Top 12 remaining MLB free agents and their best team fit

As teams wrap up their rosters and gear up for the start of spring training, let’s explore the free agency landscape for the best options to meet their needs and provide depth. Based on the 12 free agents (and some notable names) and what the club needs and what I’ve heard in conversations with decision makers throughout the game, here’s my take on the best team for each player. It is shown below.

(2022 WAR stats are from Baseball Reference.)

1. Michael Wacha, RHP

Year: 31
war: 3.3

Wacha is the best starter left in the free agent market after going 11-2 with a 3.32 ERA for the Red Sox last year. His downward plane has always made a difference. He possesses an impressive career record of 74-50, with his ERA of 4.05 in 204 starts and 21 relief appearances. However, he hasn’t pitched more than 128 innings in one of his seasons since 2017. Several competing teams need depth in the starting pitching, and several others who are unlikely to compete want to sign him with the idea of ​​flipping him at his deadline for a trade. increase. There is no shortage of options when it comes to Japanese tea.

Best for: Orioles, Twins, Red Sox, Cardinals, Padres

Jurickson Profar (Sam Navarro / USA Today)

2. Jurrickson Plofer, LF

Year: 29
Bat: both Throw: right
war: 3.1

Plofer batted 33% last season and had 15 home runs, 82 runs scored, 58 RBIs and 111 OPS+. He also recorded 10 assists from left field. He can play all three of his outfield positions, and possibly second base, and that versatility, in addition to being his hitter switch, increases his value. He’ll be a really good depth play for some competing teams.

Best for: Braves, Yankees, Astros

3. Elvis Andrus, SS

Year: 34
Bat: right Throw: right
war: 3.0

Andrus found his fountain of youth last year, producing a solid season with 22 tries in 149 games, 32 doubles, 17 home runs and 18 stolen bases. On defense, the 14-year veteran has minus four defensive run saves and he finished with a 3.8 UZR. With several teams looking for a shortstop, Andrus should end up on his one-year contract which is great.

Best for: Red Sox, Angels, Braves

4. Zach Greinke, RHP

Year: 39
war: 2.6

The future Hall of Famer wants to keep pitching, and after posting a 3.68 ERA in 26 games in 2022, he deserves the opportunity to pitch for one more season. Greinke is one of my favorite clubhouse his personalities, and those qualities combined with his high baseball IQ really add to competing and rebuilding teams beyond what he gives on the mound. will be However, his strikeouts per nine innings have dropped significantly over the past three seasons, down from 9.0 in 2020 to 6.3 in 2021 and 4.8 last year. He should sign a low base contract with innings pitched and/or game starting incentives.

Best for: Royals, Rays, Padres

Trey Mancini (Ken Blaze/USA Today)

5. Trey Mancini, 1B/DH/LF

Year: 30
Bat: right Throw: right
war: 1.4

I think Mancini will be one of the most underrated free agents from this offseason. . Mancini said he hit more than 20 home runs each season from 2017 to his 2021 season, and last year he dropped 18 bombs. 270, .340 on-base percentage, and 21-24 homers, I see him go up to 21-24 homers. Mancini he plays first base at DH and can sometimes play left field. He is the ideal tenth player in the team’s lineup.

Best for: Mariners, Reds, Cubs, Nationals, Brewers, Rangers

6. Andrew McCutchen, OF

Year: 36
Bat: right Throw: right
war: 1.1

McCutchen is now an average major league player, but has the ability to hit 15 to 18 homers and hit .320 in a season. Despite his age and decline, he can still platoon in the outfield and downhill and help competing teams in the right role. supporting his market.

Best for: Blue Jays, Mariners, Rays, Rangers, Mets

7. Adam Duvall, OF

Year: 34
Bat: right Throw: right
war: negative -0.1

Duval underwent season-ending surgery last July to repair a torn tendon sheath in his left wrist. He will serve as an outfielder for the Braves in his 2021, hitting 38 home runs and winning a Gold Glove Award for his NL-leading 113 RBIs. His hitting tool is one of his weaknesses, as he hit .213 in 315 at-bats last year and .228 in 555 PAs the year before. However, in platoon-type situations, if he’s healthy, he can really help a competing team.

Best for: Mariners, Braves, Blue Jays, Red Sox, Rangers

8. Josh Harrison, INF/OF

Year: 35
Bat: right Throw: right
war: 1.4

Able to play second base, third base, and outfield, Harrison is perfect for coming off the bench at this point in his career. He is an energetic and enthusiastic player who rubs against his teammates. 256 with White’s Sox, mostly he played second base and he third base.

Best for: White Sox, Rockies, Red Sox, Rangers

Jose Iglesias (Vincent Carchietta / USA Today)

9. Jose Iglesias, SS

Year: 33
Bat: right Throw: right
war: 1.2

Still an above-average defensive shortstop, Iglesias has had a solid season batting .292, 30 doubles, 48 ​​points, and 47 RBIs. Also, for those worried about his split on the field for the Coors last year, he batted .315 away and .264 at home, his 13th doubles. A return to the Red Sox, the Angels, or even the Braves makes sense. Especially if Vaughn Grissom isn’t ready to take over shortstop full-time.

Best for: Red Sox, Angels, Braves

10. Gary Sanchez, C/DH

Year: 30
Bat: right Throw: right
war: 0.9

Sanchez delivers raw power at the plate and a strong arm behind the dish. The defense is below average and there are too many wild pitches and pass balls. However, he hit his 154th home run in his eight-year career and made his team two All-Stars. A second catcher and part-timer, he’ll be a solid fit when DH faces certain pitchers.

Best for: Giants, Red Sox, Astros, Diamondbacks

11. David Peralta, OF

Year: 35
Bat: left Throw: left
war: 0.7

Still a quality fourth or fifth outfielder type, Peralta could be an important depth play for any candidate. , hit 12 home runs and posted a .251/.316/.415 total batting average. In 2021, he led the majors with eight triples and had 30 doubles in Arizona.

Best for: Rangers, Nationals, Rays, Yankees

12. Tommy Pham, OF

Year: 34
Bat: right Throw: right
war: 0.4

Pham has averaged 16 home runs and 11 stolen bases per season for the Padres, Reds and Red Sox over the past two years. His Career His slashline is .259/.354/.433. He plays hard. He’s been playing on a daily basis for the past two seasons, but I think he’d be better off reducing his role as a fourth outfielder or platoon type.

Best for: Mets, Phillies, Rangers

Finally, here are some other free agents to watch. Their best team fit is listed in brackets:

• Bryan Anderson, INF/OF (Dodgers).
• Andrew Chafin, LHP (Astros)
• Will Smith, LHP (Blue Jays)
• Yuri Gurriel, 1B (Phillies)
• Aroldis Chapman, LHP (Marlins)
• Joe Ross, RHP (Nationals)

(Michael Wacha top photo: Terrence Williams/Associated Press)