The biggest free agent names and the blockbuster contracts they sign draw the headlines during the offseason. But it’s the players on the lower shelves — the ones you might have to squat down to find and check the labels carefully — that can become the best bargains for MLB teams and thus provide the best values for their new teams.
Most of the players listed here are risks, coming back from injury or attempting to turn around poor performances. But those who regain their former success will not only please their teams, but also boost their chances of possibly getting a better contract next offseason. Others listed here provide very specific skills, such as position versatility, right-handed power or left-handed relief. Those can fill important roles on any major league roster, and won’t cost big money.
Here are 10 free agents that should provide excellent values for the teams who sign them.
Norichika Aoki, OF
Aoki doesn’t boast the sort of skills — like big power — that draw big dollars on the free agent market. But anyone who watched the Royals this year especially during the postseason knows that he could be a very good fit for a team that needs good defense in right field, puts the ball in play, gets on base and provides speed on the basepaths. He only earned $1.5 million with Kansas City last season, so even with a raise, Aoki should provide excellent value. The question is how long of a contract will he be seeking. Another longer than a two-year deal is something a team should probably avoid.
Emilio Bonifacio, UT
Bonifacio might not be a great value for any club looking for offense, though he did bat .279 with 14 doubles and 14 stolen bases for the Cubs before being traded to the Braves. That will probably keep his costs down. The 29-year-old truly brings value with his ability to play multiple positions in the infield and outfield. Bonifacio’s best spots are probably second base and center field, but he can also play third and even help out at shortstop, if necessary. He’s also a switch-hitter, though bats far better against left-handed pitching.
Brett Anderson, SP
The Rockies understandably didn’t want to pay Anderson $12 million on his 2015 club option after making only eight starts. The left-hander will be only 27 going into spring training next year, but is frequently injured and only made more than 20 starts once in six major league seasons. When Anderson pitched, he was effective, compiling a 2.91 ERA. As you might expect, he was more effective pitching away from Coors Field, nearly averaging a strikeout per inning. Some team will take a chance on him and likely sign him to a one-year deal as he attempts to show he can stay healthy and build future value.
Burke Badenhop, RP
Relievers are always in high demand, but paying big money for top closers and setup men can often backfire. Why not take a chance on a lesser-known arm like Badenhop? The right-hander appeared in 70 games for the Red Sox last season, compiling a 2.29 ERA. Badenhop isn’t a strikeout arm and will allow hits. But he also keeps the ball on the ground, something every team wants in late innings when a double play is needed. Is that worth $3 million for a team needing reliable bullpen help?
Aaron Harang, SP
The Braves were desperate for starting pitching when they added the 36-year-old Harang to their rotation. But the right-hander provided 204.1 innings, striking out seven batters per nine innings while averaging three walks. Harang should probably stay in the National League, where he’s enjoyed far more success during his career. A pitcher who can throw 200 innings and keep his ERA under 4.00 is an extremely valuable asset for a team seeking a reliable starter at the back end of its rotation. Harang figures to get a raise over the $1 million he was paid last season, but is likely to be a bargain.
Mark Reynolds, IF
Right-handed power is in increasingly short supply throughout MLB. That could make Reynolds an intriguing pick-up for a club in need of some pop at first base, designated hitter or off the bench. He’s also still capable of playing third base, though probably shouldn’t be there in late innings with the game on the line. Though he batted only .196 with a .681 OPS last season, Reynolds still smacked 22 home runs in 433 plate appearances for the Brewers. He’ll probably sign a minor league deal in spring training, and maybe cost a team $2 million next season.
Neal Cotts, RP
It’s surprising that the left-hander wasn’t dealt by the Rangers at the waiver or non-waiver trade deadlines. (For instance, why wasn’t he packaged with Joakim Soria in a trade to the Tigers?) Any team still rubbing its eyes in disbelief at the three-year, $15 million contract Zach Duke got from the White Sox may find a better bargain in Cotts. (Unless, of course, Duke’s contract raises the market for left-handed relievers.) The 35-year-old appeared in 73 games for Texas last season, averaging 8.5 strikeouts per nine innings. His numbers will likely improve in a more pitcher-friendly ballpark than Globe Life Park.
Chris Denorfia, OF
Denorfia isn’t entering free agency on a high note, having the worst season of his nine-year major league career. He batted .230 with a .602 OPS overall, providing nowhere near the offense the Mariners hoped they were getting after acquiring him from the Padres. But a club seeking a right-handed bat for the corner outfield with some decent speed, power and defense (especially in right field) could add some depth with Denorfia on its roster. Last season, he made $2.25 million. Coming off his poor season, he figures to make less than that on a one- to two-year deal.
Josh Outman, RP
Another left-hander who figures to be far less expensive than Duke on the open market is Outman. He was designated for assignment twice last season, once by the Indians and again by the Yankees. Outman, 30, averaged eight strikeouts per nine innings, something any team is likely interested in. Unfortunately, he also averaged five walks per nine frames, something every team would prefer to avoid. He’s likely someone who can be signed to a minor league deal and won’t cost much if he makes a major league roster out of spring training.
Jason Motte, RP
Motte missed all of the 2013 season after requiring Tommy John surgery. But unlike someone like, say, Joel Hanrahan, Motte was able to pitch this year, appearing in 29 games for the Cardinals. He posted a 4.68 ERA, struck out an average of 6.1 batters per nine innings, and lost about three mph off his fastball, but all of that could be expected after coming back from reconstructive elbow surgery. With a partial season to build himself back up and a full offseason to recover, the former closer could be a strong middle reliever or setup man for a team in need of a strikeout arm out of the bullpen.
