MLB · 1 year ago

Ranking the Top 10 Players Available in MLB Free Agency

Grant White

Host · Writer

1. Cody Bellinger
Cody Bellinger's career arc resembles all the highs and lows we'd typically expect to see on a rollercoaster at an amusement park—but after proving naysayers wrong, Belli's unwilling to take another discounted contract.

After years of failing to live up to his MVP standard, the Dodgers finally moved on from Bellinger last season. The two-time Silver Slugger re-invented himself with the Chicago Cubs, re-capturing some of his former glory.

Teams aren't willing to compensate Bellinger based on last year's effort alone, and that's left him out in the cold. Thankfully, it should start to heat up for him as soon as training camps open.
10. Gio Urshela
Just a few years ago, Gio Urshela was a centerpiece of the New York Yankees offense. Now, he's the Los Angeles Angels refuse.

Nevertheless, Urshela has been an above-average offensive performer. The 32-year-old ended last season with a .703 OPS and 0.8 WAR in 61 games, ending his season in June following a pelvis fracture.

The rehabilitation from hip surgery could be scaring teams off, but chances are Urshela will find himself as a depth option on a big-league roster before the start of the season. The best-case scenario would be signing with a team near the top of the World Series futures board.
9. Michael Taylor
Former Gold Glove-winning center fielder Michael Taylor is still looking for a big league contract ahead of Spring Training. The former Minnesota Twin had a banner year in 2023 but is short on suitors ahead of the upcoming campaign.

Taylor compiled the second-best OPS of his career, thanks to his career-best 21 home runs. Combined with his defensive contributions, the former World Series winner put together a tidy 1.9 WAR.

There aren't too many starting centerfielder positions up for grabs, but a few teams would benefit by adding Taylor.
8. Tim Anderson
Timing is everything. Tim Anderson would have been due for a massive pay increase if his free agency occurred a few years earlier. Instead, he's left scrambling for a deal with less than a week before position players are set to report to camp.

Anderson is coming off the worst season of his career and is unwilling to take a discount because of it. The two-time All-Star put up the worst OPS+, WAR, and slugging percentage of his career, plus some of his worst fielding metrics.

We saw a similar situation play out with Cody Bellinger last year. Anderson may be relegated to inking a one-year show-me pact, hoping for a more substantive offer in 2025. However, before returning to the MVP futures board, he faces a steep climb.
7. Whit Merrifield
Whit Merrifield is looking for a new home following two lackluster seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays. Over that stretch, Merrifield strung together a .319 OBP and .394 slugging percentage, resulting in the worst two-year stretch of his career.

Merrifield straddles a wide line, serving as a second baseman or corner outfielder. In either circumstance, he's a competent fielder and would be a solid utility player for most teams.

At 35, Merrifield might be looking for a longer contract than most teams are willing to give him. He should have no problem finding a new home if he's willing to concede.
6. J.D. Martinez
Nelson Cruz, Justin Turner, and Joey Votto are just a few of the names showing you can age gracefully in the MLB and remain productive. J.D. Martinez is hoping to add his name to that list.

The aging slugger will turn 37 in August but still has plenty of gas left in the tank. Last year, Martinez put together his best OPS since 2019, operating primarily out of the DH spot for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Martinez's profile might not be suited for all ballparks, but he remains a top-end power bat that could solidify the middle of most lineups.
5. Trevor Bauer
It's time to get Trevor Bauer back on an MLB roster.

The former Cy Young winner has expressed interest in returning to the bigs, offering to sign a league-minimum, incentive-laden contract. Moreover, Bauer's videos show that he's still dealing electric stuff.

This is probably the only time Bauer will come at a discounted rate, and he'd instantly insert himself atop most teams' rotations. Bauer could also be a live longshot to capture another Cy Young award, depending on where he ends up.
4. Jordan Montgomery
Jordan Montgomery is one of the few carryovers from last week's rankings. The hard-throwing lefty is still canvassing teams for a new deal, but his deal won't come before pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report.

Regression might be impacting Montgomery's status as a free agent. The big man threw a career-high 188.2 innings last season, pitching below his FIP. Teams might be concerned Montgomery can't replicate that standard year-over-year.
3. Matt Chapman
Over the past few seasons, Matt Chapman has cemented himself as one of the top-performing third basemen in the MLB. Still, he can't find anyone willing to pay him fair market value for what he brings to the diamond.

Chapman has won a Gold Glove in four of his past six seasons. Further, he's been an above-average bat over that stretch, compiling a .790 OPS.

At this point, most teams have their starters penciled in for the start of the season. However, Chapman would be an upgrade at the hot corner for most squads.
2. Blake Snell
Only six other players in MLB history have accomplished the same feat as Blake Snell, claiming the Cy Young award in both leagues. But nobody is willing to pay him for that distinction.

The southpaw has one of the most confusing player profiles in the majors. Snell has filthy strikeout metrics, but he also gives up a ton of baserunners, issuing an inflated 5.0 walks per nine innings last year.

Snell and agent Scott Boras are playing a game of chicken with the open market. But as is typically the case with Boras's clients, we expect Snell to come out on top.
1. Cody Bellinger
Cody Bellinger's career arc resembles all the highs and lows we'd typically expect to see on a rollercoaster at an amusement park—but after proving naysayers wrong, Belli's unwilling to take another discounted contract.

After years of failing to live up to his MVP standard, the Dodgers finally moved on from Bellinger last season. The two-time Silver Slugger re-invented himself with the Chicago Cubs, re-capturing some of his former glory.

Teams aren't willing to compensate Bellinger based on last year's effort alone, and that's left him out in the cold. Thankfully, it should start to heat up for him as soon as training camps open.
10. Gio Urshela
Just a few years ago, Gio Urshela was a centerpiece of the New York Yankees offense. Now, he's the Los Angeles Angels refuse.

Nevertheless, Urshela has been an above-average offensive performer. The 32-year-old ended last season with a .703 OPS and 0.8 WAR in 61 games, ending his season in June following a pelvis fracture.

The rehabilitation from hip surgery could be scaring teams off, but chances are Urshela will find himself as a depth option on a big-league roster before the start of the season. The best-case scenario would be signing with a team near the top of the World Series futures board.

Ranking the Top 10 Players Available in MLB Free Agency

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