**Top Free Agents Still Available as Spring Training Begins**
As pitchers and catchers report to Florida and Arizona, the baseball season is officially kicking off with spring training. This comes after an eventful offseason that saw over $3.3 billion in contracts signed. However, several All-Star caliber players remain uncertain about their teams as the season opener on March 27 approaches. Here are the top six free agents still on the market with just over six weeks until Opening Day.
**1. Alex Bregman**
Alex Bregman, a consistent performer in baseball, is a free agent for the first time this offseason, which has not gone as smoothly as he might have hoped. The two-time All-Star recently earned his first Gold Glove Award with the Houston Astros in 2024 and has a batting line of .262/.350/.444 since 2021. Reports indicate that Bregman declined a six-year, $156 million offer to return to the Astros. Despite being less dominant than in previous years, his elite bat-to-ball skills and defensive prowess remain intact.
**2. Jose Iglesias**
At 35, Jose Iglesias experienced a career revival after releasing the hit song “OMG,” which became a rallying cry for the New York Mets. After sitting out the 2023 season, Iglesias joined the Mets midseason and exceeded expectations, hitting .337 and achieving a career-high 3.1 WAR in just 85 games. His veteran presence was invaluable in 2024, and he offers a unique post-game entertainment option without additional cost.
**3. Jose Quintana**
Staying with the Mets, Jose Quintana is coming off a solid 170-inning season, his most in five years, with a 3.75 ERA. As he enters his 14th season, Quintana may not be an All-Star candidate, but he represents a valuable middle-of-the-rotation option for teams in need of pitching depth. At 36, he could be an affordable short-term signing.
**4. Nick Pivetta**
Nick Pivetta is a coveted swing-and-miss pitcher, ranking in the 88th percentile for whiff rate last season. He also achieved a career-best 2.2 BB/9, making him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their pitching staff.
As the season approaches, these players will be key figures to watch as they seek new opportunities in the league.