Amazingly, the 2024 MLB season is right around the corner!
Players are already reporting to their camps and despite it only being mid-February, you can almost smell the fresh grass and hot dogs.
Amazingly, there are still more than a few impact players who remain unsigned – including a handful of legitimate stars … It’s only a matter of time before teams scoop them up.
Here is a look at the five best free agents who are STILL available for the taking…
#1. Cody Bellinger: OF/1B – 28 years old
Bellinger, the recipient of the 2019 NL MVP award, experienced a remarkable resurgence during the 2023 season while playing for the Chicago Cubs. In 130 games, he batted an impressive .307 and launched 26 home runs. At 28 years old, Bellinger remains a valuable asset due to his defensive flexibility, capable of excelling in center field or at first base.
It’s important to acknowledge that Bellinger’s performance last season may have been somewhat influenced by favorable luck, especially considering his struggles in the preceding years of 2021-22, where he ranked among the league’s least effective hitters. The sudden upswing in his contract year naturally raises questions, though Bellinger undeniably leaves a significant impact when he’s in optimal health.
Throughout the offseason, speculation has centered around the Chicago Cubs or the San Francisco Giants as Bellinger’s probable landing spots. While the Cubs haven’t directly replaced Bellinger’s offensive output, they boast a robust farm system and appear poised for advancement, unlike the Giants, who possess a more modest system and remain stagnant in mediocrity.
Given the Cubs stronger prospects for success without Bellinger, coupled with the emergence of top talent like Pete Crow-Armstrong for center field, the Giants may be more inclined to take a risk on Bellinger. They could be hopeful that he sustains the level of performance seen in 2023, becoming a consistent contributor worth a minimum of four to five wins per season.
(Most Likely Destinations: Cubs, Blue Jays, Giants, Phillies, Twins)
Cody Bellinger is a walking highlight reel pic.twitter.com/zDNKyMfEwY
— Baseball Bros (@BaseballBros) August 7, 2019
#2. Blake Snell: SP – 31 years old
Signing a two-time Cy Young winner in the peak of his career is a rare opportunity.
However, concerns linger over Snell’s inconsistency and durability. Despite clinching the National League Cy Young Award in 2023, his elevated walk rate remains worrisome. While he boasted an impressive 2.25 ERA over 180 innings last season, his previous years showed a lower innings count and a higher ERA, averaging just 128 innings with a 3.79 ERA in 2021 and ’22.
Snell presents a classic risk/reward scenario, making him a better match for a team already confident in their playoff prospects, believing Snell could be the final piece for a potential World Series victory.
Reportedly, the Yankees proposed a deal to Snell similar to the Carlos Rodon agreement (six years, $162 million), aiming to fortify their rotation with potential dominance, provided everyone stays healthy.
(Potential destinations: Yankees, Giants, Angels, Phillies, Blue Jays)
Blake Snell highlights requested by @JahstinMeadows pic.twitter.com/7vY8tjuaqj
— NikoIsHere (blue jays mega hater) (@NikoIsHere2) October 13, 2019
#3. Jordan Montgomery: SP – 31 years old
When it comes to Montgomery, you can rely on his consistency. Over the last three seasons, he’s maintained an average of 174 innings pitched with ERAs of 3.83, 3.48, and 3.20, showcasing his reliability and stability on the mound.
Notably, Montgomery has demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure, as evidenced by his contributions to the Texas Rangers World Series run.
While he has had Tommy John surgery and his strikeout numbers are somewhat below par, Montgomery’s track record suggests he’s a dependable option, albeit not a top-tier ace, and his price tag may raise some eyebrows.
Nonetheless, for teams seeking a dependable and resilient pitcher, particularly in crucial moments, Montgomery presents an enticing option.
(Potential destinations: Rangers, Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals, Phillies)
The #Phillies are rumored to be suitors for WS Champion LHP Jordan Montgomery.
Montgomery's Sinker was T-10 in Run Value in 2023, making it one of the most valuable pitches in baseball (just behind Zack Wheeler's 4-Seamer). pic.twitter.com/a4g6dShjRZ
— 7th & Ritner (@7thAndRitner) February 13, 2024
#4. Matt Chapman: 3B – 31 years old
Chapman, an accomplished Gold Glove third baseman, wrapped up a 4.4-WAR season and has maintained an average of 3.8 WAR over the past three seasons.
Nevertheless, his performance took a dip in 2023 following a strong April, and he has struggled with strikeouts, tallying a 28% rate in 2023. Chapman’s age is also becoming a factor. Despite his ability to draw walks and impressive exit velocity metrics, his batting average sits at .226 over the last three seasons, suggesting he may be entering the declining phase of his career.
Although he appears to be an ideal addition for a competitive team seeking an experienced third baseman, finding a suitable landing spot for Chapman has proven challenging, contributing to his current unsigned status.
(Potential landing spots include the Giants, Blue Jays, Cubs, Yankees, and Mariners.)
Matt Chapman defensive highlights are still some of the best in baseball https://t.co/Vbb45Uei6c
— Buds N Blue Jays (@BudsJays) June 10, 2023
#5. J.D. Martinez: DH – 36 years old
Martinez’s age (36) raises concerns as does his limited versatility. Nevertheless, his performance remains noteworthy, as evidenced by his .271/.321/.572 batting line and 33 home runs in 113 games with the Dodgers last season.
His performance metrics continue to shine, ranking in the 96th percentile for expected slugging percentage, 98th percentile for barrel rate, and 98th percentile for hard-hit rate, placing him among the elite in baseball.
Yet, there’s a looming question about when his hitting prowess might decline. His swing-and-miss and strikeout rates have worsened, ranking in the bottom 10% among major leaguers in 2023. If this trend continues, it could diminish the impact of his solid contact.
Despite these concerns, Martinez’s veteran experience and reliable batting make him an attractive asset, especially for teams seeking production from the designated hitter position.
(Possible landing spots: Mets, Red Sox, Orioles, Angels, Cubs)
💥Welcome to Los Angeles Dodgers, J.D. Martinez! Highlights reel of LA's New Designated Hitter 💥#jdmartinez #dodgers pic.twitter.com/K9VFa5Nqwg
— Dodgers Improbable Baseball (@Dodgers_Podcast) December 30, 2022
Other notable free agents still available include…
Brandon Belt: 1B – 36 years old
Mike Clevinger: SP – 33 years old
Adam Duvall: OF – 35 years old
Tommy Pham: OF – 36 years old
Michael Lorenzen: SP – 32 years old
The Dodgers full squad has arrived to Spring Training 🌵
(via @Dodgers)pic.twitter.com/VhOpQZ10ch
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) February 13, 2024
What are your thoughts on the top-tier players who remain unsigned?
What do you chalk it up to? Why are they still available?
Where do you predict each will end up???