Underrated MLB Free Agents Worth Noticing
While several notable players continue to linger on Major League Baseball's free-agent market, it may be more worthwhile to focus attention on six free agents who are currently flying under the radar. Initially, there were eight candidates considered; however, due to recent signings by Carlos Santana with the Cleveland Guardians and Joc Pederson with the Texas Rangers, the list has been narrowed down. Each player mentioned here is deserving of further recognition, emphasizing their underrated status—a term that often carries subjective interpretations. The intent is for readers to discover at least one player from this list who they were previously unaware of having significant talent.
Randal Grichuk, at the age of 33, concluded the 2024 season with impressive statistics: 106 games played, 279 plate appearances, 12 home runs, a .291 batting average, .348 on-base percentage, and a .528 slugging percentage. Grichuk has a decade of major league experience and has amassed a total of 191 home runs, averaging approximately 19 per year, with an even more notable average of 27 home runs per 162 games. In 2024, Grichuk achieved career highs in average, on-base percentage, and OPS+. His performance benefitted from the Arizona Diamondbacks' strategy of aligning him against left-handed pitchers more frequently. Nonetheless, Grichuk remained an effective hitter against both right (116 wRC+) and left (151 wRC+) opponents. A team looking for a platoon hitter may find a dual approach to maximizing Grichuk's potential fruitful, especially considering his impressive run value against fastballs this past season, ranking between renowned hitters Juan Soto and Shohei Ohtani. The prediction is that he will sign with the Miami Marlins for one year at $7 million.
Jeff Hoffman, age 31, demonstrated outstanding performance with his statistics from the 2024 season, registering 68 games pitched, 66.1 innings, and a remarkable 2.17 earned run average (ERA). Notably, Hoffman was selected as an All-Star in 2024, showcasing his ability as a right-handed reliever with a 33.4 strikeout percentage over the last two seasons—a figure that ranks highly among his peers. Hoffman's success is primarily attributed to two effective pitches: an upper-90s fastball and a slider, both of which have limited opposing hitters to low batting averages. His statistics reveal a bit of a platoon issue, with left-handed batters performing considerably better against him. Nonetheless, there remains a demand for right-handed specialists in the league, giving Hoffman ample opportunity despite his inconsistency against lefties. The prediction is that Hoffman will sign with the Boston Red Sox for three years, totaling $36 million.
At 29 years old, Ha-Seong Kim has showcased his abilities across 121 games with notable statistics including 11 home runs, 22 stolen bases, a .233 batting average, and a .330 on-base percentage. A comparison between Kim and Willy Adames—a player who recently secured a lucrative seven-year, $182 million deal—demonstrates Kim's undervalued status. While Adames is known for his power-hitting prowess, Kim excels defensively and is recognized for his capabilities at multiple infield positions. Following a right shoulder surgery, Kim is expected to rebound, potentially bringing considerable value to a team seeking a reliable regular player without the hefty salary associated with top-tier shortstops. Consequently, Kim is predicted to sign with the Detroit Tigers for four years at $60 million.
Nick Pivetta, 31, concluded the 2024 season with notable performance metrics: 26 games started, 145.2 innings, a 4.14 ERA, and striking out 172 batters. Despite mixed reviews regarding his capabilities, Pivetta’s strikeout percentage of 30 over the past two seasons positions him among elite company with high strikeout rates. While he has occasionally struggled with home runs allowed throughout his career, his improvement suggests that he is capable of being a valuable asset in the right pitching environment. With the prediction that he will sign with the San Francisco Giants for three years at $45 million, teams may find his potent strikeout ability appealing, particularly if they offer him a spacious home ballpark.
José Quintana, at 35 years of age, remains a workhorse in a time when many pitchers struggle with durability. In 2024, he posted 31 starts with 170.1 innings pitched and a 3.75 ERA. Quintana has consistently surpassed the 150-inning mark throughout his career, standing out among peers for his reliability. Despite occasional injury setbacks, he has not undergone Tommy John surgery, an unusual feat for a pitcher in this era. While Quintana’s pitching style leans towards ground balls rather than strikeouts, teams seeking a dependable mid-rotation arm may find his attributes valuable. The expectation is that he will sign with the Washington Nationals for two years at $26 million.
Lastly, Kirby Yates, now 37, has become exceptionally challenging for hitters to face, allowing a minuscule .140 batting average over the past two seasons—an impressive feat among pitchers who have pitched more than 100 innings. Yates backs up his effectiveness with a signature fastball while also presenting a deceptive splitter. Though concerns about his age and walk rate could raise questions, Yates remains a strong closing option for teams needing bullpen reinforcement. The prediction for Yates is a one-year contract with the Texas Rangers, valued at $9 million.