After the big offseason signings were confirmed with Cody Bellinger to the Yankees, Bo Bichette to the Mets and Kyle Tucker to the Dodgers, other top players remain on the list of potential reinforcements. They are not the “jewels” for which many teams bid, but their presence in any squad adds value to the locker room.
Framber Valdez
After missing the playoffs the previous season, the Astros decided to part ways with him. When he crossed signals with his own catcher late in the season, that seemed to be the final straw for the two-time All-Star.
In this winter market, Houston signed Tatsuya Imai, one of the great Japanese players who will arrive in MLB in 2026. With his signing, it was reaffirmed that Valdez is not in the team’s plans.Possible destinations: Mets and Orioles. Baltimore is in the lead. After signing Pete Alonso, which was their priority, they are now looking for a pitcher to head their starting rotation.
Eugenio Suarez
Last season he hit one of the most important home runs in Seattle Mariners history. His grand slam gave the team the win and sent them to Toronto with a three-game-to-two lead. Although they lost both games in Canada, it was an historic moment for a player who was twice a member of the team
His problem is that he is not a great defender at third base. If a team signs him, they need to have the designated hitter spot open in the near future.Possible destination: The Reds. In Cincinnati, he fits in well, because they are looking for a player with his power at bat to increase their numbers in that area.
Lucas Giolito
He is perceived as an “unlucky” player. In his two stints as a free agent he has not had much success and suffered an injury that prevented him from excelling with the Red Sox. The issue of injuries keeps him away from teams that want to have a top-level pitcher in their rotation.
In fact, this Achilles’ heel may be beneficial for him because there are franchises with low payrolls that can hire him at low cost.
Possible destination: Padres. His name sounds like a replacement for Dylan Cease.
Zac Gallen
The Arizona Diamondbacks made him a qualifying offer this offseason, but he turned it down. That means any team that signs him would have to give up at least one draft pick. That’s why he ranks behind Giolito in the MLB free agency rankings, especially after his 4.83 ERA in 2025.
Possible destination: Padres. He is another player being considered as an option in San Diego to strengthen their roster.
Marcell Ozuna
He spent the last six seasons with the Atlanta Braves. He provides no defensive value, so any team signing him would need to have the designated hitter spot immediately available. However, in recent years Ozuna has hit many home runs and driven in a lot of runs. Since 2023, he has 100 home runs, 272 RBIs and an OPS of .867.
Possible destinations: The Rays and the Pirates. They are teams that want a short-term player who has experience at the plate and is not so expensive.
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