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Buck Showalter's Orioles are among the clubs expected to make some moves in free agency before the season gets underway.
Buck Showalter's Orioles are among the clubs expected to make some moves in free agency before the season gets underway.Patrick Semansky/Associated Press

MLB Spring Training: Remaining Free Agents Who Could Sign Soon

Joseph AndersonFeb 19, 2016

The Major League Baseball offseason has been as entertaining and unpredictable as we could have hoped, yet several big-name players remain in free agency.

As spring training has just gotten underway, it's time for front offices to fine-tune their rosters before the regular season gets started.

While some of the available free agents are experienced veterans and others are young guys looking for a fresh start, the talent level remains high among available players.

I've listed six players who I expect will sign in the near future and make an impact in the 2016 season, so let's get to it!

6. Ian Desmond

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Ian Desmond has been a solid middle infielder for years and could help out several teams in 2016.
Ian Desmond has been a solid middle infielder for years and could help out several teams in 2016.

Not many shortstops average 22 home runs over the course of four seasons, but the former Washington Nationals player has done just that.

While Ian Desmond's average has dropped consistently in recent years, his unusual power makes him an intriguing option for teams looking for a middle infielder.

Desmond's defense has never been known as a strength, which means an American League team looking for a DH could come calling.

It seems unlikely that Desmond's future is at shortstop, so teams looking for a second basemen could look at the veteran as well.

The Chicago White Sox and Colorado Rockies are two teams who have remained in contact with the power-hitting infielder recently, according to a report from Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal, so either club could find a valuable upgrade if they choose to bring Desmond aboard.

5. Tim Lincecum

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Although Tim Lincecum hasn't shown the same velocity that made him a Cy Young winner, the veteran righty could still be a valuable addition to many clubs.
Although Tim Lincecum hasn't shown the same velocity that made him a Cy Young winner, the veteran righty could still be a valuable addition to many clubs.

Oh how the mighty have fallen.

Once regarded as one of the brightest young talents in the MLB, Tim Lincecum has struggled through injuries and consistency troubles in recent years.

The 5'11'' right-hander has had an ERA above 4.00 for four consecutive seasons, and his strikeouts have fallen dramatically over that same time span.

Still, the potential is there for the 31-year-old to have a breakout campaign, so Lincecum is likely to be taking several phone calls this offseason.

MLB Network's Jon Heyman reported the Miami Marlins and Baltimore Orioles are two teams with big interest, so don't be surprised if the two-time Cy Young winner gets an invite to either team's spring training camp.

4. Dexter Fowler

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After a solid 2015 season, Dexter Fowler is expected to receive a hearty contract as a free agent.
After a solid 2015 season, Dexter Fowler is expected to receive a hearty contract as a free agent.

Somehow, this guy hasn't been scooped up yet, despite the talent he's showcased over the years.

Not only does he have the range to be a great defensive center fielder, Dexter Fowler also hit 17 homers and stole 20 bases for the Chicago Cubs in 2015.

The 29-year-old has all of the physical attributes to be a successful big leaguer and would be a huge addition for many teams.

Fowler's versatility allows for him to play any of the outfield positions, which opens up the market for him dramatically.

Baltimore appears to be the favorite to acquire Fowler's services, which would be a great addition to the American League East contender.

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3. Pedro Alvarez

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Pedro Alvarez's power will make him an extremely valuable pickup for teams looking to improve on offense.
Pedro Alvarez's power will make him an extremely valuable pickup for teams looking to improve on offense.

Pedro Alvarez doesn't put up the prettiest numbers, but his power is undeniable.

The 29-year-old has averaged just under 28 homers per year over the past four seasons and has shown a knack for producing in clutch situations.

Alvarez has been a key contributor to the Pittsburgh Pirates' recent resurgence, and he was one of the key reasons for their playoff appearance last year.

If Baltimore still has room in the budget after signing Fowler, Alvarez could be a nice complement in the lineup to fellow power hitter Chris Davis.

However, if the Orioles choose not to bring in "El Toro," the Seattle Mariners could be a potential suitor for the big hitter.

2. Greg Holland

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Greg Holland has shown the dominance to be an elite closer but must recover from Tommy John surgery before being able to pitch in 2016.
Greg Holland has shown the dominance to be an elite closer but must recover from Tommy John surgery before being able to pitch in 2016.

Greg Holland had a rough 2015 season, to say the least.

Not only did his ERA jump two points, but the veteran reliever saw his season come to an abrupt end when he was forced to undergo Tommy John surgery in September.

Regardless of the injury concerns, Holland is a worthwhile addition to many teams.

From 2011-14, the 30-year-old utilized his powerful arm to become one of the league's best late-inning options.

Not many teams have reported interest in Holland to this point, but that could change before the regular season begins.

Any team looking for bullpen help would be smart to obtain Holland's services.

1. David Freese

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After a few seasons with the Angels, David Freese enters free agency as a valuable asset for several clubs.
After a few seasons with the Angels, David Freese enters free agency as a valuable asset for several clubs.

Ever since his heroics in the 2011 World Series, David Freese has failed to live up to the potential he showcased in the October classic.

The 32-year-old still showed he could be a viable option as both a solid defensive third baseman and a decent bat in the lineup after his 2015 season with the Los Angeles Angels.

Freese hit .257 with 14 home runs and 56 RBI a year ago, as well as making just eight errors in the field.

Still, the seven-year veteran remains unsigned but has interest from the Cleveland Indians, as reported by MLB.com's Jordan Bastian.

A return to Anaheim makes sense for the veteran, but the Indians could surprise and add an experienced infielder to mentor some of the young talent in Cleveland.

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