Under-The-Radar Free Agent Difference Makers

We all knew that Robinson Cano, Shin-Soo Choo, Jacoby Ellsbury, Brian McCann and others were going to be huge free agent targets this winter. Teams rightfully broke the bank to acquire some of the top talent in the game and scooped up the best of the best quickly. Now that the superstars are off the board, there are still some well known players searching for jobs: Matt Garza, Ervin Santana, Nelson Cruz, and Kendys Morales are all still among the country’s 7.3 percent unemployed.

While all the multi-million dollar wheeling and dealing has gone on, some smaller names have signed contacts as well. Notably, John Axford will play for Cleveland, Joba Chamberlain will move to Detroit, and Marlon Byrd will head to Philly. There are, however, still some key pieces still to be had. Some players who, while their signing might not make the Breaking News feed on ESPN, could mean the difference between October baseball or October tee times for some would-be contenders.

Lets take a look at 5 lesser known free agents and where they might be a good fit.

Michell Boggs, RP: Boggs had a horrendous 2013, splitting time between St. Louis and Colorado. Indeed, he posted an ERA over 8.00 in 27 games last season, but there’s more to the story than that. In 2012, Boggs had 2.21 ERA in more than 70 high leverage innings for the Cardinals. He entered last season as their closer after Jason Motte went down. For a team with faith in their pitching coach, Boggs might be a worthwhile, low-risk gamble.

Potential Teams: Yankees, Orioles, Diamondbacks 

Andrew Bailey, RP: Bailey had a tumultuous 2 seasons with the Red Sox, battling injuries and ineffectiveness in both 2012 and 2013. He was effective at times though, and has a pedigree. Bailey had shoulder surgery in July so it’s unclear when he’d be ready to go, but the former Rookie of the Year and two time All-Star has the potential to stabilize a struggling bullpen when healthy. He could be a great fit on a team with a less-than-proven set up man or closer. Or a team that thinks they are one reliever away from the top.

Potential Teams: Blue Jays, Tigers, Orioles, Rays

Scott Baker, SP: Baker returned late in 2013 after missing some serious time following Tommy John surgery. He pitched only 3 times in 2013 but was effective, posting a WHIP under 0.90. Baker is a league-average starter that won’t embarrass you if he’s a mainstay in your rotation. He has the potential to be very good and won’t command a very high salary as he’s still trying to prove that he’s 100% back from his injury. If you believe in the power of modern medicine, he’s a really good gamble for a team looking for back-end rotation help. He’s a solid 4 or 5 guy, even in a contender’s rotation.

Potential Teams: Angels, Diamondbacks, Orioles, Cubs, Royals, Indians

Placido Polanco, 3b, 2b, 1b: Polanco is nowhere near the caliber of player he was when he played for the Tigers (or even the Phillies). There can be no doubt that the 38 year old is on the wrong side of the aging curve but he can still be helpful in the right situation. He played in 118 games for the Marlins last season and had a serviceable .260/.315/.302 slash line. He shouldn’t get anywhere near that type of playing time in 2014 but he’s still a wizard with the glove and he’s versatile enough to play on either corner or even at the keystone every now and then. He’d be a good fit for a young team looking for some veteran stability or an older team looking for a capable bench piece. He’d also be a decent insurance policy behind an unproven young infielder. He should not be slated to start or hit cleanup as the Marlins tried more than once in 2013.

Potential Teams: Tigers, Yankees, Astros, Marlins, Brewers

Ronny Cedeno, SS: Just Kidding

Justin Turner, IF, LF: Turner was non-tendered by the Mets despite hitting .280 last season in 200 ABs. He is versatile, able to play every infield position in a pinch (though he should steer clear of shortstop) and even a corner outfield spot if need be. He can hit, though not for a ton of power and would be a capable bottom of the order guy when he plays. Like Polanco, Turner isn’t a candidate to start but I think if given the opportunity for 200-250 ABs a season, he’ll continue his present level of production, which is considerably better than you’d get from an older option (Turner is 29) like Cezar Izturis, for example. Turner was worth almost a full win over replacement value and could be a really solid addition in the right place.

Potential Teams: Twins, Tigers, Marlins, Astros, Rockies, Brewers, Pirates, Reds, Rays

-Max Frankel