It’s almost inconceivable how many talented players are still available this MLB free agency period. And if someone compiled a legitimate team made of available players, it would be pretty competitive.
The biggest surprise this offseason hasn’t been a particular signing or trade. Instead, it’s the fact that several talented players on the MLB free agency market are still without teams.
Guys that offered considerable contributions on their teams last season have yet to sign. Yu Darvish, J.D. Martinez, and Eric Hosmer are just a few names on the board, but there are plenty more.
The offseason has become an attrition situation. Teams hope that players will reduce the amount of money they desire, while players hope clubs will eventually meet their demands.
Thus far, that strategy hasn’t worked for a majority of teams or their targets.
It's almost February, and these guys are still FAs: Darvish, Hosmer, Martinez, Arrieta, Moustakas, Cobb, Lucroy, Lynn, Walker, Morrison, Frazier, Holland, CarGo, the other CarGo, Cashner, Watson, Vargas, Duda, Holliday, Avila, Dyson, Nunez, Garcia, Jay.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) January 30, 2018
More notable free agent transactions occurred throughout the previous three months. Wade Davis received the largest contract for a relief pitcher. Lorenzo Cain signed with Milwaukee, pushing the Brewers into the contention category – for now. Carlos Santana joined the Phillies, surprising most fans.
However, a ton of proven All-Stars – much better than some teams’ starters – still sit without a contract. Most of the more talented guys will earn a convincing offer and take it by Spring Training. Others – older veterans – may accept a minor-league deal at this point.
But an interesting point that could be made is that an all-free-agent squad would likely be better than several teams in the MLB. While this hypothetical will never turn into a reality, rarely has anyone seen a star-studded class like this so late in the offseason.
Hence, until they agree to sign with a respective club, players qualify to be a part of this newly-created team. And after gazing over the lengthy list of options on the free agent market, it’s clear that they could construct a pretty successful squad – based on starters.
Here is what the MLB free agency starting lineup and rotation might look like.