Spring coaching is across the nook, and the free agent market has been stripped of its common influence. What’s left — with only a few exceptions — are gamers who would barely transfer the needle on one roster however fill a selected want on one other. So, let’s discover these guys some uniforms and get on with it. Right here’s one remaining free agent for each main league group.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Kenley Jansen, RHP
Just a few days in the past, we would have paired the D-Backs with a right-handed bat, however they simply stuffed that want by re-signing Randal Grichuk. So, what’s left is to solidify the again finish of their bullpen. Placing Jansen within the ninth would go away Justin Martinez to function a high-octane setup man. And taking part in for a very good group would give Jansen an opportunity to get the 31 saves he must tie Lee Smith for the third-most saves in historical past.
Athletics
Nick Pivetta, RHP
The A’s have already signed one free agent connected to the qualifying supply. So, what’s yet one more? Add Pivetta to Luis Severino and Jeffrey Springs, and the A’s would have a very new high of the rotation whereas leaving room for younger arms JP Sears, Joey Estes and Mitch Spence to spherical out the group. With a younger and thrilling lineup, and a few authentic late-inning relievers — Mason Miller and Jose Leclerc — one other confirmed starter might actually increase the ground in Sacramento.
Atlanta Braves
Kyle Gibson, RHP
Stability. That’s all we’re on the lookout for right here. The Braves have completed little or no this offseason — Jurickson Profar and never a lot else — and are relying on the return of Spencer Strider and Ronald Acuña Jr. to meaningfully increase their ceiling. Truthful sufficient. Strider, Chris Sale and Reynaldo Lopez are the influence starters on the high of the rotation, however one other veteran starter would assist solidify the group and defend towards additional harm.
Baltimore Orioles
John Means, RHP
The Orioles simply stuffed their final obvious want by signing Ramon Laureano to offer some right-handed stability within the outfield. The market doesn’t supply significant upgrades to their rotation, and their bullpen is kind of full, however a reunion with Means — who underwent Tommy John surgical procedure final summer time — would deliver again a former All-Star and start constructing depth for subsequent season.
Boston Crimson Sox
David Robertson, RHP
Coming into his seventeenth season, David Robertson simply retains delivering sturdy performances. (Kiyoshi Mio / Imagn Photos)
Huge influence would come from signing Alex Bregman, however wanting that, the Crimson Sox might use one other reliable arm of their bullpen, and Robertson, who pitched like his previous self as a 39-year-old final season. He would give the group one other skilled reliever who might even be an choice in an unsure ninth inning.
Chicago Cubs
Jalen Beeks, LHP
Current trades for Ryan Pressly and Ryan Brasier have given the Cubs some much-needed assist in the late innings, and a late take care of Beeks would give them one other skilled reliever who’s been the whole lot from an extended man to a better. Beeks would additionally give the Cubs some left-handed stability of their pen. Caleb Thielbar is their solely lefty in the mean time.
Chicago White Sox
Brendan Rodgers, 2B
Throw a dart at a listing of free brokers, and also you’ll most likely hit a reputation that might assist the White Sox. They might actually use a veteran pitcher, however what number of veterans actually wish to be part of such a rebuild? For Rodgers, although, the White Sox might present a possibility to play every single day and construct again some worth after a few down seasons in Colorado.
Cincinnati Reds
Phil Maton, RHP
The Reds have loads of position gamers and a full five-man rotation (although a further starter wouldn’t be the worst factor on the earth). What they don’t have is a single reliever who FanGraphs initiatives to have an ERA under 4.15. It’s not essentially a nasty bullpen, however it lacks a standout apart from Alexis Díaz (who’s not even the perfect reliever in his circle of relatives). So, let’s add one other strong arm into the combo and let Terry Francona kind it out in spring coaching.
Cleveland Guardians
Kiké Hernández, CF/2B
Defensively, heart subject is the Guardians’ most obvious want. By way of expertise, they’re thinnest at second base. And their on a regular basis lineup contains just one strictly right-handed hitter. Nicely, Hernández would tackle all of that. He can be their greatest defensive choice in heart, their most skilled choice at second, and one other right-handed bat on a roster loaded with lefties and swap hitters. Perhaps Lane Thomas would nonetheless play heart subject towards righties, however Hernández might play there towards lefties and within the late innings. Perhaps Juan Brito is able to play second, however Hernández would free him to additionally assist out at different positions.
Colorado Rockies
James McCann, C
You would possibly suppose it might make sense to offer the Rockies a veteran starter. However their beginning pitchers already are veterans! Or possibly give them an skilled reliever. However who would need that job? So, let’s give the Rockies essentially the most boring addition doable: a brand new backup catcher. Taking part in McCann behind Jacob Stallings would free Hunter Goodman to proceed taking part in everywhere in the subject (first base, catcher, outfield corners) to see if his immense energy will play on the massive league stage (he had a .228 on-base proportion however slugged .417 in a half season final 12 months).
Detroit Tigers
Justin Turner, 1B
You realize what can be actually enjoyable? Placing Alex Bregman in Detroit. However on this market, Turner is the subsequent smartest thing. The Tigers positively want one other right-handed hitter — Gleyber Torres and Matt Vierling are their solely on a regular basis righties — and Turner might play first base and DH whereas letting supervisor A.J. Hinch combine and match with lefty hitters Kerry Carpenter, Colt Keith and Jace Jung. Turner would additionally give the Tigers an enormous clubhouse presence as they attempt to construct on final season’s breakout.
Houston Astros
Alex Verdugo, LF
We despatched Bregman elsewhere, which implies this model of the foremost league multi-verse gained’t have the Astros filling their left subject void by shifting Jose Altuve from second base. So, let’s give them an actual left fielder. Bonus factors for the very fact Verdugo hits left-handed (the Astros’ solely on a regular basis lefty is Yordan Alvarez). FanGraphs continues to be projecting Verdugo to have a 1.1 WAR season, which is healthier than Ben Gamel and Taylor Trammell — the 2 left-handed outfielders presently jockeying for Astros’ taking part in time — have produced previously 4 seasons mixed. Verdugo hasn’t been particularly good in a number of years, however he’s the perfect of what’s left.
Kansas Metropolis Royals
Brandon Drury, 3B/2B
Brandon Drury had an unpleasant season, however earlier than that he was a standout contributor for 3 years. (Stephen Brashear / USA Right now)
In response to FanGraphs WAR, there was not a participant in baseball much less beneficial than Drury final season. He was a full 2.1 wins under substitute. So why would the Royals need him? As a result of they really have sufficient infielders — if this signing goes stomach up, they’re lined at second and third — however Drury had a 118 OPS+ from 2021 to 2023, and he generated that offense whereas taking part in first, second, third, left and proper. Mainly, Drury can be an opportunity for the Royals to possibly discover some low-cost offense. Their projected Opening Day roster on FanGraphs contains seven hitters projected to have a sub-100 wRC+. That features their total bench and their beginning third baseman, Maikel Garcia, who’s an ideal defender however had a 69 wRC+ final season. If Drury can bounce again to be simply league common on the plate, he might assist the Royals at a number of positions.
Los Angeles Angels
Craig Kimbrel, RHP
The Angels are in wing-and-a-prayer territory, anyway. They want a ton of issues to go proper, and people issues vary from Mike Trout’s well being to Kyle Hendricks’ sinker. Scott Kingery and Jo Adell are concerned. Yoán Moncada simply joined them. There’s a Rule 5 decide in there, too. It’s quite a bit. So, why not add yet one more wild card? Kimbrel was an All-Star in 2023 and he saved 23 video games final season, however he additionally pitched so poorly that the Orioles launched him in September. What number of groups are ready to offer Kimbrel even a probability to shut once more? The Angels are! If Kimbrel stinks and Ben Joyce wins the job, so be it, however the Angels bullpen is crawling with 20-somethings, and including a veteran to the combo wouldn’t be the worst thought.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Clayton Kershaw, LHP
What do you get the group that has the whole lot? How a couple of Corridor of Famer? And, on this case, it’s a Corridor of Famer who is nearly actually going to re-sign with them ultimately, anyway. Kershaw to the Dodgers is mainly the free sq. in free company bingo, however we’ll gladly take the gimme.
Miami Marlins
Cal Quantrill, RHP
The Marlins can be an inexpensive touchdown spot for all types of free company leftovers. Michael A. Taylor would give them a authentic defender in heart. South Florida native Anthony Rizzo can be a veteran presence and a left-handed choice at first base. Just about any free-agent reliever would grow to be essentially the most skilled man of their bullpen. However Quantrill looks like an upside play for his or her rotation. He’s solely two years faraway from a few encouraging seasons in Cleveland. Finest-case situation: Quantrill rounds out the Marlins rotation in April earlier than changing into a commerce chip in July.
Milwaukee Brewers
Paul DeJong, SS
That is the one remotely viable shortstop left on the free agent market (the next-best was Nick Ahmed, however he simply signed a minor league take care of the Rangers). Signing DeJong would let the Brewers hold Brice Turang and Joey Ortiz at second and third, the place they’re wonderful defenders. DeJong would additionally give the Brewers one other right-handed bat (their common lineup already has 4 lefties).
Minnesota Twins
Luis Urías, 3B/SS
The Twins wish to add infield depth, particularly shortstop depth, and this simply isn’t the free-agent marketplace for groups that want a shortstop. There’s actually just one free-agent shortstop left, and this hypothetical train has him touchdown in Milwaukee. The actual fact Urías, who hasn’t performed a giant league sport at quick, is even on the radar for such a job speaks to simply how few choices are on the market (Ahmed just lately signed a minor league take care of the Rangers). For groups available in the market for a viable shortstop, it’s just about DeJong-or-bust.
New York Mets
Brooks Raley, LHP
Our first draft steered the Mets re-sign Pete Alonso. Then they really did! So, we went again to the drafting board and located a Mets roster that has mainly the whole lot lined. The Mets have seven skilled beginning pitchers, a minimum of six guys who might get time at second base, and a reasonably strong bullpen. So, we’ll counsel bringing again Raley, who pitched effectively for the Mets the previous two seasons earlier than Tommy John surgical procedure final summer time. He gained’t be obtainable till the second half, at which level the Mets may be pleased to have the additional lefty.
New York Yankees
Colin Poche, LHP
The Yankees have completed most of their heavy lifting, and wanting Bregman, there’s no free-agent infielder who meaningfully improves them at second base or third. However they may use a second left-handed reliever to pair with Tim Hill, and Poche is a confirmed commodity within the AL East.
Philadelphia Phillies
Héctor Neris, RHP
With each group, there’s a need to give you an attention-grabbing addition that matches one particular want, however the Phillies mainly addressed essentially the most obvious wants in December after they traded for Jésus Luzardo, signed Max Kepler and signed Jordan Romano. The free-agent market actually doesn’t supply some other supreme matches. Neris a minimum of would give them yet one more veteran arm, and a well-recognized arm at that. He would match about in addition to anybody. Mainly, simply give the Phillies one of many final relievers standing, hope all their massive bats keep wholesome, and name up Andrew Painter in June.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Lance Lynn, RHP
At 37, Lynn has thought of transitioning to a bullpen position, and that’s the place he would possibly greatest match the Pirates. The group might go the same old route and signal one of many remaining free-agent relievers — Andrew Chafin? Dylan Floro? Scott Barlow? — however Lynn looks like an upside play. If he thrives in a one-inning position, Lynn would give the Pirates a veteran arm to pair with David Bednar. And, frankly, with Johan Oviedo returning to the rotation from Tommy John surgical procedure, Lynn might find yourself being a welcome fallback choice ought to the Pirates want a starter as an alternative.
San Francisco Giants
Mark Canha, DH/RF
That is most likely out of the Giants’ worth vary, however the group did commerce for Canha finally 12 months’s deadline, and he delivered a .376 on-base proportion within the remaining two months. Canha doesn’t have the ability typical of a DH, however his on-base expertise are beneficial, and the Giants don’t actually have a greater choice at DH. Canha may also play first base and proper subject, two spots the place the Giants have left-handed hitters and will use the right-handed choice. Alternatively, the Giants might add a depth starter or usher in one other aid pitcher, however it’s onerous to think about them doing something to wow you at this level.
San Diego Padres
Jose Quintana, LHP
The primary thought was so as to add J.D. Martinez or Rizzo to an already getting old lineup and see what occurs (the Padres don’t actually have a DH so long as Luis Arraez is taking part in first base). Perhaps the Padres might try this, but when they’re going to maintain exploring trades for both Dylan Stop or Michael King, they’re going to want another person to fill the innings. Frankly, the Padres might most likely use the pitching depth anyway, and Quintana, 36, is coming off one other strong season.
Seattle Mariners
Jose Iglesias, 2B
The Mariners are all about being reliably first rate, so right here’s a veteran second baseman who tends to hit OK whereas taking part in strong protection. He would add stability to a questionable Mariners infield and enhance the bench by liberating Dylan Moore to function a super-utility man. In any other case, possibly David Peralta as a left-handed bat off the bench?
St. Louis Cardinals
Jose Urquidy, RHP
The Cardinals appear content material to simply form of exist this offseason. Perhaps they’ll commerce Nolan Arenado and open the door to a different right-handed bat or add a man like Andrew Heaney for a little bit of rotation depth, but when the Cardinals are going to maintain their give attention to the longer term, we’ll do the identical and check out a two-year take care of a man recovering from Tommy John surgical procedure. Urquidy most likely gained’t assist a lot this season, however he might give the Cardinals a leg up of their seek for 2026 rotation depth (Steven Matz, Miles Mikolas and Erick Fedde are free brokers after this season).
Tampa Bay Rays
Kevin Pillar, CF
The Rays might use one other right-handed bat and a backup in heart subject. Pillar, 36, had an .852 OPS towards lefties final season, and whereas he’s not among the many elite heart fielders in baseball, each Defensive Runs Saved and Outs Above Common had him as a constructive defender in heart final season. He would supply a veteran presence alongside beginning heart fielder Jonny DeLuca.
Texas Rangers
Kendall Graveman, RHP
The Rangers appear to be accumulating relievers who aren’t fairly closers however are actually comfy pitching the late innings. Chris Martin, Robert Garcia, Jesse Chavez, Hoby Milner, Jacob Webb and Shawn Armstrong have all been added to the bullpen this offseason, so we’ll add yet one more to the combo. Graveman was a reasonably good late-innings arm earlier than shoulder surgical procedure price him all of 2024. He looks like a worthwhile addition to this hodgepodge bullpen the Rangers are placing collectively.
Toronto Blue Jays
Alex Bregman, 3B
That is the splash the Blue Jays have been attempting to make for a few years. Bregman is a greater match — each short-term and long-term — than Alonso would have been, and he would give the Blue Jays top-of-the-line infields in all of baseball alongside Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette and Andrés Giménez. Bregman is mainly the most important transfer any group might make, and the Blue Jays are as motivated as anybody to make it.
Washington Nationals
Kyle Finnegan, RHP
The Nationals are in a tricky spot in a loaded NL East, however they went out of their method so as to add a few significant bats (Josh Bell, Nathaniel Lowe), they took an attention-grabbing gamble on Mike Soroka, they usually have a few younger outfielders simply ready to determine themselves as massive league stars. Why do all that and depart the ninth inning unprotected? Finnegan has his shortcomings, however the Nationals by no means actually changed him this offseason, and at this level, bringing him again can be their greatest method to enhance the bullpen.
(High photograph of Jansen: Billie Weiss / Boston Crimson Sox / Getty Photos)