A look at MLB’s 2025 All-Unemployed Team

Spring training is getting closer with each passing day.

Pitchers and catchers will report to camp during the second week of February with position players following shortly thereafter. Games will start by the end of the month as Opening Day approaches. 

Despite the proximity of spring training, several top free agents remain available. Former All-Stars, Gold Glove and Cy Young winners are on the market. Let’s take a look at the best players remaining in free agency at each position.

Catcher: Yasmani Grandal (.228/.304/.400, nine homers, 10 doubles in 243 plate appearances)

Grandal may not be a starting catcher at this stage of his career, but he is still a relatively solid bat. He also became phenom Paul Skenes’ catcher down the stretch, helping guide the young flamethrower to the 2024 NL Rookie of the Year Award. The problem is that Grandal has become a defensive liability, throwing out just 8.3 percent of would-be base stealers in 2024. 

Grandal is a solid fit for a young team looking for veteran leadership. A reunion with the Pirates or White Sox makes sense.

First base: Pete Alonso (.240/.329/.459, 34 homers, 31 doubles in 695 plate appearances)

A reunion with the Mets seemed inevitable, but that is no longer the case. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that there is a “sizable gap” between the Mets and Alonso regarding a contract. 

That difference could open up an opportunity for another team, such as the Angels or Giants, to snag the free-agent slugger. His power could transform any lineup, especially a team with an eye toward the postseason.

The Mets are still the favorites to land Alonso, but the Angels and Giants are potential landing spots as well.

Second base: Nicky Lopez (.241/.312/.294, one homer, 12 doubles in 445 plate appearances)

Lopez is a borderline starter, but he is the best available player at second. His value comes from his ability to handle second, short or third defensively and his solid speed. He is a decent utility player but could get a chance to start on a rebuilding roster.

Lopez has value due to his defensive abilities. He is likely to land somewhere as a backup infielder.

Third base: Alex Bregman (.260/.315/.453, 26 homers, 30 doubles in 634 plate appearances)

Ranked as the third-best free agent per FanGraphs, Bregman has become a solid power threat and an excellent defensive third baseman. He has extensive playoff experience, reaching the postseason every year since 2017, and has won a pair of World Series rings. 

Bregman has also indicated a willingness to move to second base if necessary. Although he remains unsigned, Bregman still has plenty of options ahead of him. 

Although the Yankees say DJ LeMahieu will get another chance at third, Bregman would be a perfect fit. The Tigers and Mets could be potential landing spots as well.

Shortstop: Ha-Seong Kim (.233/.330/.370, 11 homers, 16 doubles, 22 steals in 470 plate appearances)

Kim missed time in 2024, including the postseason, due to a shoulder injury that required surgery. He is reportedly aiming to be back by the beginning of May but that will mark the third year he has missed time due to injuries. 

When healthy, Kim is a dynamic on-base threat with excellent speed and decent pop. He is also capable of playing Gold Glove-caliber defense at second, third and short, opening more potential destinations.

A return to the Padres would make sense, but Kim would also fill a void for teams such as the Braves and Yankees.

Left field: Jurickson Profar (.280/.380/.459, 24 homers, 29 doubles in 668 plate appearances)

Profar had a career year in 2024, with his slash line and home runs marking personal-high watermarks. His best seasons have come in San Diego, having spent parts of five years with the Padres. 

Likewise, the Padres see Profar as a fit, initially trading for him before signing him as a free-agent thrice. A fourth stint in San Diego makes sense for both sides, although the Padres’ payroll concerns could force Profar to look elsewhere.

Teams such as the Royals and Blue Jays that need another power hitter make sense if Profar does not return to San Diego.

Center field: Harrison Bader (.236/.284/.373, 12 homers, 19 doubles, 17 steals in 437 plate appearances)

Bader is the best option in what was the weakest area of free agency. He has decent power and speed, making him a respectable option toward the bottom of a lineup. 

His greatest strength is his defense, as his 14 runs saved in center was second in the National League. That combination of attributes should provide Bader with several options in free agency.

A reunion with the Mets, who currently have Tyrone Taylor atop their depth chart, makes sense. Bader could also be a fit for the Angels and Giants.

Right field: Anthony Santander (.235/.308/.506, 44 homers, 25 doubles in 665 plate appearances)

Santander is a throwback in terms of being a power hitter but he has improved his patience and contact skills. His 8.5 percent walk rate and 20.5 percent strikeout rate since the start of the 2022 season are stellar for any power hitter. A switch hitter and a respectable enough defensive presence in right, Santander could be an upgrade for virtually any lineup.

Ari Alexander of KPRC reported that the Blue Jays have made a formal offer to Santander. The Angels and Royals would also make sense for the switch-hitting slugger.

Designated hitter: J.D. Martinez (.235/.320/.406, 16 homers, 24 doubles in 495 plate appearances)

Age is starting to show with Martinez, who posted his worst batting line in a full season since 2013. However, he still has some power and draws walks. His wisdom and knowledge about hitting are assets. Martinez may not be the hitter he once was but he could be a solid mentor for a young lineup.

Chances are that Martinez will not cost much. He could be a fit for teams such as the Marlins or Rockies.

Starting pitcher: Roki Sasaki (2.35 ERA, 1.036 WHIP, 129 strikeouts in 111 innings in Japan)

Arguably the best pitching prospect to come from Japan, the 23-year-old Sasaki could be a top-of-the-rotation starter for any team. 

Armed with a triple-digit fastball, a devastating splitter and a plus slider, Sasaki is the type of talent teams dream of. There are red flags due to his injury history, but the upside is undeniable.

The Dodgers and Padres are considered the favorites for Sasaki, although seven teams had in-person meetings.

Relief pitcher: Tanner Scott (1.75 ERA, 1.125 WHIP, 22 saves, 84 strikeouts in 72 innings)

The best reliever available, Scott’s market has been quiet thus far. His 97 mph fastball is a rarity among left-handed relievers. Scott does not significantly differ in performance against left-handed or right-handed hitters. He would fit in as a high-leverage option or as a closer.

The Yankees’ current depth chart does not have a left-handed option in the bullpen. The Blue Jays and Diamondbacks would be a good fit as well.