Non-Roster Invitees, or NRI’s, are players that MLB teams invite to spring training but that are not on the 40-man roster.
Clubs will invite minor league free agents that they have signed during the offseason, as well as young top prospects in order to fill out their spring training roster.
NRI Purpose/Value
NRIs are very important to the spring training rosters of MLB clubs. During spring training MLB clubs will play a game nearly every day from mid-February until the season starts in April. This is almost seven weeks of games.
MLB clubs do not play all of their regular players during these games, as they are building up stamina as the MLB regular season approaches. Pitchers will build up their arms in shorter outings and hitters will play a couple of innings in the field and get a couple of at-bats per game. NRI’s replace the normal starters and allow MLB teams to play full 9-inning games during spring training.
Most MLB clubs will go into spring training with a few roster positions up in the air, in terms of who the regular season starter will be. MLB clubs bring in NRIs as possible options for those positions.
The most common positional openings that teams have to include are utility infield/outfield, backup catcher, 5th starting pitcher, and bullpen spots.
NRI’s not only are playing to impress their own MLB club and try and win an MLB roster spot for the upcoming season but also playing to impress other MLB clubs.
Spring training injuries are not uncommon and what results is one MLB club having roster openings that must be filled prior to the start of the MLB season. NRIs are often inexpensive replacements because their contracts are non-guaranteed.
MLB clubs often invite their top prospects to spring training even if they are not on the 40-man roster yet. This gives the MLB coaching staff a long look at these players, potentially the future stars of the franchise, and allows the players to experience coaching from the MLB staff.
Top prospects will get to compete in MLB spring training games against the top players in the MLB. The experience they gain is invaluable in their development process and shows them what they will be up against as they drive toward their goal of becoming an MLB player.
NRI Success Example
One of the most notable MLB NRI success stories in recent years is Justin Turner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Following the 2013 season, Turner was granted MLB free agency by the New York Mets. He signed a minor league contract with the Dodgers with an invite to spring training.
He earned his spot on the MLB roster that year and has been one of the top 3rd basemen in the MLB since. In 2017 he was an MLB All-Star and since joining the Dodgers has finished in the top 10 in NL MVP voting twice (2016 & 2017).
Summary
The NRI process is mutually beneficial to all parties involved. MLB clubs are provided roster depth in spring training and an extended evaluation period for potential players as well as prospects.
The NRIs themselves are given an opportunity to earn a roster spot, showcase their talent to other MLB clubs, or gain valuable experience against top competition.
Related Links:
https://tht.fangraphs.com/the-fascinating-enigma-of-the-non-roster-invitee/
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