So, initially Keston Hiura appeared on the initial post of this thread as one who would qualify for minor league free agency this fall. He debuted as a pro in 2017 and has played seven pro seasons, so easy-peasy, right?
Not so fast, as it turns out (since verified). Hiura's name has since been removed, with an odd twist. The Brewers actually control Hiura for 2024 as well (if they wish).
Here's why and how:
The one year Hiura spent entirely in the Majors (2020) does not count towards his minor league free agency. As such, the Brewers could retain Hiura on a minor league contract for 2024 at one-half of his $2.2 million salary (so $1.1 million, thanks easy math).
Now clearly, if Hiura is added to the 40-man roster (meaning called up to the 26-man roster in August or the 28-man roster in September), this oddity goes away. Because to send Hiura back to the minors, he'd have to be exposed to waivers, and could leave on his own if not claimed.
If Hiura is not called up by the end of the season, he'd be part of the organization this fall, including the Rule 5 draft in December. A team could claim Hiura and would have to keep him on the active roster for all of 2024. But Keston is out of options, so that's pretty much the case anyway. But Hiura on a $1.1 million salary seems rather appealing.
It seems like it'd be kind of a sneaky thing to do, not sure if Keston and his agent would appreciate it, but Hiura (and his .941 AAA OPS) has value, somewhere, to someone, including the Brewers.
NOTE: The only thing I have not confirmed is whether the $1.1M salary maintains as such if Hiura were to be called up to the big leagues at any point. I also wish I had an example for you of another MLB player who had been maintained this way.
I am hopeful a member of the beat can confirm with the front office, or a real transaction maven can confirm more specifics, but yeah, the drama about Hiura's status could linger.