Spring coaching is getting nearer with every passing day.
Pitchers and catchers will report back to camp through the second week of February with place gamers following shortly thereafter. Video games will begin by the tip of the month as Opening Day approaches.
Regardless of the proximity of spring coaching, a number of prime free brokers stay accessible. Former All-Stars, Gold Glove and Cy Younger winners are in the marketplace. Let’s check out the perfect gamers remaining in free company at every place.
Catcher: Yasmani Grandal (.228/.304/.400, 9 homers, 10 doubles in 243 plate appearances)
Grandal is probably not a beginning catcher at this stage of his profession, however he’s nonetheless a comparatively strong bat. He additionally turned phenom Paul Skenes’ catcher down the stretch, serving to information the younger flamethrower to the 2024 NL Rookie of the Yr Award. The issue is that Grandal has develop into a defensive legal responsibility, throwing out simply 8.3 % of would-be base stealers in 2024.
Grandal is a strong match for a younger group searching for veteran management. A reunion with the Pirates or White Sox is sensible.
First base: Pete Alonso (.240/.329/.459, 34 homers, 31 doubles in 695 plate appearances)
A reunion with the Mets appeared inevitable, however that’s not the case. Jon Heyman of the New York Submit reported that there’s a “sizable hole” between the Mets and Alonso relating to a contract.
That distinction might open up a chance for an additional group, such because the Angels or Giants, to snag the free-agent slugger. His energy might remodel any lineup, particularly a group with an eye fixed towards the postseason.
The Mets are nonetheless the favorites to land Alonso, however the Angels and Giants are potential touchdown spots as nicely.
Second base: Nicky Lopez (.241/.312/.294, one homer, 12 doubles in 445 plate appearances)
Lopez is a borderline starter, however he’s the perfect accessible participant at second. His worth comes from his capability to deal with second, brief or third defensively and his strong pace. He’s a good utility participant however might get an opportunity to begin on a rebuilding roster.
Lopez has worth attributable to his defensive skills. He’s prone to land someplace as a backup infielder.
Third base: Alex Bregman (.260/.315/.453, 26 homers, 30 doubles in 634 plate appearances)
Ranked because the third-best free agent per FanGraphs, Bregman has develop into a strong energy menace and a very good defensive third baseman. He has in depth playoff expertise, reaching the postseason yearly since 2017, and has gained a pair of World Collection rings.
Bregman has additionally indicated a willingness to maneuver to second base if essential. Though he stays unsigned, Bregman nonetheless has loads of choices forward of him.
Though the Yankees say DJ LeMahieu will get one other likelihood at third, Bregman can be an ideal match. The Tigers and Mets could possibly be potential touchdown spots as nicely.
Shortstop: Ha-Seong Kim (.233/.330/.370, 11 homers, 16 doubles, 22 steals in 470 plate appearances)
Kim missed time in 2024, together with the postseason, attributable to a shoulder harm that required surgical procedure. He’s reportedly aiming to be again by the start of Could however that may mark the third 12 months he has missed time attributable to accidents.
When wholesome, Kim is a dynamic on-base menace with glorious pace and respectable pop. He’s additionally able to taking part in Gold Glove-caliber protection at second, third and brief, opening extra potential locations.
A return to the Padres would make sense, however Kim would additionally fill a void for groups such because the Braves and Yankees.
Left discipline: Jurickson Profar (.280/.380/.459, 24 homers, 29 doubles in 668 plate appearances)
Profar had a profession 12 months in 2024, along with his slash line and residential runs marking personal-high watermarks. His finest seasons have are available in San Diego, having spent components of 5 years with the Padres.
Likewise, the Padres see Profar as a match, initially buying and selling for him earlier than signing him as a free-agent thrice. A fourth stint in San Diego is sensible for each side, though the Padres’ payroll considerations might pressure Profar to look elsewhere.
Groups such because the Royals and Blue Jays that want one other energy hitter make sense if Profar doesn’t return to San Diego.
Middle discipline: Harrison Bader (.236/.284/.373, 12 homers, 19 doubles, 17 steals in 437 plate appearances)
Bader is the best choice in what was the weakest space of free company. He has respectable energy and pace, making him a good choice towards the underside of a lineup.
His best power is his protection, as his 14 runs saved in heart was second within the Nationwide League. That mixture of attributes ought to present Bader with a number of choices in free company.
A reunion with the Mets, who at present have Tyrone Taylor atop their depth chart, is sensible. Bader may be a match for the Angels and Giants.
Proper discipline: Anthony Santander (.235/.308/.506, 44 homers, 25 doubles in 665 plate appearances)
Santander is a throwback by way of being an influence hitter however he has improved his endurance and call abilities. His 8.5 % stroll fee and 20.5 % strikeout fee for the reason that begin of the 2022 season are stellar for any energy hitter. A swap hitter and a good sufficient defensive presence in proper, Santander could possibly be an improve for nearly any lineup.
Ari Alexander of KPRC reported that the Blue Jays have made a proper provide to Santander. The Angels and Royals would additionally make sense for the switch-hitting slugger.
Designated hitter: J.D. Martinez (.235/.320/.406, 16 homers, 24 doubles in 495 plate appearances)
Age is beginning to present with Martinez, who posted his worst batting line in a full season since 2013. Nevertheless, he nonetheless has some energy and attracts walks. His knowledge and information about hitting are belongings. Martinez is probably not the hitter he as soon as was however he could possibly be a strong mentor for a younger lineup.
Chances are high that Martinez is not going to price a lot. He could possibly be a match for groups such because the Marlins or Rockies.
Beginning pitcher: Roki Sasaki (2.35 ERA, 1.036 WHIP, 129 strikeouts in 111 innings in Japan)
Arguably the perfect pitching prospect to come back from Japan, the 23-year-old Sasaki could possibly be a top-of-the-rotation starter for any group.
Armed with a triple-digit fastball, a devastating splitter and a plus slider, Sasaki is the kind of expertise groups dream of. There are purple flags attributable to his harm historical past, however the upside is simple.
The Dodgers and Padres are thought of the favorites for Sasaki, though seven groups had in-person conferences.
Reduction pitcher: Tanner Scott (1.75 ERA, 1.125 WHIP, 22 saves, 84 strikeouts in 72 innings)
The perfect reliever accessible, Scott’s market has been quiet so far. His 97 mph fastball is a rarity amongst left-handed relievers. Scott doesn’t considerably differ in efficiency in opposition to left-handed or right-handed hitters. He would slot in as a high-leverage choice or as a better.
The Yankees’ present depth chart doesn’t have a left-handed choice within the bullpen. The Blue Jays and Diamondbacks can be a great match as nicely.
