Top MLB Free Agents Still Available as Spring Training Approaches

As MLB's spring training approaches, several top free agents, including Alex Bregman, Pete Alonso, and Max Scherzer, remain available to sign with teams looking to bolster their rosters.

As the MLB offseason approaches February, when pitchers and catchers report, the free agent pool is gradually shrinking. However, there are still several talented players available who can make an immediate impact for any team that signs them.

One of the most notable remaining free agents is third baseman Alex Bregman. As the top available free agent, there is speculation that Bregman may return to the Houston Astros. Fresh from his first Gold Glove season, Bregman boasts an impressive hitting record, with a slash line of .260/.315/.453/.768. Although his power numbers have declined since his impressive 2018 and 2019 seasons, Bregman remains a valuable asset to any team's lineup, having hit 26 home runs and 75 RBI last year.

At 30 years old, signing Bregman to a multi-year deal is a viable option. This is particularly evident in light of Anthony Santander's recent contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. Bregman's consistency and skills make him an attractive choice for teams seeking to strengthen their roster.

Pete Alonso: A Power-Hitting First Baseman

Although reports suggest that Pete Alonso's camp is seeking an hefty contract, the 30-year-old first baseman undoubtedly possesses the ability to significantly enhance any team's lineup. His impressive resume boasts 34 home runs and 88 RBI from last season, accompanied by a respectable slash line of .240/.329/.459/.788.

Alonso's stats reveal a mixed bag, with a career-low slugging percentage of .459 and a high 172 strikeouts, his most since his rookie year. However, he demonstrated exceptional durability by playing in all 162 games last season, a rare attribute in modern baseball. As a result, Alonso is poised to offer one of the most formidable power bats and instantly bolster any team's batting order with a strong three, four, or five option. The crucial question remains: how much is a team willing to invest in the talented first baseman?

J.D. Martinez: A Veteran DH Option

While J.D. Martinez may not be the dominant hitter he once was, the 37-year-old veteran could prove to be a cost-effective option for teams seeking a reliable designated hitter and additional hitting depth. Despite his declining numbers, Martinez is just a season removed from a three-year All-Star streak, demonstrating his enduring potential.

Martinez's 2023 statistics, which include a slash line of .235/.320/.406/.725, represent some of the lowest marks of his otherwise impressive career. Nevertheless, he still showcased his ability to deliver power, hitting 16 home runs and 69 RBI for the New York Mets last season.

Max Scherzer: A Veteran Arm at a Bargain Price

Following Justin Verlander's signing with the San Francisco Giants for a one-year, $15 million deal, it's unlikely that Max Scherzer will command a significantly higher salary, despite his impressive credentials. At 40 years old, Scherzer's value lies in his potential to provide a reliable, veteran presence in any rotation, assuming he can maintain his health.

Scherzer's 2023 season was marked by a return from back surgery, which limited him to just nine starts. Nevertheless, he posted a respectable 3.95 ERA, demonstrating his enduring ability to perform at a high level. With a storied career featuring three Cy Young Awards and eight All-Star appearances, Scherzer has consistently delivered excellence, having never recorded an ERA above 4.00 in a full season since 2011. Given his potential to bolster a rotation at a relatively low cost, it's hard to imagine why any team wouldn't consider taking a chance on Scherzer.

Kenley Jansen: A Reliable Closing Option

Although Kenley Jansen is no longer the dominant closer he was in 2011 and 2012, he remains a dependable option for any team seeking a reliable closer. His performance last season with the Red Sox was impressive, boasting a 3.29 ERA, his best since 2021. Notably, Jansen secured 27 saves for a struggling Red Sox team, demonstrating his enduring value.

Jansen's statistics from last season also reveal encouraging trends. He recorded 62 strikeouts, up from the previous season, and allowed fewer hits. At 37 years old, Jansen can still bring a high-quality arm to any bullpen, making him an attractive option for a simple one-year deal.

Justin Turner: A Serviceable Bat at a Bargain Price

Justin Turner had a quietly impressive season with the Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays. Although his numbers didn't quite match his standout performances during his time with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Turner can still provide a reliable bat. At 40 years old, teams can sign him without breaking the bank, making him an attractive option for those seeking a veteran presence.

Turner's 2023 statistics showed a decline in several categories, with a slash line of .259/.354/.383/.737. However, he did exhibit a slight increase in on-base percentage, thanks to his increased walk rate, which surpassed his strikeout total for the year. Interestingly, Turner's power numbers have followed a trend of alternating between strong and weak seasons. In 2021, he hit 27 home runs and 87 RBI, followed by a downturn in 2022 with 13 home runs and 81 RBI. He rebounded in 2023 with 23 home runs and 96 RBI, only to experience another decline in 2024 with 11 home runs and 66 RBI. This trend suggests that Turner may be due for a breakout season in terms of power numbers, making him a potentially valuable signing at a discounted price.

David Robertson: A Proven Bullpen Arm at a Bargain Price

David Robertson is another veteran relief pitcher who can make a significant impact for a team at a relatively low cost. With a storied career spanning over a decade, Robertson has consistently demonstrated his ability to excel in high-pressure situations. His most recent season with the Texas Rangers was no exception, as he posted a 3.00 ERA in 72 innings of relief across 68 games.

Robertson's impressive statistics from last season, including 99 strikeouts, are a testament to his enduring effectiveness. Notably, his 72 innings pitched represented a career-high, indicating that he has shown no signs of slowing down despite being 39 years old. As a result, any team can potentially acquire a seasoned and impactful bullpen arm like Robertson at a bargain price, likely on a one-year deal.

Danny Coulombe: A Proven Left-Handed Reliever

Danny Coulombe has been a standout performer over the past three years, playing a crucial role in the Baltimore Orioles' bullpen. Despite his impressive contributions, injury concerns led the Orioles to move on from Coulombe, a decision that surprised fans and local media alike. In 33 games last season, Coulombe threw 29.2 innings, posting a remarkable 2.12 ERA and 32 strikeouts, while issuing just five walks.

Coulombe's previous season was equally impressive, as he recorded a 2.81 ERA in 61 games, spanning 51.1 innings. He struck out 58 batters, allowed 45 hits, and walked just 12. Any team willing to take a chance on the 35-year-old left-hander will undoubtedly bolster their bullpen with one of the best left-handed relievers in baseball. Moreover, Coulombe's exceptional character makes him an invaluable addition to any team, both on and off the field.

Jose Quintana: A Reliable Back-End Starter

Jose Quintana, despite being 36 years old, has experienced a resurgence in his career, particularly over the past few years. His most recent season with the New York Mets was a testament to his enduring abilities, as he posted a 3.75 ERA in 31 starts. Quintana's performance was marked by 135 strikeouts and 63 walks in 170.1 innings, demonstrating his reliability as a starting pitcher.

Quintana's skills make him an ideal candidate to serve as a solid middle-of-the-rotation piece for any team seeking depth. While he may not be suited for a top-three spot in the rotation, Quintana can excel as a back-end starting pitcher, providing a consistent presence for teams in need. Moreover, his services can likely be acquired at a relatively low cost, making him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their rotation without breaking the bank.