee

IF - Plouffe, Escobar, Florimon, Dozier

OF - Willingham, Pressley, Arcia, Kubel

 

To me, that leaves room for a guy like Bonifacio to serve as a super utility player. I'd prefer him over Mastroanni or even Bartlett.

 

A picture of this post from Levi is worth more than any of my 1,000 Words.

 

If you look at it: 2 spots do not have a capable backup and those 2 spots need a capable backup more than the others.

 

Who's backing up Plouffe at 3B? Escobar could but he doesn't possess elite skills in any facet of his game. If Plouffe tanks... It could cause a calling of Sano to the majors before they want to and taking a chance with a prospect as elite as Sano is a bad idea... Or... you coast with Escobar at 3B or Bartlett. Bonofacio is better and I'm tired of coasting with Butera, Thomas and at times... Plouffe.

 

Who's backing up Presley in CF? Certainly not Willingham, Arcia, Kubel or Parmelee. Presley is every day until Hicks comes to town and eventually Buxton.

 

Until then who's gonna play CF if Presley gets hurt or hits .188?

 

One spot left and Bonofacio has performed better than both Bartlett and Mastro at the MLB level and Bonofacio can back up both positions plus others. We can't say that Mastro is a solid piece of the planning for 2015. Might as well upgrade for 2014.

 

It's an obvious choice as long as you don't look at it like we are signing him to take over and make the all star game.

 

But, Along those lines... With Bonofacio flexibility and his speed. If he gets some regular playing time and puts up numbers like he did in 2011 or even 2012 before he got hurt or the back half of 2013. He may have some trade value at the trade deadline.

 

Nobody in MLB is experienced at both 3B and CF and elite speed with a reasonable price tag.

 

The only thing that could get in the way is price tag and he was DFA'd so that can't be that expensive.

 

I can't see any downside at all. Oh... and we need speed. I may have forgotten to mention that over the past few months.

 

OK... I've over hammered my point this morning and we don't need any hammering from anyone so I'll leave it here.

 

It's been a great discussion... Please continue.

[Willihammer]

Who should the Twins trade in order to get Bonifacio? Escobear?

[old nurse]

Who should the Twins trade in order to get Bonifacio? Escobear?

 

A player in the stature of Jonathan Murphy should be more than enough.

[jorgenswest]

His OBP is projected to be around .330 or higher--- that's a cherry that this team needs to pick. This is well above league average of .318. He has an OPS at .332 over the last 3 years, even with his bad time in Toronto- can you accept the possibility that there might have been underlying issues that contributed to such an outlier of a performance with the Jays?

 

Given that the Royals saw enough positive in 2013 and were very willing to re-sign Bonifacio at $3.5M for 2014 before they found someone better......and that the Twins won't be on the hook for anything close to that number, that it's at least worth a look to find out for certain if it really is "a waste of a roster spot." (I still see close to a dozen guys on this current roster that we would never miss if the Twins parted ways.)

 

I see OBP projections of 294-315

 

Steamer 246/309/328

Oliver 247/294/314

ZIPS 258/315/339

 

Source: fangraphs

[cmathewson]

Glad someone checked that. It just didn't seem right that ZIPS would project a 29 year old veteran to his career high in OBP. Check that, he did have one good year, when he had an OBP of .360 at age 26. That was his only year with an OPS+ over 100. Otherwise, he's had one year at .330 and a bunch of years hovering around .300.

[Jim H]

I don't think anyone wants PAs taken away from Arcia or Dozier, but they could use a day off every now and then, and there are certain pitching match-ups where Bonifacio undoubtedly has historically had an advantage.

 

Bonifacio could also take AB's from Escobar and perhaps Hicks if he can win the CF job. Plus hopefully, Sano gets to the majors fairly soon and pushes Plouffe to another position or backup. I have nothing really, against the idea of Bonifacio, but I don't really see how he helps a building team. He will be taking AB's from someone, even if the someone is only Escobar. I really don't see the point of having him in the lineup at this point on a team unlikely to contend. If somehow, the Twins are in contention in July/August well, a Bonifacio is probably available if you need one.

[stringer bell]

If the Twins were to sign Bonifacio, he would definitely eliminate Mastro from consideration. I don't think it would eliminate Escobar. Looking over at the success thread, I am in agreement that the club needs to win more games and adding someone with Bonifacio 's skill set would help the Twins win more games this year.

[cmathewson]

If the Twins were to sign Bonifacio, he would definitely eliminate Mastro from consideration. I don't think it would eliminate Escobar. Looking over at the success thread, I am in agreement that the club needs to win more games and adding someone with Bonifacio 's skill set would help the Twins win more games this year.

 

Let's play player A and B.

 

Player A 2012:

 

186 PAs .252/.328/.350/.678 21 SB, 3 CS

 

Player B 2012:

 

274 PAs .258/.330/.316/.645 30 SB 3 CS

 

Player A is Mastroianni. Player B is Bonifacio. I chose 2012 because Mastro broke his leg at the end of spring training in 2013 and they made him play on it, resulting in mostly a lost year of surgeries and trying to play with a hunk of metal in his leg.

 

Mastro has more power, as much speed and is a better defender in all outfield spots. He's also a year younger. It's not clear to me that Bonifacio is the better option.

 

Escobar, on the other hand, does not have the offensive or baserunning resume of Bonifacio. If they are comparable defenders in the infield, it might be worth doing something.

[stringer bell]

Not to pick nits, but four months (the difference in age between Bonifacio and Mastro) is closer to the same age than a year apart. Also, Mastro is an outfielder only. He has had one season in the major leagues, in which he played in 77 games. He hits right handed only and has a noticeable platoon split. Bonifacio has played over 750 innings at second, short, third, and center and over 600 innings at the corner outfield spots. RiverBrian gave us quite a rundown on Bonifacio's movements, both from position to position and team to team.

 

I presumed that if Bonifacio is acquired, he would be on the 40-man which would be another edge for him over Mastro. I actually think Mastroianni would and will make a decent fourth OF for someone, but I don't think he's a fit in Minnesota.

[Riverbrian]

Let's play player A and B.

 

Player A 2012:

 

186 PAs .252/.328/.350/.678 21 SB, 3 CS

 

Player B 2012:

 

274 PAs .258/.330/.316/.645 30 SB 3 CS

 

Player A is Mastroianni. Player B is Bonifacio. I chose 2012 because Mastro broke his leg at the end of spring training in 2013 and they made him play on it, resulting in mostly a lost year of surgeries and trying to play with a hunk of metal in his leg.

 

Mastro has more power, as much speed and is a better defender in all outfield spots. He's also a year younger. It's not clear to me that Bonifacio is the better option.

 

Escobar, on the other hand, does not have the offensive or baserunning resume of Bonifacio. If they are comparable defenders in the infield, it might be worth doing something.

 

As String said... Mastro can't play infield. That's why Bonofacio is the upgrade.

 

We all hope Hicks joins us in 2014 to stay. Bonofacio can be moved to make room if he's playing well. Mastro can't.

 

Bonofacio has more MLB experience than Mastro. He's had better years than 2012. Mastro has never had a better year than 2012.

 

And The 2012 comp... Bono was injured for most of the year. Pre-Injury 2012 he was doing good. He missed a couple of months and when he came back... His team was gone and the attitude around the club and town was "I'd like to kill this owner".

 

I'm also not sure that Mastro is the better defender in the OF. Neither of them are Revere or Buxton.

 

Don't get me wrong... I like Mastro but that's not a surprise because I'm a speed guy. We are looking at one last roster spot based on what Levi posted and I think Levi is right.

 

Bono is a perfect fit... He plugs 3 holes and potentially more... Mastro only plugs two.

[JP3700]

Bonifacio isn't a free agent. There are several teams who are interested in his services. Most of them being contenders. Yankees, Red Sox, Orioles, Dodgers, and a few others.

 

If it was only the $3 million, I'd say it would be fine as he'd possibly be a marginal upgrade. But I wouldn't give up anything of value for him, which is likely what it would take.

[ScottyB]

Bonifacio is now officially available to everyone. He's on unconditional release waivers as of today (the 10th). Anyone can claim him and just pay his salary of $3.5M. Claims will be resolved by reverse standings (in essence this year's draft order). No trade is necessary - just a claim.

[johnnydakota]

Its only money , and with Gardys tendency to carry 13 pitchers and 3 catchers, having a guy that versitale is a must in my opinon

[Riverbrian]

Bonifacio is now officially available to everyone. He's on unconditional release waivers as of today (the 10th). Anyone can claim him and just pay his salary of $3.5M. Claims will be resolved by reverse standings (in essence this year's draft order). No trade is necessary - just a claim.

 

My Fingers are crossed with hope. It Maskes it harrrd to type.

[stringer bell]

I'd would say that the Twins should claim him and almost certainly, they would win the claim (Houston and Chicago go first?).

[JP3700]

I'd would say that the Twins should claim him and almost certainly, they would win the claim (Houston and Chicago go first?).

 

I believe the Twins would be fifth as they use league wide standings from the previous season.

 

I'm a little bit curious as to why the Royals were unable to find any value for him. Especially considering articles and reports that there were/are interested teams. Perhaps it's a testament to his perceived value across the league.

 

I don't see the downside in claiming him. It's just money at this point and they have the need and an available roster spot.

[ScottyB]

Waiver & draft order - Houston, Miami, Chisox, Cubs & Twins. Bonifacio would have to get Albers' spot on the 40-man.

 

If there is no claim, he becomes a free agent, can sign with anyone and they are free to negotiate a new contract (likely for less money). Which probably means if the Twins want him, he would have to be claimed by the Twins. Otherwise there could be a bidding war against guys like the Dodgers and Yanks.

[johnnydakota]

Waiver & draft order - Houston, Miami, Chisox, Cubs & Twins. Bonifacio would have to get Albers' spot on the 40-man.

 

If there is no claim, he becomes a free agent, can sign with anyone and they are free to negotiate a new contract (likely for less money). Which probably means if the Twins want him, he would have to be claimed by the Twins. Otherwise there could be a bidding war against guys like the Dodgers and Yanks.

 

He already signed a contract for 2014, are you sure the Royals wouldnt be on the hook for his contract if he isint claimed?

[stringer bell]

Waiver & draft order - Houston, Miami, Chisox, Cubs & Twins. Bonifacio would have to get Albers' spot on the 40-man.

 

If there is no claim, he becomes a free agent, can sign with anyone and they are free to negotiate a new contract (likely for less money). Which probably means if the Twins want him, he would have to be claimed by the Twins. Otherwise there could be a bidding war against guys like the Dodgers and Yanks.

During the season AL teams get the first shot, during the offseason it is all of MLB, so the Twins do get the fifth shot to claim Bonifacio.

[ScottyB]

He already signed a contract for 2014, are you sure the Royals wouldnt be on the hook for his contract if he isint claimed?

 

See http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2014/02/royals-designate-emilio-bonifacio-for-assignment.html

 

Per MLBTraderumors - "Any team can now claim Bonifacio if they are willing to take on the entirety of his $3.5MM salary."

[johnnydakota]

See http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2014/02/royals-designate-emilio-bonifacio-for-assignment.html

 

Per MLBTraderumors - "Any team can now claim Bonifacio if they are willing to take on the entirety of his $3.5MM salary."

 

Yes agreeing on that fact, but if he goes unclaimed, are the Royals on the hook for the contract he signed? Which is what I am questioning .Im thinking if unclaimed after a certain amount of days then the royals will be obligated to pay his contract

[Willihammer]

I am a little unclear, maybe someone can clarify. If every team passes on Bonifacio, then he becomes a free agent? Meaning, his 3.5m contract with the Royals becomes null and void?

 

edit: what JD is asking

[JP3700]

I am a little unclear, maybe someone can clarify. If every team passes on Bonifacio, then he becomes a free agent? Meaning, his 3.5m contract with the Royals becomes null and void?

 

edit: what JD is asking

 

From what I know, contracts received through the arbitration process aren't guaranteed. If the player is released prior to the season, the club only owes the player 30-45 of his salary, depending when he was released.

 

So if he is released, I believe he would become a free agent and the Royals would have to pay 30 days of the $3.5 million he was owed.