Top MLB Free Agents, Trade Targets Still Available at Each Position
With roughly a month to go until the start of spring training, the free-agent market has thinned considerably at this point, but there are still a handful of impact players available and a number of secondary roster pieces as well.
The biggest remaining crop of talent can be found in the starting pitching market, where everyone is seemingly waiting to see where Masahiro Tanaka signs. Once he makes his decision, the likes of Matt Garza, Ubaldo Jimenez and Ervin Santana will likely find homes shortly after as consolation prizes for the teams that lose out on Tanaka.
We're edging closer and closer to the season kicking off with each passing day, but for now here is a look at the top remaining free agents and trade targets still available at each position.
*All stats courtesy of Baseball Reference, unless otherwise noted.
Catcher
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Top Available Catchers
| John Buck (33) | 110 G, .219/.285/.362, 11 2B, 15 HR, 62 RBI, 39 R | FA |
| Jose Lobaton (29) | 100 G, .249/.320/.394, 15 2B, 7 HR, 32 RBI, 38 R | Trade |
Position Overview
John Buck is the top remaining option on a catching market that is essentially tapped dry at this point. He'll bring a veteran presence and some decent pop to whoever winds up signing him, though it will likely be to serve as a backup wherever he goes.
Postseason hero Jose Lobaton has become expendable in Tampa Bay after the team re-signed Jose Molina and acquired Ryan Hanigan in a trade with the Cincinnati Reds, and he could come relatively cheap to someone looking for some depth.
Veterans Kelly Shoppach, Yorvit Torrealba, Miguel Olivo and Ramon Hernandez could all get a minor league deals with a shot at winning a roster spot as a backup, but they won't provide much production at this point.
First Basemen/Designated Hitters
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Top Available First Basemen/Designated Hitter
| Kendrys Morales (30) | 156 G, .277/.336/.449, 34 2B, 23 HR, 80 RBI, 64 R | FA |
| Justin Smoak (27) | 131 G, .238/.334/.412, 19 2B, 20 HR, 50 RBI, 53 R | Trade |
| Ike Davis (26) | 103 G, .205/.326/.334, 14 2B, 9 HR, 33 RBI, 37 R | Trade |
| Mark Reynolds (30) | 135 G, .220/.306/.393, 14 2B, 21 HR, 67 RBI, 55 R | FA |
| Lyle Overbay (36) | 142 G, .240/.295/.393, 24 2B, 14 HR, 59 RBI, 43 R | FA |
| Travis Hafner (36) | 82 G, .202/.301/.378, 8 2B, 12 HR, 37 RBI, 31 R | FA |
| Carlos Pena (35) | 89 G, .207/.321/.346, 13 2B, 8 HR, 25 RBI, 38 R | FA |
Position Overview
Kendrys Morales declined a qualifying offer to start the offseason, and that draft pick compensation tied to his signing could make him this year's Kyle Lohse. One GM even told Peter Gammons he could have to wait until after the June draft to sign, when he'll no longer cost a team its draft pick.
One thing working in Morales' favor is the fact that the rest of the first base market has thinned considerably, and there are still at least a few teams in need of an upgrade at the position. Justin Smoak and Ike Davis still remain very likely candidates to be traded, while Mitch Moreland looks less likely to be dealt.
Mark Reynolds brings plus power at a low price, while Lyle Overbay, Travis Hafner and Carlos Pena are all veteran, left-handed bats capable of helping out in a limited capacity.
Second Basemen
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Top Available Second Basemen
| Daniel Murphy (28) | 161 G, .286/.319/.415, 38 2B, 13 HR, 78 RBI, 92 R | Trade |
| Nick Franklin (22) | 102 G, .225/.303/.382, 20 2B, 12 HR, 45 RBI, 38 R | Trade |
| Jeff Baker (32) | 74 G, .279/.360/.545, 8 2B, 11 HR, 21 RBI, 21 R | FA |
| Darwin Barney (28) | 141 G, .208/.266/.303, 25 2B, 7 HR, 41 RBI, 49 R | Trade |
| Chris Getz (30) | 78 G, .220/.288/.273, 6 2B, 1 HR, 18 RBI, 29 R | FA |
| Alexi Casilla (29) | 62 G, .214/.268/.295, 4 2B, 1 HR, 10 RBI, 15 R | FA |
| Elliot Johnson (29) | 111 G, .209/.255/.283, 3 2B, 2 HR, 19 RBI, 27 R | FA |
| Ramon Santiago (34) | 80 G, .224/.298/.288, 8 2B, 1 HR, 14 RBI, 27 R | FA |
Position Overview
The second base market was thin to begin with this offseason, and with Robinson Cano, Omar Infante and Mark Ellis all finding new homes, the only legitimate starting options still available are on the trade market.
Nick Franklin may be the most likely second baseman to be moved, as his starting job in Seattle has been taken by Cano, while Daniel Murphy is probably the best option available but may not be as easily acquired.
Beyond the trade candidates, there are a handful of utility infield types in Chris Getz, Alexi Casilla, Elliot Johnson and Ramon Santiago who should all get a chance to compete for Opening Day roster spots but likely won't see regular at-bats.
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Third Basemen
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Top Available Third Basemen
| Michael Young (37) | 147 G, .279/.335/.395, 26 2B, 8 HR, 46 RBI, 52 R | FA |
| Wilson Betemit (32) | 6 G, .000/.000/.000, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0 R | FA |
| Chris Nelson (28) | 64 G, .227/.273/.327, 4 2B, 3 HR, 24 RBI, 19 R | FA |
| Placido Polanco (38) | 118 G, .260/.315/.302, 13 2B, 1 HR, 23 RBI, 33 R | FA |
Position Overview
Juan Uribe was really the only everyday option at third base on the free-agent market when the offseason began, and with the veteran opting to re-sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers, teams looking to upgrade at the hot corner don't have much in the way of options.
Michael Young is not the player he once was, but he is still a decent hitter. He's actually been looked at by the Milwaukee Brewers as a first baseman, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports. He should be able to get a major league deal from someone, it just remains to be seen what role he will fill in 2014.
As far as sleeper options, Chris Nelson is worth a look, as he hit .301/.352/.458 with nine home runs and 53 RBI over 345 at-bats for the Colorado Rockies in 2012. Those numbers were obviously less impressive this past season, but the potential is there for the 28-year-old.
Shortstop
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Top Available Shortstops
| Stephen Drew (30) | 124 G, .253/.333/.443, 29 2B, 13 HR, 67 RBI, 57 R | FA |
| Jimmy Rollins (35) | 160 G, .252/.318/.348, 36 2B, 6 HR, 39 RBI, 65 R | Trade |
| Cesar Izturis (33) | 63 G, .209/.259/.271, 8 2B, 0 HR, 11 RBI, 6 R | FA |
| Omar Quintanilla (32) | 95 G, .222/.306/.283, 9 2B, 2 HR, 21 RBI, 28 R | FA |
Position Overview
The St. Louis Cardinals signed one of the two viable everyday shortstop option on the market this offseason when they gave Jhonny Peralta a four-year, $53 million deal. The other, Stephen Drew, remains on the market and may be there for some time after turning down a qualifying offer.
Drew could yet wind up back with the Boston Red Sox this offseason, though he looks like a good fit for the New York Mets, should they decide to spend more this winter.
Jimmy Rollins is available on the trade market, but the 35-year-old is not the player he once was, and teams aren't likely to give up much given his $11 million salary and the fact that he's a free agent at season's end. After that, there are a handful of backup options, but no one capable of making a serious impact.
Outfielders
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Top Available Outfielders
| Nelson Cruz (33) | 109 G, .266/.327/.506, 18 2B, 27 HR, 76 RBI, 49 R | FA |
| Alejandro De Aza (29) | 153 G, .264/.323/.405, 27 2B, 17 HR, 62 RBI, 84 R | Trade |
| Ichiro Suzuki (40) | 150 G, .262/.297/.342, 15 2B, 7 HR, 35 RBI, 57 R | Trade |
| Bobby Abreu (39) | ^100 G, .242/.350/.342, 11 2B, 3 HR, 24 RBI, 29 R | FA |
| Grady Sizemore (31) | *71 G, .224/.285/.422, 21 2B, 10 HR, 32 RBI, 34 R | FA |
| Andres Torres (35) | 103 G, .250/.302/.342, 17 2B, 2 HR, 21 RBI, 33 R | FA |
| Jason Bay (35) | 68 G, .204/.298/.393, 6 2B, 11 HR, 20 RBI, 30 R | FA |
| Juan Pierre (36) | 113 G, .247/.284/.305, 11 2B, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 36 R | FA |
*2011 stats, ^2012 stats
Position Overview
The biggest bat still on the market, Nelson Cruz, has draft pick compensation tied to signing him after he received a qualifying offer and also has PED questions after serving a 50-game suspension last season, but he should still received a nice payday once he does sign.
After him, the market has thinned considerably, though there are some intriguing bounce-back candidates still available. Grady Sizemore is finally healthy and looking to get his career back on track, while Bobby Abreu is looking to come out of retirement after hitting .322/.416/.461 over 180 at-bats in the Venezuelan Winter League.
Alejandro De Aza has become expendable for the White Sox following their acquisition of Adam Eaton, while the Yankees could look to deal Ichiro now that Jacoby Ellsbury and Carlos Beltran have been signed to join Brett Gardner in the outfield.
Right-Handed Starting Pitchers
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Top Available Right-Handed Starting Pitchers
| Masahiro Tanaka (25) | *27 GS, 24-0, 1.27 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, 183 K, 212 IP | FA |
| Ubaldo Jimenez (29) | 32 GS, 13-9, 3.30 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 194 K, 182.2 IP | FA |
| Ervin Santana (31) | 32 GS, 9-10, 3.24 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 161 K, 211 IP | FA |
| Matt Garza (30) | 24 GS, 10-6, 3.82 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 136 K, 155.1 IP | FA |
| Jeff Samardzija (28) | 33 GS, 8-13, 4.34 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 214 K, 213.2 IP | Trade |
| A.J. Burnett (37) | 30 GS, 10-11, 3.30 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 209 K, 191 IP | FA |
| Bronson Arroyo (36) | 32 GS, 14-12, 3.79 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 124 K, 202 IP | FA |
| Jason Hammel (31) | 23 GS, 7-8, 4.97 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, 96 K, 139.1 IP | FA |
*Stats from Japan.
Position Overview
The dominoes have yet to start falling on the top of the starting pitching market, as everyone continues to wait on Masahiro Tanaka to make a decision. Once he signs for what could very well be a $100 million-plus deal, expect the rest of the market to unfold quickly.
Matt Garza is a slightly more attractive option than Ubaldo Jimenez and Ervin Santana since he was not eligible for a qualifying offer, but all three should make an impact wherever they wind up, and all three will be paid handsomely.
A.J. Burnett continues to mull retirement, while fellow veteran Bronson Arroyo could make a decision soon with a number of teams interested in him on a short-term deal. Chicago Cubs ace Jeff Samardzija is the top right-handed starter on the trade market, but at this point, it looks like he won't be moved until July, if at all.
Left-Handed Starting Pitchers
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Top Available Left-Handed Starting Pitchers
| David Price (28) | 27 GS, 10-8, 3.33 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 151 K, 186.2 IP | Trade |
| Paul Maholm (31) | 26 GS, 10-11, 4.41 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 105 K, 153 IP | FA |
| Joe Saunders (32) | 32 GS, 11-16, 5.26 ERA, 1.60 WHIP, 107 K, 183 IP | FA |
| Bruce Chen (36) | 34 G, 15 GS, 9-4, 3.27 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 78 K, 121 IP | FA |
| Chris Capuano (35) | 24 G, 20 GS, 4-7, 4.26 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 81 K, 105.2 IP | FA |
| Johan Santana (34) | *21 GS, 6-9, 4.85 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 111 K, 117 IP | FA |
*2012 stats
Position Overview
The most talked about name on this year's trade market has undoubtedly been Tampa Bay Rays ace David Price. After making $10.1 million in arbitration last year, the left-hander has quickly priced himself out of the small market that is Tampa Bay, and chances are he'll be playing elsewhere when 2014 ends, whether or not he's dealt this offseason.
Beyond Price, veteran innings eater Joe Saunders is a low-cost option for a team looking to fill out the back end of its staff. He's averaged 193 innings the past six years and has a solid 4.23 ERA over that span.
The biggest question mark of the entire free-agent market may be former Cy Young winner Johan Santana, who missed all of 2013 recovering from shoulder surgery. He's obviously not the pitcher he once was, but someone will take a chance on him bouncing back with a productive season.
Relievers
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Top Available Relievers
| Fernando Rodney (36) | 68 G, 5-4, 37 SV, 3.38 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 11.1 K/9 | FA |
| Grant Balfour (36) | 65 G, 1-3, 38 SV, 2.59 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 10.3 K/9 | FA |
| Jonathan Papelbon (33) | 61 G, 5-1, 29 SV, 2.92 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 8.3 K/9 | Trade |
| Francisco Rodriguez (32) | 48 G, 3-2, 10 SV, 2.70 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 10.4 K/9 | FA |
| Andrew Bailey (29) | 30 G, 3-1, 8 SV, 3.77 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 12.2 K/9 | FA |
| Eric O'Flaherty (28) | 19 G, 3-0, 0 SV, 2.50 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, 5.5 K/9 | FA |
| Kevin Gregg (35) | 62 G, 2-6, 33 SV, 3.48 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 8.1 K/9 | FA |
| Oliver Perez (32) | 61 G, 3-3, 2 SV, 3.74 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 12.6 K/9 | FA |
| Brett Tomko (40) | *8 G, 0-1, 0 SV, 4.58 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 7.1 K/9 | FA |
*2011 stats
Position Overview
A pair of solid closer options remain on the free-agent market in Fernando Rodney and Grant Balfour, and both should still be able to find multiyear deals before the offseason is over. There are some questions about the health of Balfour's arm, as he originally agreed to a two-year, $15 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles before the deal fell apart following his physical.
Francisco Rodriguez, Kevin Gregg and Andrew Bailey all have experience closing as well, but they are probably better suited in a setup role at this point. Bailey in particular is an intriguing option, as he was lights out before an injury-plagued 2012 and 2013, and he's still only 29.
The Phillies would love to move Jonathan Papelbon, but that will be easier said than done as he is due $26 million over the next two years and is coming off a less-than-dominant season.
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.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
