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MLB: The top 25 free agents this offseason

By Adam Taylor McKillop

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 04: Trevor Bauer #27 of the Cincinnati Reds in action during game two of a doubleheader against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on September 4, 2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 04: Trevor Bauer #27 of the Cincinnati Reds in action during game two of a doubleheader against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on September 4, 2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images)
(Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images) /

The 20th – 16th ranked 2020-21 MLB free agents.

#20: Mike Minor, LHP, 1.24 WHIP (2020)
If you haven’t picked up on the theme of this list yet, I’ll tell you now. It’s chock full of pitching arms. Every team is in constant search of improving its pitching staff. This year is no different. Mike Minor is still a decent left-handed starting pitcher. His 5.56 ERA and 1.24 WHIP don’t exactly match up, as Minor continues to struggle with the long balls. Nonetheless, a lefty starting pitcher is one of the most sought after pieces for any MLB club.

#19: Jake Odorizzi, RHP, 1.24 WHIP (Career)
Jake Odorizzi struggled with injuries last season. These injuries included an intercoastal strain, a chest contusion, and a blister. Notably, none of these were arm-related. Odorizzi only saw four games of action with the Minnesota Twins because of these injuries. He’s a career 3.92 ERA and 1.24 WHIP starting pitcher and a definite middle-of-the-rotation option.

#18: Chris Archer, RHP, 1.25 WHIP (Career)
Chris Archer is an interesting option for teams seeking starting pitchers. After 6.5 seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays, Archer was dealt to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Archer’s time in Pittsburgh has been plagued by injuries. The righty struggled in 2019, and missed all of 2020 due to injury, but still owns career marks of a 3.86 ERA and 1.25 WHIP.

#17: Michael Brantley, LF, 1.5 WAR (2020)
Simply put, Michael Brantley has gotten better with age. In terms of baseball statistics, that is. At 33, Brantley is valued as a very reliable outfield bat. Over the last four years, Brantley has never hit lower than .299 and his OPS has never dipped below .800. During that span, Brantley has also never struck out more than 66 times. With the ability to put the bat on the ball, and get on base, Brantley is a valuable addition to any lineup.

#16: Nelson Cruz, DH, 1.6 WAR (2020)
At 40-years-old, Nelson Cruz is still one of the most prolific power hitters in the game. His .876 career OPS ranks 15th among active players. Last season, he clobbered 16 home runs, 33 RBIs, while hitting above .300. This right-handed DH can smash baseballs in any park.

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