Spring Training is in full swing. While many players now have new places to call home, others are still on the market and yet to find a gig. True, many do not have that attention-grabbing factor that Bryce Harper and Manny Machado have. Not to mention Nolan Arenado will not be on the market for at least another three years. But these few free agents can be a good option for teams looking to add for 2019. Surprisingly, no teams have managed to sign any of these names. Opening Day is approaching fast, and these few will not be available for long.
Here are some of the top free agents still available and some potential suitors for each.
Craig Kimbrel: Relief Pitcher
The 30-year old relief pitcher has built up a Hall-of-Fame worthy resume. Plus, he topped that off with a World Series ring with the Boston Red Sox in 2018. But bringing in the seven-time All-Star and former NL Rookie of the Year will not that easy. Do not expect his asking price to be low, either. Moves will have to be made and quick to bring him on board. It may seem unlikely that Boston will re-sign Kimbrel this year. Perhaps a change of scenery will yield the same results as they did when Craig moved from the Atlanta Braves to Boston.
Potential suitors: St. Louis Cardinals, Colorado Rockies, Atlanta Braves, Seattle Mariners, Cleveland Indians.
Dallas Keuchel: Starting Pitcher
Dallas Keuchel was once part of a multi-headed pitching monster in the Houston Astros. Along with Justin Verlander and Charlie Morton, Keuchel helped give Houston its first World Series in franchise history. Like his cohort, Morton, Dallas will not call Minute Maid Park his home next season. With a WAR (wins above replacement) of 3.6, Dallas leads all starting pitchers still on the market in that stat. The former All-Star and World Series Champion will be a great fit for any team looking to beef up their starting rotation.
Potential Suitors: Chicago Cubs, Oakland Athletics, Milwaukee Brewers, Philadelphia Phillies, Arizona Diamondbacks.
Gio Gonzalez: Starting Pitcher
Gio Gonzalez was part of a potent Washington Nationals squad: a squad that snagged four of the last six NL East Division pennants. He may not garner as much attention as Max Scherzer and other aces, and may not be the first option on the table. But when push comes to shove, Gonzalez can punch out the big bats of the league when outs are needed the most. His lack of Hall-of-Fame caliber resume should not hinder him from landing a gig. If not now, teams should be looking his way for a boost to their pitching crews as the regular season approaches.
Potential Suitors: Miami Marlins, Chicago White Sox, San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers,
Adam Jones: Outfielder
The once-household name of the Baltimore Orioles now finds himself on the free agent market. After a dismal 2018 season, Adam Jones no longer found himself in the orange and black like he was all throughout his career. The four-time Golden Glove and five-time All-Star can take up a mentor role for teams looking for veteran leaders in the upcoming campaign. His age and 0.5 WAR may repel some franchises. But his experience can play a vital part for young players looking to step up their game.
Potential Suitors: San Francisco Giants, Cleveland Indians, Atlanta Braves, St. Louis Cardinals, Milwaukee Brewers.
Featured image courtesy of USA TODAY Sports
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