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10 best players left in MLB free agency
Houston Astros outfielder Trey Mancini Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports

While all of the big-name stars in MLB free agency are officially off the market, there are still quite a few players left that could end up being serious impact players for a plethora of playoff and World Series contenders.

A month ago, American League MVP Aaron Judge, AL Cy Young Justin Verlander and two-time All-Star were just a few of the star-studded list of players in the winter of 2022 class of MLB free agents. However, with just a couple of weeks left in the year, all of them know where they will be playing in 2023.

However, despite the record spending over the last month, many teams did not make splashes in MLB free agency, and even some organizations that did still have holes to fill or positions to upgrade.

Also read: Trevor Bauer expected to be cut by Dodgers – 4 possible landing spots

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the 10 best players still up for grabs on the MLB free agent market.

Trey Mancini

Trey Mancini was viewed as a major addition at the trade deadline by the eventual champion Houston Astros. However, the ‘Stros earned another World Series title in spite of Mancini being a major disappointment for them and hardly playing the postseason.

Nevertheless, the 30-year-old has a solid track record as a legit slugger in the league. Having banged out 20 or more home runs in five of his six years in the league. For teams looking for thump in the order or a DH upgrade, Mancini could be a major get in MLB free agency.

Michael Conforto

Veteran New York Mets outfielder Michael Conforto won’t turn 30 until March and still has viable prime years left on his career tires. He has often flashed his immense potential in New York and even earned All-Star honors in 2017. However, injuries have constantly dogged his career, and he is coming off shoulder surgery he chose to undergo instead of playing in 2022.

While there are long-term questions about Conforto staying healthy, he could be a valuable find on a one-year prove-it deal in MLB free agency.

Nathan Eovaldi

Nathan Eovaldi is a year removed from earning All-Star honors for the Red Sox in 2021, but beyond that, the 32-year-old is a proven and competent starting pitcher in the league. The biggest knock on Eovaldi heading into MLB free agency is his inconsistent health history, which makes any long-term deal a risk. A short-term pact would make the 11-year veteran a great addition a contender and a real improvement to any other rotation in the league.

Jurickson Profar

At this juncture of MLB free agency, Jurickson Profar is arguably the best outfielder left on the market. The 29-year-old is in the middle of his prime and was key part of a San Diego Padres squad that nearly reached the World Series. If given the at-bats, the nine-year veteran has shown he has the pop in his bat to hit 20 home runs a season, and his versatility in the field gives him a lot of value. A case could be made that Profar is in the midst of a notable career upward swing.

Jean Segura

At 32, Jean Segura is probably in the final years of his prime, but he still remains a super-solid middle infielder who was a part of a team that shocked the baseball world by reaching the World Series in 2022. the two-time All-Star has always brought surprise pop and does bring a proven stolen base threat. He is likely to come at an affordable rate and could be a steal in MLB free agency.

Michael Wacha

Michael Wacha has long been a solid starting pitcher in the league and is coming off of a career year in 2022 for the Boston Red Sox. The 10-year veteran went 11-2, with a 3.32 ERA and 1.115 WHIP. At 31, he still has prime years ahead of him and would certainly bolster any starting staff. Especially as a high-level talent at the back end of a contenders rotations.

Aroldis Chapman

Without a shadow of a doubt, Aroldis Chapman’s best days are behind him at 34 and 13 years of wear and tear under his belt. However, there is no denying the man earned honors in three of the last five years. There is certainly risk in any signing, but relievers can be fickle and a bad season can often be followed by a good one. For a team looking to reach the playoffs and badly in need of a proven closer, Chapman would be a savvy risk in MLB free agency.

Craig Kimbrel

Speaking of closers, eight-time All-Star Craig Kimbrel is in a very similar boat to Chapman. He is past his prime is also only a year removed from being in the All-Star game. And just like the New York Yankees talent, Kimbrel is a worthwhile risk for a team on the rise looking for a solid closer.

Matt Carpenter

Heading into 2022, Matt Carpenter looked to be done as a viable MLB player. However, after the Yankees took a flier on him, the three-time All-Star had a career renaissance. It could be argued his hot streak before getting injured could be a flash in the pan, but that and his infield versatility is reason enough to see if he still has another good season left in the tank.

Will Smith

MLB free agency is an important time to bolster the bullpen and there may be no better non-closer option left on the market than Will Smith. For a position where players can often be inconsistent, the 10-year veteran has always been a reliable arm on the various staffs he’s been on. In a 2022 season split between the Braves and Astros, Smith had a 3.97 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, and 65 Ks in 59 innings. Plus he earned 16 holds last season.

This article first appeared on Sportsnaut and was syndicated with permission.

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