The market for free agents of any note is drying up by the day. In particular, we've seen a run on veteran pitchers. Nick Pivetta, Andrew Heaney, Cal Quantrill, Jakob Junis, John Means, Tyler Alexander, Kenley Jansen, Scott Barlow, John Brebbia, Kendall Graveman, Luke Jackson, Scott Alexander and Lucas Sims have all come off the board in the past ten days. A few bats have signed in that time as well, but typically on smaller-scale deals. Justin Turner's $6MM Cubs deal is the most notable. Each of Michael A. Taylor, Ty France, Paul DeJong and Luis Urias secured guarantees between $1-2MM.
At this stage, there simply aren't many potential big league deals left for free agent position players. That doesn't mean there aren't any, however. There are still four free agent hitters who posted better-than-average offense last year, plus another couple notable names who are looking to bounce back from their first truly poor offensive performance in the past six seasons.
Let's run through some of the remaining free agent position players on the market, with a brief look at their 2024 season, what they bring to the table, and some of the best landing spots left for each.
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paywall.
Broke.
Skip one lunch at a restaurant this year, and you can read these articles.
or not.
Padres don’t need Rizzo or JD, they have R hitter Eguy Rosario who crushes LH pitchers and can serve in a 3B/2B/OF/DH utility role that is much more versitile than the old guys.
He showed good power last year and showed up to ST in great shape looking like an NFL running back. His time has come.
I don’t understand the lack of enthusiasm for Verdugo. He’s cheap, young, won’t hurt you on defense. Seems like a no-brainer for some of these clubs like the Royals. He’s also a scrapper who loves the game. Could it be his extra-curricular issues he had with Alex Cora have spoiled his reputation? Seems odd. He needs to be on a roster.
Verdugo is a turd of a human being.
How so? Could you please expound for an additional sentence or two?
And why is that?
Why?
off-putting personality, redundant & mediocre skillset
His lack of hustle and lousy attitude have caught up with him at the worst possible time for him. He played himself out of 3 of the games biggest markets and will now have to settle for a minor league deal if or when the phone finally rings
Dave’s not here, man…
WTF is Dave?
Famous comedy routine from Cheech and Chong.
youtu.be/JMGb_8dsYro?si=N9GUm7Kl6T2wJaal
No, man, I’m Dave.
I would add Merrifield, Grandal and McCann to the list of top position players available. Merrifield was an All-Star in 2023 and plays multiple positions. Grandal actually posted a 1.4 fWAR in 2024. McCann was at least above replacement level and has intangibles.
Grandpal cs a big turn off
Witt Merrifield is NOT a top position player and adds zero offensively… Why do you think that no-one is putting in offers on him. His game has slid downward tremendously…
I’d like to see the Blue Jays sign J.D. Martinez. They need another bat in that lineup that can go deep. He may not be the hitter he used to be, but they could platoon him at DH with Will Wagner. I can see him signing for 1 year, $6.5 million.
Jays need to look for someone that can play significantly more Outfield as Springer is going to need to DH more and more to stay on the field
At this point, I don’t think Springer missing time is going to hurt the Blue Jays. He’s not the player he once was.
You pay him, we’ll play him!!!
how is kyle finnegan still unemployed? 38 saves + all star last yr
Poor second half has to be what team’s are looking at. ERA jumped by over 3 full runs and his swing and miss just wasn’t there. Went from averaging better than a strikeout per inning in the first half to less than a strike out per inning in the second half
LaMonte Wade Jr isn’t seeing ANY time in the OF this season.
That Bob Melvin comment was made to boost his value. Wade will play First and DH, that’s it. His legs have been an issue for a couple years now. Don’t be fooled by how much offseason leg work he did; it will be great for his health but he’s NOT playing the OF. Big man Encarnacion will see more time in the outfield than Late Night.
Im surprised Iglesias hasn’t gotten more interest from the Yankees. They need a major league caliber player at 2b/3b — He was a great spark for that Mets team last year that brought hustle to a team that needed it and intangibles that don’t always show up in the stats . And he can play all over the infield.
Is Kevin Pillar retired?
Pillar announced retirement, but then changed his mind and now intends to play one more year.
As a Jays fan, I understand that Pillars offensive numbers have cause for concern, but adding a Kiermeire type defensive star, and help the younger guys he would be a stud at the right price …
Rizzo to the buccos
I’d like to see the Braves sign Canha. He’s better than anyone currently on their bench.
You could put together a fairly decent team with these guys…..
I like Billy McKinney in Detroit.
Marlins should bring in Home Town guy JD Martinez… need a vet on that team.