Bregman among 5 notable free agents still available

We are less than one week from pitchers and catchers reporting to camps in Florida and Arizona, yet an abundance of free agents are still looking for jobs.

With one notable exception, the biggest names on the market have been signed, with Pete Alonso’s return to the Mets leaving only Alex Bregman still seeking employment.

But the list of free agents includes plenty of well-known names, who, while no longer the franchise-changing impactful players they once were, can help cement a contender’s chances of getting to the postseason.

Here’s a look at five notable players still lingering on the free-agent market.

Alex Bregman, 3B

Far and away the best player still available, Bregman is the last man standing from this winter’s list of the top free agents available. There have been whispers in recent weeks about a potential reunion with the Astros, though a source termed that possibility as having a “very small chance” of happening. The Blue Jays, Tigers and Red Sox still seem to be in play to varying degrees, but unlike some of Scott Boras’ other clients, Bregman appears to have no desire to sign a short-term deal with opt outs. The Blue Jays and Tigers feel like the favorites, though it remains to be seen whether either steps up with the type of offer that will satisfy Bregman.

Nick Pivetta, RH starting pitcher

Pivetta’s decision to turn down a qualifying offer has hindered his market this offseason, as many clubs are hesitant to part with Draft picks for anything other than the top free agents. Pivetta, who turns 32 on Valentine's Day, could return to the Red Sox on a short-term deal with an opt-out, giving him an opportunity to test the market again next winter without any Draft-pick compensation getting in the way. Boston is the only team that won’t have to give up a pick to sign Pivetta, and while the Red Sox have added Garrett Crochet and Walker Buehler this offseason, there’s certainly room for Pivetta, who has shown the ability to pitch out of the bullpen.

David Robertson, RH relief pitcher

The relief market was rather top-heavy this offseason, with Tanner Scott (four years, $72 million with the Dodgers) receiving considerably more than any other reliever out there. Clay Holmes, Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estévez were among the half-dozen relievers to sign multiyear deals, but unlike those pitchers, Robertson isn’t looking for more than a one-year deal. The ageless wonder -- Robertson turns 40 in April -- had another rock-solid season in 2024, striking out 99 batters while posting a 3.00 ERA over 72 innings with the Rangers. Robertson can close (he has 177 career saves) or work pretty much anywhere in the bullpen, making him an attractive option for clubs looking for a high-leverage reliever. After Robertson, Kenley Jansen and Kyle Finnegan are two of the better bullpen arms still available.

Paul DeJong, SS

The 31-year-old posted a 1.7 fWAR with the White Sox and Royals last season, making him a legitimate option for clubs seeking help at shortstop. The Tigers, White Sox and Brewers could be potential fits for DeJong, whose 24 home runs last season were his highest total since he hit a career-best 30 during his 2019 All-Star campaign. Some clubs could view DeJong as a potential utility man, though Jose Iglesias, Kiké Hernández and Brendan Rodgers are also available, giving teams several options to consider in the infield.

Alex Verdugo, OF

The outfield market saw a lot of movement in the past week, with Randal Grichuk (D-backs), Ramón Laureano (Orioles) and Tommy Pham (Pirates) all landing one-year deals worth at least $4 million. Verdugo is coming off of a subpar season (83 OPS+ and .647 OPS) with the Yankees, but the 28-year-old had been a league-average or better hitter in each of the five seasons prior to 2024 and should be motivated to put up good numbers. The Astros remain in need of a left-handed hitter and could be a good fit for Verdugo.