Unsigned Stars: Grading Top MLB Free Agent Fits
The 2023 MLB season is rapidly approaching, but several big-name free agents remain unsigned with Opening Day just around the corner. It’s a baffling situation that has left players, executives, and agents scratching their heads. Why are proven stars like Blake Snell, Michael Lorenzen, and Jordan Montgomery still free agents this late in the offseason?
Theories abound, from players overplaying their hand in contract negotiations to teams crying poor despite record revenues. The reality likely lies somewhere in between, with a combination of factors contributing to this unprecedented free agent logjam. But for fans, the focus remains on where these impact players could potentially end up.
Let’s explore some of the most likely landing spots and grade the team fits for the top unsigned MLB stars:
Blake Snell to the New York Yankees?
The former Cy Young winner would give the Yankees an undeniable ace to front their rotation. Snell has electric stuff and big-game experience, with a 2.36 ERA over 5 postseason starts. He could be the piece that puts the Bronx Bombers over the top.
New York has shown a willingness to spend this winter, inking Carlos Rodón to a massive deal. Adding another frontline starter alongside Gerrit Cole, Rodón, and Nestor Cortes could make this the most formidable rotation in baseball.
The downside? Snell’s high price tag and long-term commitment required may give the Yankees pause given their crowded roster and luxury tax concerns.
Potential Fit Grade: 7/10
Michael Lorenzen to the Los Angeles Dodgers?
The hard-throwing right-hander could be the final piece to fortify the Dodgers’ bullpen following the recent injury to Blake Treinen. Lorenzen was filthy in 2022, posting a 2.49 FIP and striking out 84 batters in just 67.2 innings of work.
His power arm would pair nicely with the nasty stuff of Evan Phillips, Brusdar Graterol, and others in LA’s highly effective relief corps. And Lorenzen offers flexibility, having started games in the past. He could provide important innings as a multi-inning weapon or spot starter.
The biggest hurdle may simply be luxury tax concerns for the big-spending Dodgers. But Lorenzen’s potential impact could make him well worth the investment for this World Series-caliber club.
Potential Fit Grade: 8/10
Jordan Montgomery to the Boston Red Sox?
On paper, this pairing seems like a match made in heaven. The Red Sox desperately need quality innings after losing ace Chris Sale and stalwart Michael Wacha to injuries. Montgomery is a savvy, battle-tested lefty coming off a career year and deep postseason run with the World Champion Rangers.
Signing Montgomery would immediately stabilize Boston’s suspect rotation behind the emerging Brayan Bello. And the New England native has expressed a desire to play close to home, where his wife has residency.
Yet despite the obvious need and personal factors favoring Boston, there has been little buzz linking Montgomery to the Red Sox so far. Money could be an obstacle, as ownership has signaled an intent to rein in spending this winter after blown budget projections last year.
Still, missing out on an impact arm like Montgomery could prove disastrous for the Red Sox’s playoff hopes in 2023. Sometimes you have to spend to win.
Potential Fit Grade: 6/10
As this snail’s pace free agent period has shown, anything can happen in MLB’s always unpredictable hot stove season. While the delays have been maddening, the end result could be bargain deals for whichever teams are willing to spend to land these impact players before camp breaks.
One thing is for sure - wherever stars like Snell, Lorenzen and Montgomery end up, that team’s championship odds will receive an immediate boost. Now it’s just a matter of which franchise is willing to be bold and pull the trigger to put themselves over the top.