Full-squad workouts are underway across Arizona and Florida, yet the free agent market still has inventory. Quality inventory. While the industry spent the last several weeks watching Kyle Tucker, Bo Bichette, and Alex Bregman land nine-figure deals, a collection of useful players remains available for teams willing to wait out the market.
Starting Pitchers Still Looking for Work
Framber Valdez ended his lengthy free agency odyssey last week, signing a three-year, $115 million contract with the Detroit Tigers to form a devastating 1-2 punch with two-time AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal.
Chris Bassitt followed days later, joining the Orioles on a one-year, $18.5 million deal. Zac Gallen returned to Arizona on Sunday, inking a one-year, $22 million pact to stay in the desert after a disappointing walk year.
That leaves Lucas Giolito as the best starter on the board. The former All-Star looked like his old self in 2025 after missing all of 2024 following elbow surgery, posting a 3.41 ERA in 145 innings for the Red Sox.
He declined his player option in search of a longer commitment, but the market hasn’t materialized the way he hoped. Atlanta needs rotation depth after losing Spencer Schwellenbach to the 60-day IL with elbow inflammation. Baltimore could circle back after landing Bassitt.
Zack Littell remains curiously available after throwing more than 185 innings with a sub-4.00 ERA last season. Patrick Corbin and Max Scherzer round out the veteran options, though both are shadows of their peak years. For contenders with rotation questions, Giolito and Littell represent genuine mid-rotation upside at bargain prices.
Infield Market Update
The infield market has thinned considerably. Paul Goldschmidt re-signed with the Yankees last week on a $4 million deal, accepting a platoon role behind the emerging Ben Rice. Nathaniel Lowe landed with the Reds on a minor league contract after a rough 2025 split between Washington and Boston.
Rhys Hoskins remains the best unsigned infielder, though his market has been eerily quiet. The 32-year-old looked like his old self early in 2025 before a thumb injury derailed his season in July. He still mashes left-handed pitching and provides plus defense at first base. The Nationals have been loosely connected, which would bring him back to a rebuilding team that could flip him at the deadline.
Relievers and Outfielders Worth a Look
The relief market moved fastest this winter, with closers like Ryan Helsley, Devin Williams, and Kirby Yates signing before the calendar turned. David Robertson announced his retirement on January 30, ending a 17-year career that included a World Series ring with the 2009 Yankees and 179 career saves.
Evan Phillips re-signed with the Dodgers last week on a one-year, $6.5 million deal, though he won’t contribute until July while recovering from Tommy John surgery. Michael Kopech and Danny Coulombe remain the best unsigned options.
Kopech pitched just 11 innings last year due to shoulder and knee problems, but the stuff is still electric when healthy. Coulombe posted a 2.30 ERA across 43 innings with the Twins and Rangers in 2025 and offers lefty-specialist value with the ability to get righties out.
The corner outfield class has some intrigue. Miguel Andujar signed with the Padres earlier this month on a $4 million deal after producing a 125 OPS+ between Oakland and Cincinnati last season. His .990 OPS against left-handed pitching over the past two years made him a natural platoon fit.
Randal Grichuk is just one year removed from an .875 OPS campaign with Arizona. Mike Tauchman has been an above-average hitter for three straight seasons and can play all three outfield spots. Jesse Winker and Michael Conforto offer left-handed pop off the bench.
Finding Value in Late February
The lesson of the late-signing market repeats every February: difference-makers fall through the cracks. Teams that stay patient and opportunistic often find the veterans who help push them over the top. For clubs still looking to add, the shelves aren’t completely bare.