Cubs Non-Tender Schwarber, Almora; Cardinals Non-Tender Brebbia, Ravelo

The first big moves of the Jed Hoyer era as head of the Chicago Cubs baseball operation have come.

The Cubs Wednesday did not tender contracts to outfielders Kyle Schwarber or Albert Almora, Jr. That leaves the pair as free agents. Also non-tendered were infielder Jose Martinez and relief pitcher Ryan Tepera. The Cubs have major decisions to make and financial considerations are a key factor.

Chicago did offer contracts to infielders Javier Baez and Kris Bryant, outfielder Ian Happ, and catchers Victor Caratini and Willson Contreras. Overall, a total of 24 players from the Cubs' 40-man roster were tendered 2021 contracts Wednesday; the five arbitration eligible players and 19 players not yet eligible for arbitration.

The Cubs also agreed to terms for 2021 with three relivers, including Effingham native and St. Anthony graduate Dan Winkler. Contract agreements were also reached with right-hander Colin Rea and left-hander Kyle Ryan.

The Cubs' 40-man roster now stands at 34 players.

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The St. Louis Cardinals opted not to sign pitcher John Brebbia and first baseman Rangel Ravelo, making them free agents.

The Cardinals said they had tendered contracts for 2021 to 29 of the 31 unsigned players on the 40-man roster.

Jack Flaherty, Jordan Hicks, Harrison Bader, John Gant and Alex Reyes were also arbitration-eligible. The Cardinas' major league roster currently stands at 37.