Bregman Seeks New Opportunities
As the excitement builds for the upcoming spring training in Florida and Arizona, numerous free agents remain on the hunt for new teams.
While many star players have already secured contracts, one name that stands out is Alex Bregman, who is still searching for a home after Pete Alonso decided to return to the Mets.
This offseason has left a variety of well-known talents without contracts, each capable of boosting a contender’s chances, even if they may not shine as brightly as they once did.
Key Free Agents Still Available
Here’s a closer look at five key free agents still available:
- Alex Bregman, Third Baseman: Without a doubt, Bregman is the most significant player still on the market, representing the last of the elite free agents from this offseason.
Rumors about a possible return to the Astros have floated around, but sources indicate that those possibilities are slim.
The Blue Jays, Tigers, and Red Sox are competing for Bregman’s interest, albeit at varying intensity levels.
Unlike some high-profile clients represented by Scott Boras, Bregman is prioritizing a lasting deal over a short-term arrangement with an opt-out option.
While the Blue Jays and Tigers seem to be the frontrunners, it remains unclear if either will present an enticing enough offer.
- Nick Pivetta, Right-Handed Pitcher: Pivetta’s journey to find a contract has become complicated by the decision to decline a qualifying offer.
Many teams are hesitant to forfeit draft picks for anything but top-tier free agents.
Approaching his 32nd birthday this Valentine’s Day, Pivetta could still land a short-term deal with the Red Sox that includes an opt-out clause, offering him a chance to reassess the market next winter without the complication of draft pick compensation.
Since the Red Sox are the only team that wouldn’t need to sacrifice a draft pick for him, they could explore options for adding Pivetta, especially after bolstering their roster with Garrett Crochet and Walker Buehler.
- David Robertson, Right-Handed Relief Pitcher: This offseason has produced remarkable contracts for relief pitchers, including Tanner Scott’s impressive four-year, $72 million agreement with the Dodgers.
While multiple relievers have received multi-year deals, Robertson is currently focused on securing a one-year contract.
As he approaches 40 years old in April, he continues to defy expectations.
Last season with the Rangers, he posted a strong performance, striking out 99 batters and finishing with an impressive 3.00 ERA across 72 innings.
With a wealth of experience, including 177 career saves, he’s an appealing choice for teams looking for a reliable option in high-stress situations.
Other strong candidates still in the market include Kenley Jansen and Kyle Finnegan.
- Paul DeJong, Shortstop: At 31, DeJong proved to be a valuable asset last season, recording 1.7 fWAR while playing for both the White Sox and Royals.
He offers a solid option for teams in need of shortstop help, with potential fits including the Tigers, White Sox, and Brewers.
With 24 home runs last season—his highest output since an All-Star appearance in 2019—he demonstrates significant power potential.
Some teams might consider him for a utility role, but with infield options like Jose Iglesias, Kiké Hernández, and Brendan Rodgers available, franchises have numerous avenues to explore.
- Alex Verdugo, Outfielder: The outfield market has seen some noteworthy transactions recently, with several players like Randal Grichuk, Ramón Laureano, and Tommy Pham signing one-year contracts worth at least $4 million.
Verdugo experienced a tough 2024 season with the Yankees, finishing with an OPS+ of just 83 and an overall OPS of .647.
However, at 28, his previous five seasons reflect a player consistently performing at or above league-average levels, making him a strong candidate for a bounce-back year.
The Astros, who are currently searching for a left-handed bat, might find Verdugo to be a particularly valuable addition.
Looking Ahead
As the free-agent market continues to shift, these talented athletes await their next chapter, ready to make their mark with the right team.
