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The Most Notable Remaining Free Agents

By Anthony Franco | April 6, 2023 at 5:14pm CDT

We’re now a week into the regular season and most of the attention amongst clubs and fans is on the games themselves. It’s a quiet time of year from a hot stove perspective. The offseason is finished and it’s far too early for teams to kick the tires on meaningful trades. Some extension talks might trickle into the season but otherwise, transactions this time of year typically take the form of waiver claims and internal prospect promotions.

Even at a relatively quiet portion of the season, there remain a handful of notable players on the free agent market. Gary Sánchez just came off the board on a minor league deal last week, for instance. Which other players — many of whom are late-career former stars — could still find interest as depth options, particularly if they’re amenable to a minor league contract?

Miguel Sanó

Sanó had a disastrous 2022 season. Right knee troubles kept him to 20 games and 71 plate appearances, in which he hit .083/.211/.133 with only one home run. That ended his time with the Twins, who made the obvious call to buy him out of a club option, but he’s only a year removed from hitting 30 homers. Sanó has topped 25 longballs on four occasions in his career. He won’t turn 30 until next month, making him one of the younger players who didn’t sign over the offseason. Sanó reportedly held a showcase for scouts in early February but there was no publicly reported interest from any teams thereafter.

Chris Archer

Like Sanó, Archer spent the 2022 season in Minnesota but was bought out at year’s end. He tossed 102 2/3 innings across 25 outings, posting a 4.56 ERA with a modest 19.2% strikeout rate and an elevated 11% walk percentage. It was the most hittable Archer has been in his career, but he still averaged 93 MPH on his four-seam and 88.7 MPH on his slider. He’s clearly not the upper mid-rotation arm he was when he made two All-Star games during his time with the Rays, but he’s probably the top unsigned starting pitcher. Archer hasn’t been substantively linked to any team since being cut loose by Minnesota in November. Last month, Joel Sherman of the New York Post wrote that Archer had conducted a showcase for teams, though it isn’t clear when that workout occurred.

Darin Ruf

Released by the Mets earlier this week, Ruf is a right-handed hitter who has typically been an effective platoon first base/corner outfield option of late. He mashed at a .271/.385/.519 clip two years ago. At last summer’s deadline, he was carrying a .216/.328/.373 line over 90 games for the Giants. New York acquired him for a four-player package including J.D. Davis and Thomas Szapucki. Ruf’s production cratered in Queens but he’s not far removed from being a well-regarded offensive player.

Stephen Piscotty

Piscotty has tallied over 2800 MLB plate appearances split between the Cardinals and A’s. An above-average hitter through his first four seasons, he’s struggled significantly in the last four years. Piscotty was released by Oakland last summer and didn’t return to the majors after signing a minor league deal with the Reds. He caught on with the Giants and collected eight hits in 25 at-bats (.320/.370/.440) but didn’t land a job out of camp. San Francisco granted him his release on Opening Day.

Zack Britton

Britton was arguably the sport’s most dominant reliever during his halcyon days in Baltimore. He remained an elite ground-ball artist for much of his time with the Yankees, excelling in high-leverage innings through 2020. Poor health has intervened in the last two years. Britton spent time on the injured list with elbow concerns in 2021, struggling when able to take the mound. He eventually required Tommy John surgery, which wiped out virtually all of the ’22 season. Britton returned at the tail end of the season but couldn’t find the strike zone and was shut back down. He’s thrown multiple showcases in recent months.

Ken Giles

Much of what applies to Britton is also true of Giles. They’re different pitchers stylistically — Giles is a right-hander whose best days were fueled by huge strikeout tallies instead of grounders — but he’s also a formerly elite reliever who has fallen on hard times from a health perspective. Giles also required Tommy John surgery. His procedure came late in 2020 and cost him all of the ’21 campaign. He returned to the majors with the Mariners last summer and was let go after five appearances. Giles also worked out for clubs late in the offseason but has yet to put pen to paper.

Corey Knebel

Continuing with the run on relievers, Knebel is a former All-Star closer in his own right. He wasn’t as dominant as either Britton or Giles at his peak, and his career has frequently been interrupted by injury. Knebel was very productive as recently as 2021, when he posted a 2.45 ERA in 25 2/3 innings for the Dodgers. That earned him a $10MM deal with the Phillies, which was sidetracked by shoulder problems. He finished the year on the injured list after tearing his shoulder capsule.

Leury García

García spent a decade with the White Sox in a utility capacity. Never much of an offensive threat, he nevertheless endeared himself to multiple coaching staffs based on his defensive flexibility. García signed a surprising three-year deal with Chicago over the 2021-22 offseason. He had a dreadful ’22 campaign and was off to a rough start in Spring Training. The White Sox cut bait in spite of the two remaining years on his contract. García’s an affordable utility option elsewhere.

Mike Minor

Minor made 19 starts for the Reds last season, allowing a 6.06 ERA. He was hampered by shoulder issues at times and struggled significantly with the home run ball. Minor has allowed more than five earned runs per nine innings for three consecutive seasons, though his strikeout and walk rates were solid up until 2022. He held a showcase in February and drew some reported attention from the Cubs last month.

Dallas Keuchel

A former Cy Young winner who was effective for the White Sox during the shortened 2020 season, Keuchel has been hit hard over the past couple years. He played for each of Chicago, Arizona and Texas last season and was tagged for a 9.20 ERA across 14 starts. Keuchel was excellent over four Triple-A outings in the Ranger organization. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported a couple weeks ago that the Phillies had expressed loose interest in the two-time All-Star, though Philadelphia apparently didn’t put a formal minor league offer on the table.

Others of note: Archie Bradley, Kole Calhoun, Robinson Canó, Kyle Crick, Didi Gregorius, Michael Pineda, Garrett Richards, Aníbal Sánchez, Andrelton Simmons, Jonathan Villar

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2022-23 MLB Free Agents MLBTR Originals Andrelton Simmons Anibal Sanchez Archie Bradley Chris Archer Corey Knebel Dallas Keuchel Darin Ruf Didi Gregorius Garrett Richards Jonathan Villar Ken Giles Kole Calhoun Kyle Crick Leury Garcia Michael Pineda Miguel Sano Mike Minor Robinson Cano Stephen Piscotty Zack Britton

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View Comments (59)
Post a Comment

59 Comments

  1. In Seager/Hader We Trust > the 70 MM DH Ohtani

    2 years ago

    Britton should be of use to Texas and mant other teams at a reasonable rate (not the 9 MM AAV he was reportedly looking for). Pineda should have a job too.

    1
    Reply
  2. fre5hwind

    2 years ago

    I have a hunch Archer might go to the Padres for some reason, Ruf may go to the Phillies IMP, and most of these guys I feel like may get a Minor League Deal or a 1 year deal.

    Reply
  3. Play the Game

    2 years ago

    No Thanks

    5
    Reply
  4. HalosHeavenJJ

    2 years ago

    These guys made enough money to retire. At this point, heading back to the minors is the only path for any of them. After spending so many years dedicated to the sport I don’t know how much appeal that has.

    15
    Reply
    • CleaverGreene

      2 years ago

      Some might need that 10 years in for a ML pension.

      11
      Reply
      • BeansforJesus

        2 years ago

        Britton and Keuchel are a year away. archer is two years.

        Even if they made enough to retire, I would guess some wouldn’t mind a minor league deal. If I were one of the older players, I’d take a minor league deal and use it to try and get my foot in the door for a coaching opportunity. Being the wise sage with mlb experience on the team and player/coach a bit.

        3
        Reply
  5. retire21

    2 years ago

    Wow.

    Did I do that right?

    5
    Reply
    • Monkey’s Uncle

      2 years ago

      You forgot the exclamation point, which makes it an even more astute comment.

      1
      Reply
      • Mi Casas es tu Casas

        2 years ago

        Is it exclamation mark or exclamation point I think we need a poll

        Reply
        • BlueSkies_LA

          2 years ago

          Why?!

          Reply
        • Monkey’s Uncle

          2 years ago

          You mean…. What’s the point?

          Reply
    • Buuba ho tep

      2 years ago

      WOWSA!

      Reply
  6. dodgersfan445

    2 years ago

    Kind of surprised no one had bought low on knebel at this point, he shouldn’t be a close but would be a solid set up guy

    5
    Reply
    • Lets Go DBacks

      2 years ago

      That shoulder is probably worse than we might imagine if no one dares to touch Knebel.

      Also a bit surprised that Archie hasn’t gotten any love from a team.

      1
      Reply
      • Dumpster Divin Theo

        2 years ago

        Too bad no takers for Knebel, his stuff is not just filthy, it’s evil

        2
        Reply
  7. DarkSide830

    2 years ago

    I’m kinda shocked Bradley and Pineda are still on the market.

    2
    Reply
    • Monkey’s Uncle

      2 years ago

      Agree wholeheartedly about Bradley.

      2
      Reply
      • stubby66

        2 years ago

        Yeah I like Archie really surprised he hasn’t got a job yet. Think if I needed any pitchers, starter would give a minor league deal right now would be Matt Harvey( looked good in tourney), Archer and Garrett Richard’s. Then relievers would be Archie, Britton and Crick.

        1
        Reply
    • GCB

      2 years ago

      DarkSide830-If The Tigers don’t want Pineda back he might be done

      1
      Reply
  8. DCartrow

    2 years ago

    If Nancy Reagan was still around and asked which FA she expects to be signed she’d answer “Just Sano”.

    17
    Reply
    • passed_balls

      2 years ago

      Throat Goat loves Sano

      2
      Reply
      • Marco waller

        2 years ago

        My guy!!!!! Hahahaha

        Reply
    • GCB

      2 years ago

      DCartrow-Only us super old folkes got that joke.You been waiting a ling time to pull off that joke sir 🙂

      Reply
  9. VonPurpleHayes

    2 years ago

    Thought the Mets should take a shot at Knebel.

    1
    Reply
    • Sid Bream Speed Demon

      2 years ago

      I think the Phil’s should take a flyer on Ruf. Especially now with Hall hurt.

      1
      Reply
      • VonPurpleHayes

        2 years ago

        It would be a fun reunion story. I’d prefer Hall if healthy. Hopefully he’s not out long.

        1
        Reply
  10. sugoi51

    2 years ago

    Anyone seen the documentary Ballplayer Pelotero? A hardly recognizable Miguel Sano was featured and called “a once in a generation superstar”.. Sadly, that didn’t come to fruition. Here’s the trailer. youtube.com/watch?v=8GL5xUJD8J4

    2
    Reply
  11. angt222

    2 years ago

    Sano I thought would have found someone to give him a shot, especially with the universal DH. Cano is a “free agent” but is already probably looking at retirement. Just can’t formally announce or risk forfeiting his $20M salary owed by Mets.

    Reply
  12. 3768902

    2 years ago

    Man, Sano. What happened.

    [insert obi wan ‘You were the Chose One’ GIF here]

    3
    Reply
  13. ayeah

    2 years ago

    This article overlooked the most talented free agent still available. Obudel Herrera! Imagine how many time clock infractions he could cause stepping out of the batter’s box and calling time outs. If games ARE any shorter this year, it’s because no team has Herrera on their team.

    1
    Reply
  14. Jacksson13

    2 years ago

    Mike Minor is considering a contract with Linda Kaye Henning.

    1
    Reply
  15. Old York

    2 years ago

    They’re all washed up. If you want poor performance, bring a guy up from Single-A.

    1
    Reply
  16. PaulyMidwest

    2 years ago

    Piscotty is a good depth outfielder who looked great this spring. I say he is an injury away from a job. Hope so cuz he is a good guy.

    1
    Reply
    • Dumpster Divin Theo

      2 years ago

      Piscotty. More like Pischitty. Amirite?

      Reply
      • PaulyMidwest

        2 years ago

        He sure wasn’t this spring.

        Reply
        • Dumpster Divin Theo

          2 years ago

          Nice puppie. Housebroken?

          Reply
        • PaulyMidwest

          2 years ago

          He’s 18 years old.One eye and going blind in that one. One of the last Hurricane Katrina rescues alive I imagine..smarter than some humans I’ve met..def housebroken.

          1
          Reply
        • Dumpster Divin Theo

          2 years ago

          Sure he’s seen a lot in his time

          Reply
  17. IronBallsMcGinty

    2 years ago

    No Trevor Bauer? Guess it’s too soon

    2
    Reply
    • ohyeadam

      2 years ago

      He’s signed already

      1
      Reply
    • kingbum

      2 years ago

      Bauer is making 4M a year in Japan

      2
      Reply
  18. bravesfan

    2 years ago

    Lot of guys I’d love the Braves to sign minor league deals with, especially those pitchers. Can’t have too much pitching

    Reply
    • kingbum

      2 years ago

      I say sign as many as you can, give a major league escalator in the contracts….Someone would be a good depth piece. Give those coming off Tommy John a chance to see if they still got it, that’s what the minors are for

      1
      Reply
  19. User 1855579867

    2 years ago

    Hey anyone – where’s Asdrubal ? Seriously, we need him.

    Reply
    • Dumpster Divin Theo

      2 years ago

      No love for Darin Ruf, he a dog

      Reply
  20. jvent

    2 years ago

    And what’s holding up the Mets from going after Sano to DH , Archer or Keuchel to Start and any of those relievers

    Reply
  21. Jim Thome is my homie

    2 years ago

    I thought the Pirates were gonna go after Keuchel as a lefty reclamation project this off season. Instead they signed Rich Hill.
    Now with Brubaker having arm issues and being put on the 60 day, maybe they will look into it. If it works out, you flip him at the deadline like Quintana.

    1
    Reply
    • Dumpster Divin Theo

      2 years ago

      Meh, you prolly wouldn’t get much for Quintana. Unless you’re trading with the Cubs

      Reply
  22. Dock_Elvis

    2 years ago

    Sano was in the Midwest League when I was scouting it for the Rockies. He was like a man among boys. Reminded me a lot of Frank Thomas, but was playing SS. It was obvious he wasn’t going to stick there. But you’ll rarely see a player hit balls as hard as the ones I’d see hit. The deal on him was he could get long. He had holes.

    1
    Reply
    • nottinghamforest13

      2 years ago

      I’m really glad for your comment. I’ve insisted to people over the years that he started as a SS, but it’s become like a case of the Mandela Effect.

      Reply
  23. nottinghamforest13

    2 years ago

    Keuchel should stay home and encourage his wife to eat food and stop having plastic surgery. She went from being pretty nice looking to a weird alien creature in need of nourishment.

    3
    Reply
    • BlueSkies_LA

      2 years ago

      Picking on player’s wives… is that a thing now?

      Reply
    • Dock_Elvis

      2 years ago

      If there’s a d-ickwhistle comment Hall of Fame, man…get your speech ready. You better be like 13.

      Reply
    • Buuba ho tep

      2 years ago

      Sounds like a trumpist

      Reply
      • BlueSkies_LA

        2 years ago

        Kruel to be Kool.

        Reply
  24. Coolbeans

    2 years ago

    If Archer doesn’t get a contract he should get a gig as a tv analyst. He’s really smart and well spoken.

    Reply
  25. Cora the Destroya

    2 years ago

    I’m surprised Knebel hasn’t been signed. Forgot that he was a free agent

    Reply
  26. #1WhiteSoxFan

    2 years ago

    Someone will pick up “The Legend”!

    Reply
  27. da5hitta

    2 years ago

    Any word on Josh James? Kind of surprised no one has taken a flier on him on a minor league deal

    Reply

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