Remaining Notable Batters Yet Unsigned Beyond Alex Bregman in Free Agency
Spring training commences today as the Chicago Cubs kick off camp in Mesa, Ariz. Yet, some notable hitters remain on the free agent market, surpassing the talents of Alex Bregman – the best player still in play.
Bregman, despite filing for free agency over three months ago and a year since claiming the American League Gold Glove at third base, continues to be in demand. His loyal nine-year tenure with the Astros hasn't dimmed, with Houston reportedly aiming to re-sign him after proposing a six-year, $156-million contract in November.
Apart from Houston, the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Detroit Tigers, and Toronto Blue Jays have reportedly explored the prospect of incorporating Bregman into their rosters. In 2024, Bregman notched a 4.1-bWAR season, albeit scoring his lowest mark since 2021. His batting average of .260 pushed past a .315 on-base percentage, accompanying 26 home runs in 145 games. Additionally, his career slash line of .272/.366/.483 in four thousand eight hundred thirty-two plate appearances typifies his skilled approach at the plate.
Beyond Bregman, the free-agent hitting market boasts an intriguing array of talents, although players such as Anthony Rizzo and Alex Verdugo saw their statistics dwindle in the 2024 season. Infielder Jose Iglesias, too, remains unsigned despite being a key player and spiritual leader for the New York Mets in their run to the National League Championship Series last year.
Statistics show that Rizzo, now 35, struggled with a .228 average and a .301 on-base percentage in ninety-two games, resulting in an inauspicious eight homers and a 0.2-bWAR contribution. Even in the postseason, Rizzo's .267 batting average and one double didn't yield impressive results. Verdugo, a 28-year-old outfielder, faced challenges with a .233 average, a .291 on-base percentage, and thirteen homers in one hundred forty-nine games. In terms of bWAR, his 0.8-mark represented his lowest score since his debut season.
The 2024 World Series provided testing moments for several participating players, including Bregman, Rizzo, and Verdugo. Bregman delivered two hits in the World Series, while Rizzo posted an eight-for-thirty batting average and a double. Verdugo struggled even more, registering a .208 average in the playoffs.
Jose Iglesias, a key figure in the 2023 Major Leagues, experienced an incredible stint after being called up from the Triple-A team in May. His spectacular performance in eighty-five games brought him an amazing .337 average, a .381 on-base percentage, and a .448 slugging percentage. This renaissance ended his minor league career in style by leading him to 4 home runs and 26 RBI.
Still, Iglesias may be remembered for a different reason – the emergence of his hit song, OMG, under his stage name, Candelita. The catchy tune became a rallying cry for the Mets, further enhancing his legend.
Alex Verdugo, like Anthony Rizzo, had a challenging 2024 season in MLB, with Verdugo recording a .233 average and a .291 on-base percentage. Jose Iglesias, a key player for the New York Mets in their 2023 postseason run, also struggled with free agency, remaining unsigned after his impressive stint in the MLB. Kike Hernandez, on the other hand, who had a successful season with the Cubs in 2024, might be an attractive option for teams looking to strengthen their rosters, including those interested in Bregman's services. The Chicago Cubs, alongside the Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, and Toronto Blue Jays, are all reportedly considering the possibility of signing Ales Bregman.