Best remaining MLB free agents

The biggest prize in the free agent market could be headed to the Dodgers after they cleared out payroll by trading Alex Wood, Matt Kemp and Yasiel Puig. Still, other possibilities include the Cubs, Phillies and White Sox. The 26-year-old outfielder is just entering his prime with one MVP Award under his belt.

Machado's destination sounds like it will wait until 2019, according to Fancred's Jon Heyman, with the White Sox, Yankees and Phillies showing the most interest. He can play either position on the left side of the infield and is just entering his age-26 season after hitting more than 30 homers for the fourth straight year.

The closer market is still taking shape, and The Athletic's Jayson Stark reported Kimbrel is looking for more than $100 million. Boston still needs a closer but might not be able to afford that price. Other teams in the market for a closer are Atlanta, Philadelphia and the Angels.

The Dodgers still have an opening at catcher, but they have yet to re-sign Grandal. That could indicate they're still in the market for J.T. Realmuto. Grandal remains the big prize remaining on the free agent market at catcher after Wilson Ramos, Kurt Suzuki and Robinson Chirinos signed. Additional teams with a need at catcher include Cincinnati, Milwaukee, Oakland, Houston and Boston.

Considering his issues staying healthy recently, Pollock's forthcoming contract will be interesting. He's still clearly the top outfielder on the market, and Atlanta and Cincinnati have been connected to him.

Kikuchi has been posted by the Seibu Lions, and he has a 30-day window to negotiate a deal that began on Dec. 5 and runs until Jan. 2. Signing Japanese players is always a risk, but there are plenty of recent examples who have worked out.

Keuchel is clearly one of the top starting pitchers available in a market that's become relatively thin. A team in a smaller ballpark like the Reds or White Sox would be a good fit given Keuchel's high ground-ball rate, but he did show some regression in 2018.

Teams seem to be lining up for Ottavino's services, though his injury history and lack of prolonged closing experience could make some teams wary. Nearly every squad in need of relief help has been connected to Ottavino, but he could be a great fit for the Yankees as a native New Yorker.

Robertson is representing himself in free agency, and it remains to be seen if the veteran prioritizes money or the closer role more. The New York Post's George A. King III report sounds like he wants a three-year contract, which is understandable but still risky given his age. Robertson was outstanding last year, with a 3.23 ERA and 91 strikeouts in 69.2 innings.

We can't rule out Markakis returning to Atlanta after an outstanding 2018 season (.297-14-93), though some teams are likely still skeptical given his age and offensive struggles prior to 2018. The market seems relatively quiet for the 35-year-old so far.

Andrew Miller signed with the Cardinals, making Britton the top left-handed reliever on the market. He continues to show an outstanding ground-ball rate, but control has become an issue again over the last two seasons. Philadelphia and the Yankees have been connected to him recently, per Fancred's Jon Heyman.

The Cardinals' acquisition of Paul Goldschmidt likely eliminated one suitor for Moustakas, but the power hitter could still return to the Brewers. Other teams in need of third base help include the Rangers, White Sox and Mets.

Jones had a down year in 2018, which is surely hurting his market at age 33. Still, he was one of the most consistent players in baseball up to that point. The losers of the A.J. Pollock sweepstakes could take a look at Jones.

Following Oakland's acquisition of Jurickson Profar, Lowrie is almost certain to go elsewhere to play in 2019. His versatility makes him a possibility at third base for a team like the Rangers, and the Brewers have also been mentioned, per The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.

The Cabrera market seems quiet, but he will almost certainly still get a nice contract after hitting 23 home runs last season. The infielder still has versatility at age 33, though his defense has fallen off a bit.

Dozier hit only .215-21-72 last season, so it won't be a surprise if a team gives him a short-term deal to make sure he hasn't lost it. The Nationals have reportedly shown interest in the 31-year-old power hitter, according to the Washington Post's Jesse Dougherty.

The Rockies tipped their hand that they're headed in another direction after signing Daniel Murphy, and Oakland is probably also out after acquiring Jurickson Profar. Other teams in need of second base help include the Angels, Brewers and Nationals. LeMahieu's offensive capability outside of Coors Field remains to be seen, but he will certainly help defensively.

Gonzalez's versatility would help most teams, but no one has taken the plunge yet. He's likely banking on his huge 2017 season when he hit .303-23-90 for the Astros.

If nothing else, Gonzalez has proved to be durable during his career, so teams in need of innings are likely to be interested. He has consistently walked too many batters, however, and last year's dropping strikeout rate could be a red flag for the 33-year-old lefty.

Herrera had an injury-plagued 2018 season but could be a bargain for someone. He has closing experience and finished last year with a 2.44 ERA in 44.1 innings.

Allen looked like he was headed for a huge multi-year contract until his struggles in Cleveland last year, posting a 4.70 ERA in 67 innings. With a continued high strikeout rate, he could turn out to be a bargain at age 30. Minnesota has reportedly shown interest, according to the Star Tribune's LaVelle E. Neal III.

Holland rehabbed his career last year by posting a 3.57 ERA with the Giants and is now looking to cash in. He's a big risk given his struggles before last season, but the lefty had nearly one strikeout per inning and is a possibility for a reunion with Texas, per the Dallas Morning News' Evan Grant.

CarGo settled for a one-year deal in Colorado last spring but was unable to show his old self offensively. He was still productive, finishing with a .796 OPS, albeit aided by Coors Field. At 33, Gonzalez is unlikely to get a long-term deal but should find at-bats somewhere.

Garcia was non-tendered by the White Sox despite hitting 19 home runs in 93 games last season. Interested teams are banking on his 2017 performance when he hit .330-18-80 with an .885 OPS for the White Sox, but Garcia's shaky defense could deter some organizations.