Introduction

With February just around the corner, baseball fans are eagerly anticipating the start of spring training, as pitchers and catchers report to camps across the nation. Meanwhile, the excitement surrounding the 2025-26 free-agent class is heating up, with a selection of top-tier players still available on the market. This article highlights some of the most notable names waiting for a contract offer, as well as potential impact players who could prove to be major bargains for teams looking to enhance their rosters.

The Remaining Heavyweights

As teams prepare for the new season, a few prominent free agents are still on the market. These include established stars like Framber Valdez, Eugenio Suárez, Zac Gallen, and Luis Arraez. Each possesses the potential to contribute significantly to their prospective teams, but there are also several underrated veterans who could offer even greater value than anticipated. Here are seven players worth considering:

Miguel Andujar

Stats: 341 PA, 125 OPS+, .318/.352/.470, 28 XBH (10 HR), 44 RBIWAR: 0.8Why He's Still Available: Miguel Andujar burst onto the scene in 2018, where he garnered attention from five AL Rookie of the Year voters who believed he overshadowed Shohei Ohtani’s debut. Unfortunately, in the years since, Andujar's performance has diminished remarkably; his combined batting stats of .254/.286/.361 have resulted in a minus-1.5 WAR over 219 games. However, after a surprising resurgence in 2025, teams may overlook his valid metrics due to his prior performance.

Potential 2026 Impact: Given the current market conditions, teams may view Andujar as a viable option for bench depth or a part-time power source. His one-year deal might not break the bank, but it could yield high rewards for a contending team.

Chris Bassitt

Stats: 31 GS, 11-9, 3.96 ERA (4.01 FIP), 1.33 WHIP, 166 K, 170.1 IPWAR: 2.1Why He's Still Available: At 37 years old, Chris Bassitt is still searching for his elusive first World Series title. After a rocky offseason where the Blue Jays opted not to bring him back, he finds himself in a tough spot, seeking a suitable team.

Potential 2026 Impact: Bassitt has consistently logged at least 30 starts over the past four seasons, proving to be a reliable workhorse. His recent role as a bullpen asset during Toronto’s World Series run adds to his attractiveness as a No. 3 or No. 4 starter for a team needing depth.

Paul Goldschmidt

Stats: 534 PA, 104 OPS+, .274/.328/.403, 42 XBH (10 HR), 45 RBIWAR: 1.2Why He's Still Available: The slow-moving market for first baseman has left Goldschmidt and others without a contract. The big names have signed, leaving veterans seeking new opportunities.

Potential 2026 Impact: Having demonstrated significant value as a platoon player against left-handed pitching, Goldschmidt's best strategy may be to negotiate a favorable role that allows him to extend his career, possibly returning to the Diamondbacks or Yankees.

Jonah Heim

Stats: 433 PA, 77 OPS+, .213/.271/.332, 25 XBH (11 HR), 43 RBIWAR: 0.4Why He's Still Available: While several catchers secured multiyear deals, Heim’s decline post-All-Star recognition has left him searching for the right team. His past accolades, however, hint at untapped potential.

Potential 2026 Impact: Heim currently ranks among the top available catchers. If he can reclaim his form, he could be an invaluable asset for teams like the Astros or Red Sox looking to shore up their backstop.

Evan Phillips

Stats: 7 G, 1 SV, 0.00 ERA (2.08 FIP), 1.06 WHIP, 6 K, 5.2 IPWAR: 0.4Why He's Still Available: Evan Phillips faced setbacks due to Tommy John surgery, leading to his non-tender from the Dodgers. Despite his impressive past two seasons, recovery has plunged his market.

Potential 2026 Impact: Should he bounce back post-recovery, Phillips could be an impactful high-leverage option for a team vying for a playoff push.

Luis Rengifo

Stats: 541 PA, 73 OPS+, .238/.287/.335, 28 XBH (9 HR), 43 RBI, 10 SBWAR: 0.4Why He's Still Available: Rengifo's lackluster performance created a dip in demand this past season, contributing to his status as an overlooked free agent.

Potential 2026 Impact: Given his earlier production in 2023 and 2024, Rengifo’s upside remains. He could carve a niche as a utility player who can provide value with the right opportunity.

Justin Wilson

Stats: 61 G, 19 HLD, 3.35 ERA (2.95 FIP), 1.41 WHIP, 57 K, 48.1 IPWAR: 0.3Why He's Still Available: The 38-year-old missed an entire season due to injury, raising concerns from teams. Although he enjoyed a comeback in his previous stint, teams are cautious in their offers.

Potential 2026 Impact: If Wilson is signed by a contender, his experience could bolster a bullpen in need of a dependable left-handed presence.

Conclusion

The countdown to spring training is intense, and as teams finalize their rosters ahead of the 2025-26 season, these free agents present worthy targets. Whether it’s big-name stars or undervalued veterans, the right contract could turn these players into sizable contributors. As the hot stove heats up, these athletes could emerge as game-changers for their future teams.