Spring coaching is getting nearer with every passing day.
Pitchers and catchers will report back to camp throughout the second week of February with place gamers following shortly thereafter. Video games will begin by the top of the month as Opening Day approaches.
Regardless of the proximity of spring coaching, a number of high free brokers stay accessible. Former All-Stars, Gold Glove and Cy Younger winners are in the marketplace. Let’s check out one of the best gamers remaining in free company at every place.
Catcher: Yasmani Grandal (.228/.304/.400, 9 homers, 10 doubles in 243 plate appearances)
Grandal will not be a beginning catcher at this stage of his profession, however he’s nonetheless a comparatively strong bat. He additionally grew to become phenom Paul Skenes’ catcher down the stretch, serving to information the younger flamethrower to the 2024 NL Rookie of the 12 months Award. The issue is that Grandal has change into a defensive legal responsibility, throwing out simply 8.3 p.c of would-be base stealers in 2024.
Grandal is a strong match for a younger staff 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 Post reported that there’s a “sizable hole” between the Mets and Alonso relating to a contract.
That distinction may open up a chance for one more staff, such as the Angels or Giants, to snag the free-agent slugger. His energy may remodel any lineup, particularly a staff 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 properly.
Second base: Nicky Lopez (.241/.312/.294, one homer, 12 doubles in 445 plate appearances)
Lopez is a borderline starter, however he’s one of the best accessible participant at second. His worth comes from his potential to deal with second, brief or third defensively and his strong velocity. He’s an honest utility participant however may get an opportunity to begin on a rebuilding roster.
Lopez has worth as a result of his defensive skills. He’s more likely 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 change 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 move to second base if needed. Though he stays unsigned, Bregman nonetheless has loads of choices forward of him.
Though the Yankees say DJ LeMahieu will get another chance at third, Bregman could be an ideal match. The Tigers and Mets might be potential touchdown spots as properly.
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, as a result of a shoulder harm that required surgical procedure. He’s reportedly aiming to be back by the start of Might however that may mark the third 12 months he has missed time as a result of accidents.
When wholesome, Kim is a dynamic on-base menace with glorious velocity and first rate 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 area: 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 greatest seasons have are available San Diego, having spent components of 5 years with the Padres.
Likewise, the Padres see Profar as a match, initially trading for him earlier than signing him as a free-agent thrice. A fourth stint in San Diego is sensible for either side, though the Padres’ payroll concerns may power 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.
Heart area: Harrison Bader (.236/.284/.373, 12 homers, 19 doubles, 17 steals in 437 plate appearances)
Bader is the most suitable choice in what was the weakest space of free company. He has first rate energy and velocity, making him a good possibility towards the underside of a lineup.
His best power is his protection, as his 14 runs saved in heart was second in the National 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 is also a match for the Angels and Giants.
Proper area: 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 persistence and speak to abilities. His 8.5 p.c stroll price and 20.5 p.c strikeout price since the start of the 2022 season are stellar for any energy hitter. A change hitter and a good sufficient defensive presence in proper, Santander might be an improve for just about 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 data about hitting are property. Martinez will not be the hitter he as soon as was however he might be a strong mentor for a younger lineup.
Chances are high that Martinez is not going to value a lot. He might 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 one of the best pitching prospect to come back from Japan, the 23-year-old Sasaki might be a top-of-the-rotation starter for any staff.
Armed with a triple-digit fastball, a devastating splitter and a plus slider, Sasaki is the kind of expertise groups dream of. There are pink flags as a result of his harm historical past, however the upside is simple.
The Dodgers and Padres are thought of the favorites for Sasaki, though seven teams had in-person meetings.
Reduction pitcher: Tanner Scott (1.75 ERA, 1.125 WHIP, 22 saves, 84 strikeouts in 72 innings)
The most effective 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 performance towards left-handed or right-handed hitters. He would slot in as a high-leverage possibility or as a more in-depth.
The Yankees’ current depth chart doesn’t have a left-handed possibility within the bullpen. The Blue Jays and Diamondbacks could be a very good match as properly.
