As MLB's offseason progresses, key players in the free agent market are drawing significant interest, with decisions that could shape the coming season. Among the top remaining free agents, Jack Flaherty is positioning himself strategically, contemplating short-term deals with high average annual values.
Flaherty, who split his past season between the Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Dodgers, has shown a varied performance in recent years. His ERA+ scores reflect an inconsistent trajectory with 93, 87, and a promising 127 over the last three seasons. Such metrics suggest a potential upside that teams might look to capitalize on, assuming Flaherty can regain and sustain peak form.
Anthony Santander: Offensive Strengths and Defensive Concerns
Ranked No. 15 among free agents, Anthony Santander commands attention primarily for his offensive prowess. Renowned sports journalist Ken Rosenthal highlights the challenge interested teams face: "Unfortunately, Santander doesn't bring much more to the table than his bat: he's not a good defender or baserunner, meaning interested clubs will have to be confident that he can sustain his well-above-average offensive production well into his 30s." This reliance on offense without the balance of defensive and baserunning skills has stymied his pursuit of long-term contracts thus far.
Cubs and Yankees Eye Brooks Raley
Meanwhile, veteran lefty reliever Brooks Raley has piqued the interest of the Yankees and Cubs, despite his recent recovery from Tommy John surgery. Raley's resume includes a strong 153 ERA+ since the start of the 2022 campaign, a statistic that underscores his effectiveness on the mound despite having been limited to just eight appearances last season. At 36, Raley's ability to bounce back could provide a seasoned option for teams seeking bullpen depth.
Braves Ink Garrett Cooper to Minor-League Deal
The Atlanta Braves have bolstered their camp roster by signing former All-Star outfielder Garrett Cooper to a minor-league deal. At 34, Cooper offers a batting line of .242/.297/.395 (86 OPS+) over his last 573 plate appearances. While not a headline-grabbing acquisition, Cooper adds experience and depth to the Braves' lineup, potentially offering a steady veteran presence.
As teams maneuver through the offseason, the machinations around players like Flaherty, Santander, Raley, and Cooper reflect a complex calculus of potential and risk. Front offices must weigh past performances against future projections, balancing immediate needs with long-term aspirations. Each decision holds the potential to influence not just team dynamics but also the broader competitive landscape of the league.