There are a handful more who could plausibly claim to be the top free agent remaining. Roberto Osuna, Yasiel Puig, Edwin Encarnación and Homer Bailey are among the others unsigned.
Bickford, 25, entered the pros as the 18th overall pick of the Giants in 2018 and eventually became a top 50 prospect, though he hasn’t pitched above the Single-A level yet.
Inspiration comes from all variety of places. Sometimes it is a breakthrough year from players already in place and sometimes it is a big-name offseason addition that makes good upon arrival.