MLB’s Best Value Free Agents: Top 6 Prove-It Players for 2025
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
Max Kepler – Underrated Power Bat
Max Kepler enters free agency with solid, though inconsistent, production. In 2022, he posted an impressive .816 OPS with 24 home runs but struggled last season. Kepler’s blend of power and versatility makes him a potential bargain, especially with big-name outfielders like Juan Soto and Teoscar Hernández leading the market. Kepler could be a valuable addition for teams looking for outfield depth or a reliable platoon bat.
6 MLB Value Free Agents
As MLB free agency opens, teams are assessing players who could provide excellent value, especially those willing to sign short-term deals to re-establish themselves. While big names like Juan Soto and Corbin Burnes dominate the headlines, there’s potential in less-hyped players, particularly veterans or players coming off injuries who are looking to bounce back. These “prove-it” deals are often one-year contracts, sometimes with a player option, and they can offer teams high upside with minimal long-term risk. Here are six players who could be intriguing value signings for 2024.
Seranthony Domínguez – Reliever Looking to Rebound
Although the Orioles exercised their option on Seranthony Domínguez, he still fits the mold of a player on a “prove-it” year. Domínguez showed dominance as a rookie but has struggled post-injury. With his high-velocity fastball and past effectiveness, he could surprise as a solid bullpen addition in 2024 if he regains form, making Baltimore’s gamble on him a potential steal.
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Luis Urias – Versatile Infielder with Hidden Value
Luis Urias hasn’t found his rhythm at the plate over the past two seasons, but his 3-WAR seasons in 2021 and 2022 reveal his potential as a versatile infielder with decent power. With 39 home runs and 42 doubles across those two years, Urías has flashed potential. He could be a low-cost, high-reward signing for teams needing an infield utility player with upside.
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Shane Bieber – High-Upside Arm with Patience Required
After a stellar 2022 season where he logged a 2.88 ERA and 4.8 fWAR, Shane Bieber faced challenges with injuries in 2023. Still only 29, Bieber brings Cy Young-winning talent, and though he may not pitch right at the season's start, his potential for high performance makes him a worthwhile investment. Expect an incentive-laden deal with options, ideal for teams aiming for upside at a low initial cost.
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John Means – Low-Risk, High-Reward Arm
Though John Means has been largely absent since his impressive 2019-2021 run with the Orioles, he remains an intriguing low-cost signing. Means managed a solid 20.2 innings upon returning in 2023, showing flashes of his old self. Likely requiring a backloaded, two-year deal, Means could be a quiet but smart addition for a team seeking depth and a possible back-end rotation arm.
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Walker Buehler – Bounce-Back Potential After Injuries
Walker Buehler is a compelling free agent who may need a short-term deal to re-establish his value after missing the entire 2023 season following his second Tommy John surgery. Despite struggles early on, Buehler proved his mettle in the postseason, securing key outs for the Dodgers. With his proven high-level ability, Buehler could attract strong interest as a short-term signing with major upside, potentially as a steal for a contender.
Max Kepler – Underrated Power Bat
Max Kepler enters free agency with solid, though inconsistent, production. In 2022, he posted an impressive .816 OPS with 24 home runs but struggled last season. Kepler’s blend of power and versatility makes him a potential bargain, especially with big-name outfielders like Juan Soto and Teoscar Hernández leading the market. Kepler could be a valuable addition for teams looking for outfield depth or a reliable platoon bat.
6 MLB Value Free Agents
As MLB free agency opens, teams are assessing players who could provide excellent value, especially those willing to sign short-term deals to re-establish themselves. While big names like Juan Soto and Corbin Burnes dominate the headlines, there’s potential in less-hyped players, particularly veterans or players coming off injuries who are looking to bounce back. These “prove-it” deals are often one-year contracts, sometimes with a player option, and they can offer teams high upside with minimal long-term risk. Here are six players who could be intriguing value signings for 2024.
