Beyond the Blockbusters: Hunting the Undervalued Grinders
AI-generated image · US National Wire
As the 2026-27 offseason begins, some of the most valuable additions for contenders may be the supporting cast players who fall outside the top 50 free agents.
While the baseball world waits for the first major trade or signing of the 2026-27 offseason, as CBS Sports first reported, a lockout is expected once the collective bargaining agreement expires at 11:59 p.m. ET on Dec. 1. However, the real value for teams looking to raise their floor may lie in quality players who didn't make the top 50 free agent rankings.
Among the available options are versatile arms and veteran bats. LHP Sean Newcomb, 33, has reinvented himself as a sinker/curveball workhorse who can pitch in any role, including closing, setup, and long relief. RHP Bryan Abreu, 29, showed a strong second half with a 1.71 ERA, though CBS Sports notes a dip in fastball velocity may shift him toward a seventh-inning role. Meanwhile, 35-year-old RHP Emilio Pagán offers an elite splitter and high-leverage capability, provided teams can tolerate his tendency to give up home runs.
On the offensive side, IF J.P. Crawford is viewed as a high-on-base, clubhouse-positive presence who can provide 10-15 home runs. While his range has declined, making him no longer a viable shortstop, he has experience at third base and could fit at second. Additionally, DH Joc Pederson remains a productive left-handed power threat against right-handed pitching, though CBS Sports describes the nearly 35-year-old as essentially a bat-only player who can occasionally play first or right field.