As MLB free agency heats up, several notable players remain unsigned, including Jurickson Profar and Gleyber Torres, raising questions about their futures.
San Diego: As we dive into December, the MLB offseason is buzzing. We’ve seen a flurry of free-agent signings and trades already. So far, 39 players have landed major-league contracts, including 17 from the Top 50 free agents. Big names like Garrett Crochet and Kyle Tucker have switched teams, too.
But here’s the kicker: over 200 players from last season are still looking for a team. That means there’s plenty of action left to unfold. The spotlight often shines on the big names like Corbin Burnes and Alex Bregman, while others, like Jurickson Profar and Gleyber Torres, are flying under the radar. It’s not that teams have forgotten about them; it’s just that their markets haven’t really taken off yet.
With that in mind, let’s chat about five free agents from the Top 50 list who haven’t been in the news much since the offseason kicked off. We’ll also explore how the recent trades and signings might affect their chances.
First up is Jurickson Profar. Once a hotshot shortstop prospect, he’s now mainly a left fielder, and not the best one at that. Teams are likely eyeing his bat more than his glove. Last season, he hit a career-high 24 home runs and showed some solid offensive skills. He’s a switch-hitter, which is a plus, and he performed well against both righties and lefties. So, there’s definitely some interest in him.
Rumor has it that the Padres are still hopeful for a reunion with Profar, but we haven’t heard much about other teams chasing him. The Yankees could use an upgrade in the outfield, especially after losing Juan Soto. The Braves and Blue Jays might also be in the mix, looking for some offensive firepower.
Next, we have Gleyber Torres. His time with the Yankees seems to be winding down, and he’s been linked to teams like the Blue Jays, Nationals, and Angels. Torres had a decent run but struggled to meet the high expectations set for him. He’s still young, but teams are wary of his defensive issues. Finding a solid fit for him might be tricky.
Then there’s Joc Pederson, who didn’t play any defense last season and was primarily a designated hitter. He’s got a knack for hitting right-handed pitching, and teams are definitely interested in his bat. The D-backs want him back, and the Blue Jays are also eyeing him to add some left-handed power to their lineup.
Max Scherzer is another big name still out there. After a rocky season with injuries, he’s looking to continue his career. His past performance and competitive spirit should attract interest, but teams will be cautious given his age and injury history. The market for starting pitchers is hot, so he might find a good deal soon.
Lastly, Kenley Jansen is also on the free-agent list. He’s been a reliable closer, but his time with the Red Sox didn’t end well. The Blue Jays are reportedly interested, and other teams like the Angels and Cubs could also be looking for bullpen help.
So, as the offseason rolls on, keep an eye on these players. The landscape of MLB free agency is always changing, and it’ll be interesting to see where they land.