With the arrival of February, MLB’s free agent market has ground to a halt. Most of this offseason’s big names have found new homes and are a few dollars richer for it.
Who’s left on the MLB free agent market?
Most free agents have signed already, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t still some players out there who can make a difference in 2015.
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
The Cubs made a big statement in their rebuilding efforts after signing Jon Lester to a six-year deal, while the Nationals handed out the winter's largest contract to Max Scherzer, adding another high-caliber arm to their rotation. The Red Sox signed the two best hitters on the market, and the Blue Jays gave Russell Martin the biggest free agent contract in franchise history.
Much of this activity is well in the past at this point, though, as teams begin to prepare for the arrival of spring training. Even so, a few intriguing free agents remain on the market for any clubs still needing to find upgrades before the season. They might not attract front-page headlines, but these five free agents could still make a difference next season.
James Shields
Shields is the final big-name free agent out there, of course, and just where he will end up remains a mystery. The right-hander was seeking a five-year contract in the region of $100 million earlier in the offseason, but his market dried up after all the other big names signed. Now, the veteran is likely looking at a three- or four-year contract for significantly less money.
There is little denying Shields' consistency. He's made at least 30 starts for eight years in a row and has compiled a 3.17 ERA dating back to the start of 2011. It's hard to tell just where Shields' market is at right now, and if his price drops considerably it'll be interesting to see if any surprise teams enter the fray. The Blue Jays, White Sox and Marlins have all been mentioned as possible suitors, but Shields could end up just about anywhere at this point.
What About Milwaukee?
Rafael Soriano
Soriano’s performance has declined slightly the last couple of seasons, but he is still a quality bullpen arm who can excel in high-leverage innings. The 35-year-old finished with a 3.19 ERA and 3.08 FIP in 2014, striking out 59 batters and walking 19 in 62 innings pitched. He also had 32 saves in 39 opportunities for Washington.
Much like Shields, Soriano has waited out his market this winter, and just how much he'll sign for is unknown. He finished up a two-year, $28 million contract in 2014, but given his age he probably won't earn quite so much this time around. Considering how many contenders could still use a dependable bullpen arm (such as the Tigers), Soriano could be a big help for the team that chooses to sign him.
Francisco Rodriguez
Rodriguez has been around for so long that it's hard to believe he is still just 33. Moreover, the right-hander had his best season in quite some time in the Brewers bullpen last year. He posted a 3.04 ERA over 69 appearances, striking out 73 batters and walking only 18 to go along with 44 saves.
Like Soriano, Rodriguez could be a solid pickup for a team still looking for another reliever. He is unlikely to earn a multi-year deal, but after making just $3.25 million in 2014, the Venezuelan native could be had at a good price.
Looking Ahead
Rickie Weeks
Weeks quietly had a good year in a part-time role for the Brewers after a disastrous 2013 campaign. The 32-year-old batted .274/.357/.452 in 286 plate appearances for Milwaukee, hitting eight home runs and posting an OPS+ of 124. It was a nice bounce-back performance after Weeks was a below-average player on offense in both 2012 and 2013.
Although Weeks’ days as an everyday player are probably over, he could be an intriguing platoon option for the right team. He has always hit lefties well and still has just enough power to provide a boost off the bench.
Brandon Beachy
The 28-year-old Beachy didn't pitch at all in 2014 after undergoing Tommy John surgery for the second time last March. He made five starts in 2013 after working back from his first elbow surgery and really hasn't been healthy since early in the 2012 season. Prior to his elbow problems, Beachy looked like he had a bright future for the Braves, compiling a 3.07 ERA and 3.30 FIP over 222⅔ innings in 38 starts between 2011 and 2012.
Given his past success, some team could look awfully smart for taking a chance on Beachy. According to Ken Rosenthal, the righty will wait a few more weeks before signing with a team, but could pay off in a big way if he is healthy.
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