Even though the big name players like George Springer, Trevor Bauer and J.T Realmuto have been signed, there are still a lot of veteran players still available at this time. Here we’ll take a look at a few of the higher profile named players still looking for a home for the upcoming MLB season.
Jake Odorizzi
Jake Odorizzi had a unlucky 2020 season filled with injuries, which held Odorizzi to only 13 2/3 innings spread out over 4 starts. This was extremely disappointing because of how great he was the season prior — Odorizzi’s line in the 2019 season was 15-7 over 30 starts with the twins while posting a 3.51 ERA. This was good enough to earn him his only all-star appearance of his career.
The only reason I think Jake Odorizzi hasn’t been signed yet is because of his injury plagued 2020 season. His 2019 performance would slot him in near the top of almost any teams rotation, and only being 31, he still has a lot left in the tank.
Jackie Bradley Jr.
JBJ has played his entire career in Boston, but it looks like his 8th year will be his last in bean town. Bradley Jr is primarily a Center Fielder, but can easily slot in at either Left or Right Field as well. He was an all-star in 2016, won a gold glove in 2018 and was apart of the Red Sox team that won the World Series 2018. JBJ is a Center Field who has some pop in his bat as well – he’s hit over 20 Home Runs twice in his career (2016 and 2019) and in the 2020 shortened season was on pace to reach 20 again.
The versatile veteran can still be an everyday player for most teams in the league or at the very least, be a role player on serious contender for the World Series. Bradley is only 31 as well, and he is also looking to cash in on a big deal, and with some of the bigger names off the market, a desperate team could fork out the cash.
Shane Greene
Any team looking to bolster their bullpen has an option with 32 year old Shane Greene. Green has been a reliever for the best part of his career and got his first all-star game invite in 2019. He also had a pretty strong 2020 and is now looking for a new home.
Shane Greene would be a solid option coming out of the pen as a setup man, or even a closer if need be, as the Florida native has earned a total of 66 saves or his career. Any team in need of a right handed relief pitcher should be at least inquire about Greene.
Cole Hamels
Cole Hamels is now nearing the end of his career, but could have one good season left in him. The 37 year old is a 4 time all-star, won a World Series in 2008 and won the World Series MVP award. Hamels only made 1 start in 2020, after come back from injury he decided to sit out the rest of the season with shoulder fatigue. In 2019, Hamels had a very decent record of 7-7 while posting an ERA of 3.81
Cole Hamels won’t be the ace of the staff like he was in years past, but any team needing a lefty in the rotation could take a gamble on him and slot him in the 5 spot. Hamels at the very least could be a nice veteran presence for any young starters in the rotation.
Those are just 4 names out of the large pool of free agent talent still left unsigned. It’s remarkable that the likes of Yoenis Cespedes, Brett Gardner, Rick Porcello, Ryan Braun and many more are still looking for a place to call home for the upcoming 2021 season. One of these players might just be that missing piece for a team to go from contender to World Series Champion.
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