With the baseball trade deadline looming in five weeks, contenders looking to strengthen their rosters without giving up any assets in return are turning to the pool of free agents who are still without contracts for the 2024 season.
Pitchers make up a significant portion of the available players, including former Cy Young Award winner Zack Greinke, postseason hero Madison Bumgarner, and reliable starters Noah Syndergaard, Vince Velasquez, and Matthew Boyd. Additionally, veteran lefty Rich Hill and younger southpaw Julio Urias could also be of interest to teams in need of pitching help.
Relief pitchers are also part of the mix of available players, with Brad Boxberger, Alex Colombe, Jeurys Familia, Brad Hand, Aaron Loup, and Mark Melancon looking to return to the field. These players may need to consider taking pay cuts to secure contracts, as the minimum salary in baseball today is $740,000, though it would be pro-rated for the remaining season. Those who refuse to accept lower salaries may risk ending their careers prematurely.
Players like Brandon Belt, Jonathan Schoop, and Jean Segura, who have proven track records as solid hitters, are also looking for teams to sign them. Belt, a first baseman who hit 29 home runs in 2021, could provide valuable offensive production, while Schoop, known for his power as a second baseman, has hit more than 20 home runs in a season five times. Segura, with a career .281 average over 12 seasons, offers infield versatility and a consistent bat at the plate.
Other notable free agents include catcher Manny Pina, shortstop Adelberto Mondesi, third baseman Evan Longoria, versatile Tommy La Stella, and outfielders Wil Myers, Tyler Naquin, AJ Pollock, Austin Meadows, and Darin Ruf. These players have demonstrated their abilities on the field, with Pollock having a career .273 average and La Stella providing infield depth and a left-handed bat off the bench. While some players may have had down seasons recently, their past performances suggest they could still contribute to a team.
General managers are tasked with weighing the potential contributions of these free agents against their age and recent performance. Players like Greinke, who has a strong track record but struggled last season, may face challenges in finding a new team despite their past success. Ultimately, as the trade deadline approaches, these players will have to make decisions about their playing futures based on the opportunities that present themselves in the weeks ahead.
