With spring training just over five weeks away, the MLB offseason has reached its final stretch, yet several notable free agents remain unsigned, leaving questions about where they will land before the 2025 season begins. This offseason has already seen blockbuster deals and surprising trades, but the free-agent market still includes impactful players who could make a significant difference for teams looking to fill critical gaps in their rosters. As time ticks down, the clock is also ticking for these players and their potential suitors to strike deals that could shape the competitive landscape of the upcoming season.
Among the top free agents still on the market are several players with proven track records, yet each comes with unique circumstances that have delayed their signings. For some, age and declining production have tempered interest, while others may be holding out for contracts that align with their perceived value in a competitive marketplace. Pitchers, in particular, often dominate late-offseason signings as teams scramble to solidify their rotations or bullpens, and this year is no exception. Veteran starters who can eat innings and relievers with strong track records remain available, providing intriguing options for clubs seeking stability or a late boost to their pitching depth.
Position players, too, feature prominently among the remaining free agents. From power-hitting corner outfielders to versatile infielders who can provide defensive flexibility, the market still offers opportunities for teams to enhance their lineups. However, with most rosters already nearing completion, the leverage may be shifting toward teams as players weigh their options and the risk of entering spring training unsigned. This dynamic often leads to short-term, team-friendly contracts that provide value to both sides: players secure a job and a chance to reestablish their value, while teams gain experienced talent without making long-term commitments.
The reasons for the slow-moving market vary. Some teams may be hesitant to exceed luxury tax thresholds or are waiting for clarity on trade discussions that could impact their financial flexibility. Others may be exploring creative solutions, such as non-roster invites or incentive-laden contracts, to mitigate the risks associated with signing aging veterans or players coming off injuries. Meanwhile, players and their agents may be betting on late interest from contending teams as spring training injuries or underwhelming performances create new opportunities.
For teams with needs, these unsigned players represent a potential goldmine of untapped value. Contenders looking to strengthen their chances, like the Yankees, Dodgers, or Padres, could view these remaining free agents as cost-effective additions to complement their star-studded rosters. On the other hand, rebuilding teams might target these players as stopgaps or potential trade chips, signing them with an eye toward flipping them at the deadline for prospects.
As spring training approaches, the pressure mounts for players and teams alike to make decisions. For the free agents still on the market, the next few weeks could determine their immediate future and provide an opportunity to prove their worth in the 2025 season. For teams, this late stage of the offseason offers a final chance to address lingering weaknesses and prepare for the grind of a 162-game campaign. While the frenzy of the early offseason may have passed, the remaining free agents ensure that the hot stove will stay warm right up until pitchers and catchers report.