MLB · 8 months ago

Ranking the Top 10 Remaining MLB Free Agents

Grant White

Host · Writer

1. J.D. Martinez - Designated Hitter
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.

For the past few seasons, J.D. Martinez has been used almost exclusively as a designated hitter. Despite his one-dimensional profile, Martinez ranks as one of the premier free agents on the market. He's just one season removed from 103 RBIs and has an above-average OPS+ in all but one of his last 11 campaigns. As was the case last year, Martinez will patiently wait for the right opportunity to present itself.
10. Kevin Pillar - Center Fielder
Have all the intel you need? Free actionable info is one click away! Sign up for our daily newsletter.

Always an above-average defender, Kevin Pillar proved that he can still be an adequate offensive contributor in the autumn of his career. The center fielder posted a .667 OPS last season, with 25 extra-base hits and 12 stolen bags. No longer a starter, Pillar is an ideal late-game defensive replacement or platoon guy for an outfielder-needy team.
9. Anthony Rizzo - First Base
Swing for the Fences with SportsGrid’s free daily MLB Game Picks and MLB Prop Picks.

A three-time All-Star and former Silver Slugger, Anthony Rizzo's offensive metrics have been on the decline in recent seasons. Still, injuries have been a factor in his ineffective play at the dish. Rizzo had just eight home runs and a sub-optimal .335 slugging percentage, albeit while appearing in only 92 games. We saw him turn it on in the postseason, which should be enough to convince someone to take a flyer on him.
8. Yasmani Grandal - Catcher
Projecting Cubs Opening Day Lineup

At 36 years old, Yasmani Grandal is testing the upper limit as a productive catcher. Nevertheless, he's shown the ability to handle first base and has enough pop left in his bat to be a valuable depth piece for several teams. Grandal posted a 105 OPS+ last season while posting his best slugging percentage since 2021.
7. Mark Canha - Left Fielder
Mark Canha has been an above-average offensive contributor throughout his career, and 2024 was no exception. Splitting time between the San Francisco Giants and Detroit Tigers, the outfielder-turned-first baseman posted a Rbat+ of 104. In the right environment, Canha could build off his 42 RBI and 46 runs scored last season.
6. Kyle Gibson - Starting Pitcher
Kyle Gibson is a contact pitcher, so he's not well-suited for every ballpark. However, at 37 years old, he remains an innings eater and could solidify the backend of a rotation. Further, he's on the top end of the spectrum regarding inducing soft contact and gets more ground balls than fly balls. Under the right circumstances, we could see Gibson improve on last year's 8-8 record.
5. Whit Merrifield - Second Baseman
Whit Merrifield was an outcast this past offseason, so, unsurprisingly, he's having difficulty finding a new landing spot. The three-time All-Star has posted deteriorating offensive metrics over the past few years. However, he remains an above-average replacement player. As was the case in 2024, a team looking for a depth piece with defensive versatility could come knocking.
4. David Robertson - Relief Pitcher
The market is understandably tepid on a soon-to-be 40-year-old relief pitcher. Still, David Robertson showed that he still has plenty left in the tank. The former All-Star struck out 99 batters in just 72.0 innings pitched last season while putting together a respectable 3.00 ERA. Robertson declined his mutual option this offseason, but as he's finding out, there aren't many suitors knocking on his door.
3. Jose Iglesias - Shortstop
Before teams arrive at Paul DeJong, they may want to look hard at Jose Iglesias. The infielder made his triumphant return to the majors last season after spending 2023 with the San Diego Padres' Triple-A affiliate. Iglesias made the most of his time, putting up a .830 OPS and 137 OPS+. He's been left out in the cold this offseason, but Iglesias would be an offensive upgrade for many teams looking to shore up their infield.
2. Alex Verdugo - Left Fielder
Alex Verdugo may be coming off his worst statistical campaign as a full-time major leaguer, but he still has plenty to offer. The left fielder has a career .742 OPS and led the MLB with a 99.6% fielding percentage in the outfield last season. Nowadays, teams require more power out of their outfielders, but Verdugo has enough upside that several teams will be inquiring about his services ahead of Spring Training.
1. J.D. Martinez - Designated Hitter
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.

For the past few seasons, J.D. Martinez has been used almost exclusively as a designated hitter. Despite his one-dimensional profile, Martinez ranks as one of the premier free agents on the market. He's just one season removed from 103 RBIs and has an above-average OPS+ in all but one of his last 11 campaigns. As was the case last year, Martinez will patiently wait for the right opportunity to present itself.
10. Kevin Pillar - Center Fielder
Have all the intel you need? Free actionable info is one click away! Sign up for our daily newsletter.

Always an above-average defender, Kevin Pillar proved that he can still be an adequate offensive contributor in the autumn of his career. The center fielder posted a .667 OPS last season, with 25 extra-base hits and 12 stolen bags. No longer a starter, Pillar is an ideal late-game defensive replacement or platoon guy for an outfielder-needy team.

Ranking the Top 10 Remaining MLB Free Agents

Sports Betting

Sportsbook Promos

Social Casinos