Major league clubs let 26 players become free agents rather than allow them to become eligible for salary arbitration. They also let 10 other players go in cost-cutting moves.
Among the players cut before salary arbitration filing were: reliever Gregg Olson of Baltimore, outfielder Jerald Clark of Colorado and pitcher Don Pall of Philadelphia.Left-hander Greg Cadaret and Toronto agreed on a minor-league contract worth about half the $1.19 million he made last season.
Montreal catcher Darrin Fletcher, barely eligible for arbitration, got a three-year contract worth $2,625,000. Fletcher, 27, hit .255 last season with nine homers and 60 RBIs and made $170,000.
Infielder Lance Blankenship and Oakland agreed to a $550,000, one-year deal, a cut of $77,500. And pitcher James Austin and the New York Yankees agreed to a minor-league contract.
Tim Raines and the Chicago White Sox are expected to announce a three-year contract soon, and the Baltimore Orioles were continuing talks with the agent of third baseman Chris Sabo.