2013 MLB Free Agency: Top Players Still Available
As MLB teams begin training camp soon, there are players still available to sign and play in 2013.
After all the large free-agent signing splashes have been made, teams are now looking to improve their rosters before opening day.ย Every team can use a quality starting pitcher like Kyle Lohse and a good hitter with pop and a member of the 30-30 club like Grady Sizemore.
Teams should definitely take a chance on these two players if they want a chance at the postseason.
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Kyle Lohse, SP
After watching Zack Greinke, Edwin Jackson and Anibal Sanchez get multi-year, multi-million dollar deals, Lohse remains unsigned.ย With pitchers reporting to training camp, the 34-year-old is missing valuable training time with a potential new team and catcher.
Lohseย hadย a 16-3 record with a 2.86 ERA in 2012, his second season in a row where he remained healthy and was a Cy Young candidate.ย Lohse would be a great addition for a team looking for a pitcher who can eat up innings while avoiding allowing runs.
According to NBC Sports, the Texas Rangers and New York Yankees have โno interestโ in Kyle Lohse, a potential disadvantage when discussing contract figures with a new team.
Many teams fear giving up a draft pick in order to acquire Lohse.
Agent Scott Boras negotiated a deal for Michael Bourn, who also had a draft-pick compensation issue, with the Cleveland Indians for four years, $48 millionโmore than insiders expected.ย If anyone can convince a team they need Lohse like they need water, it's Scott Boras.
Grady Sizemore, OF
After back surgery, knee surgery and other nagging injuries ruined his 2012 season, the three-time all-star, two-time Gold Glove Award winner is still available.ย At 30 years old, he can still provide value to a team in need of an outfielder who can hit for power.
When healthy, Sizemore is a run-producing and on-base machine, rankingย seventhย in walks with 98 walks in 2009. ย ย In that same season, he hit .268 with 33 home runs, 90 RBI, 101 runs and .374ย OBP.
If the Yankees can give an often-injured power hitter like Travis Hafner a one-year deal, Sizemore should find a team willing to give him another chance.ย He might have to sign a minor league deal and prove himself again but itโs a shot both team and he should take.
