"Every offseason, at least a handful of free agents linger on the market well into spring training. At times, that's been true even of the top names on the market. Bryce Harper and Manny Machado both signed their free agent contracts in February. Blake Snell, Matt Chapman and Jordan Montgomery all signed contracts in March during the 2023-24 offseason. Things are a bit different this winter."
"Lucas Giolito, Zack Littell and Max Scherzer top the remaining group. In Scherzer's case, it's not entirely clear whether he'll sign prior to Opening Day. Scherzer is healthy and ready to sign at any time, but he told The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal late last month that he's being selective with his next home and would be content to wait to sign midseason if an opportunity on one of his preferred teams does not present itself."
Free-agent signings often conclude by spring training, but some notable players have signed later in recent offseasons. This winter's top free agents have mostly signed, including Framber Valdez who went to Detroit and another big-ticket player who signed in Arizona. Several capable starting pitchers remain available, led by Lucas Giolito, Zack Littell and Max Scherzer. Scherzer is healthy and willing to wait for a preferred, win-now club and could sign midseason. Giolito and Littell are ready-made mid-rotation starters who can immediately upgrade a rotation despite having flaws. Teams with budget space and rotation needs can pursue them.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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