Oliver Dunn and Thomas Pannone Elect Free Agency
The two veteran players have opted for minor league free agency following their removal from 40-man rosters.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Baseball
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Oliver Dunn and Thomas Pannone have officially elected minor league free agency after being outrighted from their respective teams' 40-man rosters. Both players now enter the offseason looking to secure new minor league contracts with major league organizations.
Why it matters
Electing minor league free agency allows players who have been removed from a 40-man roster and meet specific service time requirements to seek new opportunities with any MLB team. This process is a common route for veterans to pursue major league roster spots after being designated for assignment.
In 2026, Thomas Pannone recorded a 4.70 ERA across 99 2/3 innings at Triple-A Nashville, while Oliver Dunn finished his time with the Rays posting a .258 OPS in 12 plate appearances.
The players
Oliver Dunn
He is a professional baseball player who previously appeared in games for the Tampa Bay Rays.
Thomas Pannone
He is a professional pitcher who has spent time with the Blue Jays and the Milwaukee Brewers.
The details
Players qualify for this status after being outrighted off 40-man rosters during the season, provided they possess at least three years of MLB service time or have received multiple career outright assignments. Oliver Dunn will now pursue new deals, while Thomas Pannone looks for a fresh start following his brief major league appearance for the Brewers in July.
Timeline
Thomas Pannone pitched for the Blue Jays between 2018 and 2019.
Thomas Pannone made a major league appearance for the Brewers on July 29, 2026.
The Rays outrighted Oliver Dunn off their 40-man roster in September 2026.
This news was published on October 31, 2026.
Oliver Dunn will seek a minor league contract during the 2026-27 offseason.
Season Trajectory
This movement follows the standard administrative cycle of the MLB offseason where teams clear space on 40-man rosters for prospect evaluations. These roster shuffles directly impact the minor league free agent market, creating new options for clubs looking to add depth.
The departure of these veterans opens spots on the Rays and Brewers 40-man rosters for potential younger prospects or depth additions. Fantasy managers tracking deep-bench rotations should monitor where these players sign to see if they gain a path to a major league bullpen or utility role.
The takeaway
Veterans often utilize the minor league free agency process to find new organizations that offer a clearer path to major league playing time. Players in this position typically prioritize signing deals that include invitations to spring training as non-roster invitees.
Further reading
For more information on current player movements, visit the Baseball section.
More information
Track updated roster moves on the Official MiLB transactions page.
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