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 workforce.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Kenley Jansen, RHP
A number of days in the past, we’d have paired the D-Backs with a right-handed bat, however they simply crammed 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 enjoying for a superb workforce 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 hooked up to the qualifying provide. So, what’s yet one more? Add Pivetta to Luis Severino and Jeffrey Springs, and the A’s would have a totally new prime 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 respectable late-inning relievers — Mason Miller and Jose Leclerc — one other confirmed starter may actually elevate the ground in Sacramento.
Atlanta Braves
Kyle Gibson, RHP
Stability. That’s all we’re on the lookout for right here. The Braves have carried out 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 elevate their ceiling. Truthful sufficient. Strider, Chris Sale and Reynaldo Lopez are the influence starters on the prime 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 crammed their final evident want by signing Ramon Laureano to supply some right-handed stability within the outfield. The market doesn’t provide 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 convey again a former All-Star and start constructing depth for subsequent season.
Boston Purple Sox
David Robertson, RHP
Getting into his seventeenth season, David Robertson simply retains delivering sturdy performances. (Kiyoshi Mio / Imagn Photos)
Large influence would come from signing Alex Bregman, however in need of that, the Purple Sox may 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 workforce one other skilled reliever who may even be an choice in an unsure ninth inning.
Chicago Cubs
Jalen Beeks, LHP
Latest 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 a protracted man to a more in-depth. Beeks would additionally give the Cubs some left-handed stability of their pen. Caleb Thielbar is their solely lefty in the intervening time.
Chicago White Sox
Brendan Rodgers, 2B
Throw a dart at a listing of free brokers, and also you’ll in all probability hit a reputation that would 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 may present a chance to play daily 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 planet). What they don’t have is a single reliever who FanGraphs tasks to have an ERA under 4.15. It’s not essentially a nasty bullpen, but it surely lacks a standout other than Alexis Díaz (who’s not even the perfect reliever in his family). So, let’s add one other stable arm into the combo and let Terry Francona type it out in spring coaching.
Cleveland Guardians
Kiké Hernández, CF/2B
Defensively, heart discipline is the Guardians’ most evident want. By way of expertise, they’re thinnest at second base. And their on a regular basis lineup consists of just one strictly right-handed hitter. Effectively, Hernández would handle all of that. He can be their finest defensive choice in heart, their most skilled choice at second, and one other right-handed bat on a roster loaded with lefties and change hitters. Possibly Lane Thomas would nonetheless play heart discipline towards righties, however Hernández may play there towards lefties and within the late innings. Possibly 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 could 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 potential: a brand new backup catcher. Taking part in McCann behind Jacob Stallings would free Hunter Goodman to proceed enjoying all around the discipline (first base, catcher, outfield corners) to see if his immense energy will play on the huge league stage (he had a .228 on-base proportion however slugged .417 in a half season final yr).
Detroit Tigers
Justin Turner, 1B
You understand what can be actually enjoyable? Placing Alex Bregman in Detroit. However on this market, Turner is the subsequent smartest thing. The Tigers undoubtedly want one other right-handed hitter — Gleyber Torres and Matt Vierling are their solely on a regular basis righties — and Turner may 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 main league multi-verse gained’t have the Astros filling their left discipline 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 at present jockeying for Astros’ enjoying time — have produced up to now 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 As we speak)
In line with FanGraphs WAR, there was not a participant in baseball much less precious 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 enjoying first, second, third, left and proper. Principally, Drury can be an opportunity for the Royals to possibly discover some low cost offense. Their projected Opening Day roster on FanGraphs consists of seven hitters projected to have a sub-100 wRC+. That features their complete bench and their beginning third baseman, Maikel Garcia, who’s an amazing defender however had a 69 wRC+ final season. If Drury can bounce again to be simply league common on the plate, he may 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 so much. 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 able to offer Kimbrel even a likelihood 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 workforce that has the whole lot? How a few 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 principally the free sq. in free company bingo, however we’ll gladly take the gimme.
Miami Marlins
Cal Quantrill, RHP
The Marlins can be an affordable touchdown spot for all types of free company leftovers. Michael A. Taylor would give them a respectable 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 turning 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 an enormous league recreation at quick, is even on the radar for such a job speaks to only how few choices are on the market (Ahmed lately signed a minor league take care of the Rangers). For groups out there for a viable shortstop, it’s just about DeJong-or-bust.
New York Mets
Brooks Raley, LHP
Our first draft prompt 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 principally the whole lot lined. The Mets have seven skilled beginning pitchers, no less than six guys who may get time at second base, and a reasonably stable bullpen. So, we’ll recommend bringing again Raley, who pitched nicely for the Mets the previous two seasons earlier than Tommy John surgical procedure final summer time. He gained’t be out there till the second half, at which level the Mets may be completely satisfied to have the additional lefty.
New York Yankees
Colin Poche, LHP
The Yankees have carried out most of their heavy lifting, and in need of Bregman, there’s no free-agent infielder who meaningfully improves them at second base or third. However they might 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 workforce, there’s a need to give you an attention-grabbing addition that matches one particular want, however the Phillies principally addressed essentially the most evident wants in December once they traded for Jésus Luzardo, signed Max Kepler and signed Jordan Romano. The free-agent market actually doesn’t provide every other ultimate suits. Neris no less than would give them yet one more veteran arm, and a well-known arm at that. He would match about in addition to anybody. Principally, simply give the Phillies one of many final relievers standing, hope all their huge 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 finest match the Pirates. The workforce may go the standard 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 may 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 in all probability out of the Giants’ value vary, however the workforce did commerce for Canha ultimately yr’s deadline, and he delivered a .376 on-base proportion within the last two months. Canha doesn’t have the facility typical of a DH, however his on-base abilities are precious, and the Giants don’t actually have a greater choice at DH. Canha may play first base and proper discipline, two spots the place the Giants have left-handed hitters and will use the right-handed choice. Alternatively, the Giants may add a depth starter or usher in one other aid pitcher, but it surely’s laborious 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 growing old lineup and see what occurs (the Padres don’t actually have a DH so long as Luis Arraez is enjoying first base). Possibly the Padres may 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 may in all probability use the pitching depth anyway, and Quintana, 36, is coming off one other stable 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 enjoying stable 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 only form of exist this offseason. Possibly 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 deal with the long run, we’ll do the identical and check out a two-year take care of a man recovering from Tommy John surgical procedure. Urquidy in all probability gained’t assist a lot this season, however he may 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 may use one other right-handed bat and a backup in heart discipline. Pillar, 36, had an .852 OPS towards lefties final season, and whereas he’s now not among the many elite heart fielders in baseball, each Defensive Runs Saved and Outs Above Common had him as a optimistic defender in heart final season. He would offer a veteran presence alongside beginning heart fielder Jonny DeLuca.
Texas Rangers
Kendall Graveman, RHP
The Rangers appear to be gathering 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 value him all of 2024. He looks as if 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 probably the greatest infields in all of baseball alongside Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette and Andrés Giménez. Bregman is principally the largest transfer any workforce may 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, and so they have a few younger outfielders simply ready to determine themselves as huge league stars. Why do all that and go away 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 finest method to enhance the bullpen.
(Prime picture of Jansen: Billie Weiss / Boston Purple Sox / Getty Photos)