The MLB offseason is a time of endless speculation, contract haggling, and waiting for those last few dominoes to fall.
With spring training just around the corner, teams are finalizing their rosters, and yet, a handful of solid free agents remain without a home.
That’s not unusual, of course. Every year, some players linger on the market longer than expected, whether due to contract demands, age-related concerns, or simply a lack of urgency from teams.
Five names stand out right now: Alex Bregman, Nick Pivetta, Kenley Jansen, Andrew Heaney, and José Quintana. Each player offers something unique, yet they’re still waiting for that call. Let’s take a closer look at why.
Alex Bregman: The Star Holding Out
Bregman’s résumé speaks for itself—two-time All-Star, World Series champ, and one of the more consistent third basemen in the game.
His OPS+ rarely dips below 115, and while he may not be the MVP-level player he once was, he’s still an impact bat with strong defensive skills. So why is he still available?
The answer is simple: contract length. Bregman isn’t just looking for a deal; he’s looking for the deal. Given his age (30) and some concerns about his power outside of Houston, teams are hesitant to meet his demands.
That said, he’ll likely get what he wants—perhaps from the Astros, Tigers, or Red Sox, all of whom have been linked to him.
Nick Pivetta: The Sleeper Starter
Pivetta has long been a polarizing figure with big stuff but inconsistent results. Over the past few seasons, he’s settled into a reliable mid-rotation role, posting a 102 ERA+ and solid strikeout numbers.
The big issue is that qualifying offer. By rejecting Boston’s QO, Pivetta tied himself to draft-pick compensation, which always dampens interest. But he’s still a very appealing option for teams needing rotation depth—say, the Reds or Padres.
Kenley Jansen: The Aging Closer
Jansen may not be the force he was in his prime, but he’s still an effective late-game option. Five straight seasons with a 120+ ERA+? That’s nothing to scoff at.
But at 37, with declining velocity and an increasing reliance on command, Jansen is no longer a sure thing. Teams that needed bullpen help—like the Cubs and Mets—have already made their moves, so his market is murky. Still, someone will take a chance on a future Hall of Fame closer.
Andrew Heaney: The Fly-Ball Risk
Heaney is the classic “good but not great” starter. He’s serviceable, with mid-rotation depth and good strikeout numbers, but he is also prone to the long ball. That last part is likely why teams are hesitant.
Pitching in a homer-friendly park? Heaney probably isn’t your guy. But he makes plenty of sense for teams in need of innings—perhaps the Twins or Padres.
José Quintana: The Forgotten Veteran
Quintana is the definition of “low-key solid.” He doesn’t strike out many batters, but he’s been effective, posting a 118 ERA+ over the last three years.
So why is he still on the market? Simple: teams don’t get excited about low-strikeout starters anymore. But for a rebuilding MLB team looking for a trade chip at the deadline, Quintana is a perfect fit.
Final Thoughts on Top MLB Free Agents Still Available
Every year, free agents fall through the cracks for one reason or another. Bregman, Pivetta, Jansen, Heaney, and Quintana all have their flaws, but they also have undeniable value.
It’s only a matter of time before they find new homes in MLB. The only question is where—and for how much.
