Best remaining MLB free agents at every position

Spring Training is drawing near, but there are still some marquee MLB free agents waiting to be picked up off the market. The big-time players like Max Scherzer and Pablo Sandoval are long gone, but there are still players to be had who could boost a team’s championship aspirations.

Here is a look at the top remaining free agents at every position:

Starting Pitcher: James Shields

Oct 5, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher James Shields (33) reacts against the Los Angeles Angels after the final out of the top of the sixth inning in game three of the 2014 ALDS baseball playoff game at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

This one’s easy. The 33-year-old right-hander is the best remaining pitcher—let alone free agent—on the market by far. Shields is a proven workhorse, having pitched over 200 innings in each of the last eight seasons. That might be part of the reason he’s still available, but it’s hard to imagine the talented ace doesn’t sign somewhere soon. He led the Royals pitching staff last season, going 14-8 with a 3.21 ERA and 180 strikeouts in 227 innings pitched.

Relief Pitcher: Rafael Soriano

Sep 26, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals relief pitcher Rafael Soriano (29) pitches during the eighth inning against the Miami Marlins in game two of a baseball doubleheader at Nationals Park. Miami Marlins defeated Washington Nationals 15-7. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Soriano had a catastrophic finish with the Nationals in 2014, but it’s still surprising to see the once-great closer available with Spring Training looming. The 35-year-old has been one of the most reliable relievers for the duration of his career, boasting a 2.85 ERA and 1.073 WHIP. His 207 saves are seventh most among all active pitchers, and he has 117 over the last three seasons.

First Base: Lyle Overbay

Aug 14, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Lyle Overbay hits a single against the Chicago Cubs during the fourth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Really the only well-known first baseman left on the market, Overbay is getting up there in age. Still, he has some value in the field and at the plate coming off the bench. The 38-year-old has not garnered much interest this winter. It wouldn’t be surprised if he retires should he remain unsigned once Spring Training gets underway.

Second Base: Rickie Weeks

Sep 19, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Rickie Weeks (23) receives a high-five in the dugout after hitting a solo home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fifth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

It’s a little unfathomable that the 32-year-old second baseman remains a free agent. He had a strong 2014, producing a line of .274/.357/.452 in 286 plate appearances. He had eight home runs despite minimal playing time and could still be an asset for a team in need of some veteran presence of the bench. He may not be the same plate he once was at the plate, but there’s still plenty of value in having him on the roster. Good middle infielders are hard to come by.

Third Base: Kevin Kouzmanoff

Apr 12, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff (6) hits an RBI single during the first inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

At this stage in his career, Kouzmanoff isn’t exactly any team’s top choice, obviously. But even after a three-year absence from the Major Leagues, he performed quite well in limited time with the Texas Rangers last season. A line of .362/.412/.617 in 51 at-bats isn’t too shabby. If he can remain healthy, he’s a quality bat off the bench.

Shortstop: Everth Cabrera

Aug 3, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres shortstop Everth Cabrera (2) singles during the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Cabrera is really the only shortstop left, but he’s a pretty good one. Non-tendered by the Padres, the 28-year-old would instantly improve just about any middle infield in the league. He has some issues regarding his character, but on the baseball diamond, he gets the job done. His 2014 campaign wasn’t great, but he hit .283 with 37 stolen bases and a .355 on-base percentage in 2013. Perhaps most important among all of this, he can be had for cheap. The Mets have been a rumored suitor and they seem like an ideal fit to help revitalize Cabrera’s career.

Catcher: Geovany Soto

Sep 2, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics catcher Geovany Soto (17) catches a foul ball against the Seattle Mariners during the sixth inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Soto is the only everyday option among all the free-agent catchers. Unfortunately, Soto hasn’t been able to prove even he can be an everyday catcher over the last few years. He’s played just 162 games in three seasons. The 2008 NL Rookie of the Year is half the player he once was, but he can be added value for a team in need of a backup or third catcher.

Outfield: Nate Schierholtz

Jul 2, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder Nate Schierholtz (19) rounds the bases after hitting a home run against the Boston Red Sox in the eighth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

The 30-year-old had a disappointing 2014 campaign that may not bode well going forward. He’s not great a player, but still young and able enough to land a fourth outfielder gig somewhere. He hit 21 home runs in 2013. That kind of power from a left-handed batter off the bench would be a welcome addition in most parks.