2017 MLB Free Agents: Rumors and Predictions for Underrated Assets

While teams are still vying to reach and win the World Series, much of Major League Baseball is already focused on the offseason and what should be an intriguing free-agent signing period.

Although it can be argued that there is a lack of elite talent compared to some of the players who could hit the market in the coming years, there are enough difference-makers out there who could change the MLB landscape depending upon where they decide to sign.

With the offseason quickly approaching, here is a look at the latest rumors surrounding some underrated players with the potential to provide some big-time value.

Justin Upton

It may seem odd to characterize a four-time All-Star as underrated, but outfielder Justin Upton has often fallen a bit short of his immense potential over the course of his career.

That changed in 2017, however, when he hit .273 and set career highs with 35 home runs and 109 RBI for the Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Angels.

After such a strong year, it comes as little surprise that MLB Network's Jon Morosi is reporting that Upton is planning to opt out of his contract and become a free agent.

The Tigers traded Upton to the Angels for the stretch run, but L.A. was unable to reach the postseason and may not be in the market for the top of contract Upton figures to get.

Upton is still in his prime at 30 years of age, and his power production is at an all-time high, as he followed up a 31-homer campaign in 2016 with 35 in 2017.

Despite his prowess at the plate, Upton has been somewhat nomadic over the course of his career, enjoying stints with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres, Tigers and Angels.

If he signs with a new team this offseason, it will mark his sixth different team in seven seasons.

One team that could be a strong fit after trading outfielders Jay Bruce and Curtis Granderson this season is the New York Mets.

Injuries derailed the Mets in 2017 and caused them to miss the playoffs, but they have elite pitching when healthy.

New York has some young hitting talent rising through the ranks; however, it lacks proven stars aside from Yoenis Cespedes, and Upton would provide a major boost to an offense that struggled mightily this season.

Eric Hosmer

The Kansas City Royals stand to lose much of the nucleus that helped lead them to a World Series title in 2015.

First baseman Eric Hosmer is part of that group, but Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports reported that the Royals will make a "serious offer" that could exceed $100 million in order to keep him.

Heyman added that the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees are among the teams that could provide the biggest competition for Hosmer's services.

The 27-year-old veteran is coming off what was arguably his best MLB season, as he hit a career-best .318, matched his career best with 25 home runs and drove in 94 runs.

Hosmer has been a Royals staple since they selected him with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2008 draft, and he has developed into one of baseball's most complete first basemen.

In addition to his hitting prowess, the lefty is a three-time Gold Glove Award winner, and he reached his first All-Star Game in 2016.

Hosmer even provides some rare speed at the first base position with 60 career stolen bases.

His durability is a major hallmark as well, with just six games missed in total over the past three seasons.

Hosmer's combination of youth and production in all areas should make him a highly sought-after commodity, but since the Royals need some kind of victory in free agency in order to save face with their fanbase, look for them to do whatever is needed in order to keep Hosmer in the fold.

Zack Cozart

After playing in relative anonymity for years, Cincinnati Reds shortstop Zack Cozart broke out in a big way this season.

The 32-year-old veteran set career bests across the board with a .297 batting average, .385 on-base percentage, 24 home runs and 63 RBI en route to his first career All-Star nod.

Cozart stands to land a nice contract in free agency, but Heyman reported that the Reds may make a run at trying to retain him.

If Cozart's surge in power and on-base ability are for real, then he could be a highly valuable piece at the shortstop position.

If his production was an outlier, however, a big contract could be an albatross, especially since he is already potentially exiting his prime years.

The Reds are a team that boasts some impressive offensive players, but they are likely stuck in a rebuild until they can improve their starting rotation significantly.

Cincinnati may still be a few years away from contention for a playoff spot because of that, and the fact that Cozart hasn't appeared in more than 122 games in a single season since 2014 may dissuade a team from making a big financial commitment.

There may not be many playoff-caliber teams in the market for a shortstop, but one destination that makes sense is the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Arizona has shown a penchant for spending in free agency, and since Ketel Marte hasn't established himself as a clear-cut starter, the D-backs are a team to watch in the Cozart hunt.