As the MLB free-agent market remains active into mid-January, several lesser-known players could provide significant contributions next season. MLB.com writers highlight five unsigned talents outside the top 30 free agents who might exceed expectations. These selections focus on pitchers and position players with proven skills and recent improvements.
The free-agent landscape in Major League Baseball continues to offer opportunities beyond the high-profile names, with 11 of the top 30 players still unsigned as of early January. MLB.com contributors have identified five underrated free agents poised to deliver value in 2026, emphasizing their potential despite not commanding the largest contracts.
Starting pitcher Justin Verlander, approaching age 43 in his 21st season, brings a storied resume including three Cy Young Awards, an MVP, and two World Series titles. After a challenging 2024 with the Houston Astros and an unconvincing first half in 2025 with the San Francisco Giants, Verlander adjusted by adding a sweeper pitch. In his final 13 starts last summer, he posted a 2.60 ERA, 3.36 FIP, 70 strikeouts, and 24 walks over 72 2/3 innings, with opponents batting just .053 against the new offering (minimum 50 plate appearances).
Outfielder Harrison Bader, entering his age-32 year, excels in speed and defense. His 2025 sprint speed of 28.8 feet per second ranked in the 85th percentile, making him the fastest unsigned free agent. Bader recorded +7 outs above average across center and left field, contributing to his league-leading +76 OAA over eight seasons. Offensively, he achieved a career-best 122 wRC+ in 501 plate appearances, slashing .277/.449, though regression is expected.
Zack Littell, a 29-year-old starter, emerged as a reliable innings-eater with 32 starts and 186 2/3 innings in 2025 for the Tampa Bay Rays and Cincinnati Reds. He completed at least six innings in 20 starts, relying on command with a 4.2% walk rate—the lowest among qualified starters—despite modest velocity (91.9 mph fastball) and strikeouts (17.1%). His five-pitch mix, including a plus splitter, suits the back of a rotation.
Reliever Michael Kopech, not yet 30, showed elite stuff when healthy in 2024, featuring a 100 mph fastball and a cutter with high swing-and-miss rates. Limited to 14 games in 2025 due to knee issues, his pitches still averaged 97.5 mph on the fastball (.103 opponent batting average) and 91 mph on the cutter (53.3% whiff rate), positioning him for a potential bargain if he regains form.
First baseman Rhys Hoskins, age 33, has battled injuries, including a torn ACL in 2023 and a thumb issue in 2025 that limited him to 82 games with the Milwaukee Brewers. He posted a .768 OPS and 12 home runs before being displaced by trade acquisition Andrew Vaughn. Hoskins' 46.4% hard-hit rate and 11.6% walk rate suggest upside for a full, healthy season, building on his prior .845 OPS and 148 homers over six years with the Philadelphia Phillies.
These players represent cost-effective options for teams seeking roster upgrades without breaking the bank.
