Three under-the-radar free agents who could make a difference

The top players in free agency draw most of the attention. They command the bigger contracts, have their names in the rumor mill more frequently and are far more recognizable.

However, those signings at the margins can make a significant difference as well. These players may not be stars, but they can impact a roster. Let's take a look at three under-the-radar free agents who could make a significant difference for their next team.

Outfielder Randal Grichuk

On the surface, Grichuk is not the type of signing that would draw much attention. He had a disappointing 2025 campaign, posting a .228/.273/.401 batting line in his 293 plate appearances between the Diamondbacks and Royals, hitting nine homers and 18 doubles.

Grichuk, however, has been a solid hitter against left-handed pitching, posting a .268/.318/.500 batting line with 78 homers and 98 homers in 1672 plate appearances. Capable of playing all three outfield positions, he would be a perfect addition to a team with a predominantly left-handed hitting outfield, such as the Phillies or Red Sox.

Pitcher Zach Littell

Littell does not have an exciting profile. His fastball and sinker sit in the low 90s. Littell does not strike out many batters and allowed 36 homers in 2025, the second most in the majors. Despite his home run issues and modest arsenal, Littell was surprisingly effective in 2025, posting a 3.81 ERA and a 1.104 WHiP over his 186.2 innings between the Rays and Reds, striking out 130 batters with 32 walks.

Littell's ability to pitch deep into games and excellent command of his arsenal make him an underrated option at the back of a rotation. He could slot in as a fourth or fifth starter, someone capable of taking the ball every fifth day while typically lasting at least six innings. Teams with questions in the rotation, such as the Rays and Mets, or a young pitching staff like the White Sox, could use Littell's veteran presence.

Pitcher Justin Verlander

It is easy to look at Verlander's overall performance in 2025 and assume that the 43-year-old is reaching the end of his career. He posted a 3.85 ERA and a 1.362 WHiP over his 152 innings, striking out 137 batters with 52 walks. That overall line disguises an impressive second half, as Verlander posted a 2.99 ERA and a 1.301 WHiP over 75.1 innings after the All-Star Break, striking out 70 batters with 26 walks.

Verlander has been clear that he wants to keep pitching into his mid-40s and is aiming for the 300-win plateau. While he is unlikely to receive a multi-year contract at this stage of his career, he showed that he still has something left in the tank in the second half. A return to the Giants or Astros could fit as Verlander continues to carve his name into the major league record books.