How does a Minor League FA to 40-man effect their next year's contract status?

[CheezWizHed]

I've been thinking about a few scenarios in our minors, but just want to make sure I'm clear on this.

 

If we sign a minor league FA, then add him to our 40 man roster, then that means he goes into the minor league options/arbitration (based on MLB history) for contract situation, right?

 

I'm thinking about Burns and Smith that were just called up and also Mike Jones. Now, Burns and Smith are on the 40-man and Jones is not. So if we don't add Jones to the 40 man, he becomes a FA again.

 

But if we keep any of the three on the 40man, they would need to make the 25 man roster next spring to stay with the club, right (where is that pesky options page, anyway?)?

 

I guess I'm hoping Mike Jones could have one more year to make it up to the MLB level. Not that they couldn't sign him to a minor league contract again, but I have a sneaky suspicion it will be harder to resign him again next year. Seattle has Jake Z and his girlfriend (or was it wife), so that might be an attactive destination.

[Brian the Automator]

Jones will be a FA after the season if the Brewers don't add him. They'll have his rights until the time comes (during S/T) when they'll have to decide to keep him or send him to the minors. I believe he's out of options, so he'd have to be outrighted... and I think this might be his 2nd outright (like Brad Nelson), so he could elect FA.

[JohnBriggs12]

How does one miss what one never really had? Jones will be 27 next year and has never pitched above AA. Only a guy who was once a first round pick would still have a job anywhere in affiliated baseball at this point. Most guys would have entered the real world or gotten their fix pitching in an indy league. I think if the Brewers still want him, he's not going to have too many other options.

[Mass Haas]

Where is that pesky options page, anyway?

If you click on the Milwaukee Brewers team button on our home page sidebar, then click on 40-man roster, you'll see this page.

 

In several cases, the option data is educated (or semi-educated) guesswork.

[CheezWizHed]

How does one miss what one never really had? Jones will be 27 next year and has never pitched above AA. Only a guy who was once a first round pick would still have a job anywhere in affiliated baseball at this point. Most guys would have entered the real world or gotten their fix pitching in an indy league. I think if the Brewers still want him, he's not going to have too many other options.

Yes, I'll admit to being a homer here. Wanting him to succeed because I've been rooting for him for so long. And I agree about the 1st round pick up to now. But last year, he stayed healthy. Now this year he has started to look good. And if he can keep it up with a 93-94 MPH fastball (as reported), he won't have any problems finding suitors for a minor league contract next year.

 

I'm not ready to grant him a major league stay, but I'm interested enough to want him at AAA for backup next year.