Unsung Heroes: 5 Free Agents Ready to Surprise
Despite the calendar flipping to January, the free-agent market remains a treasure trove of untapped potential. Among the top 30 free agents, as ranked by senior national reporter Mark Feinsand, an impressive 11 players are still unsigned, including some of the biggest names in the game. But beyond these premium players, there's a deeper pool of intriguing options that could make a significant impact for the right teams.
Today, we're shining a spotlight on five free agents who might just be the hidden gems of the 2025-26 offseason. These players, while perhaps not household names, have the potential to outperform expectations and deliver major dividends for their new teams. Let's dive in and explore why these signings could be game-changers.
1. SP Justin Verlander: A Legend Reimagined
With three Cy Young Awards, an MVP, and two World Series titles under his belt, Justin Verlander's name is synonymous with baseball greatness. As he approaches his 21st season at the age of 43, it's easy to underestimate his remaining prowess. However, Verlander's 2024-25 resurgence is a testament to his enduring talent.
After a challenging 2024 season with the Astros, Verlander made some notable adjustments, leading to an impressive summer comeback with the Giants. His final 13 starts showcased a dominant pitcher, with a 2.60 ERA, 3.36 FIP, and a remarkable 70 strikeouts in 72 2/3 innings. The key to his success? A new pitch, the sweeper, which held opponents to a minuscule .053 batting average, the lowest in MLB against any pitch (min. 50 PAs).
Verlander may no longer be in the Cy Young conversation, but his strong finish last year proves he still has the goods. Don't sleep on this baseball legend.
2. OF Harrison Bader: Speed, Defense, and a Bat to Boot
Harrison Bader is a player who excels through speed and defense, and as he enters his age-32 season, his sprint speed (28.8 ft/sec) still ranks in the 85th percentile, making him the fastest player on the open market. Bader's ability to cover ground in the outfield is unmatched, and he's recorded at least a +6 OAA (outs above average) in every full season since 2018, with a cumulative +76 OAA over the past eight seasons, the most among outfielders.
But here's where it gets interesting: Bader's bat came alive in 2025. After a wRC+ of 80 from 2022-24, he turned in a career-best 122 wRC+ last year. Even if Bader's batting regresses to league average in 2026, his speed and defense alone make him a valuable asset. Bader is a well-rounded player who can contribute in multiple ways, and his all-around game could be a game-changer for any team.
3. SP Zack Littell: The Reliable Workhorse
Zack Littell's renaissance began in 2023 when the Rays transformed him into one of the most remarkable midseason waiver claims in recent memory. Since then, he's become a dependable workhorse, a valuable asset in an era where starting pitchers are throwing fewer innings. In his age-29 season, Littell set new career highs in starts (32) and innings pitched (186 2/3). Over the past two seasons, only 20 pitchers have started more games than Littell, who has made 61 starts during this period.
Littell's success isn't about flash or overpowering velocity. His average fastball speed (91.9 mph) is in the 15th percentile of MLB, but he pounds the strike zone with precision, posting the lowest walk rate (4.2%) among qualified starting pitchers. He's also shown adaptability, moving away from a fastball-heavy approach to a five-pitch mix, including two fastball shapes and a plus splitter.
While this signing might not grab headlines, the team that acquires Littell will gain a reliable rotation anchor. Littell's consistency and durability make him a valuable asset for any pitching staff.
4. RP Michael Kopech: Dominance Awaits
Michael Kopech hasn't been generating much buzz this offseason, likely due to an injury-plagued 2025 season. However, a fully healthy Kopech is a dominant force on the mound. In 2024, when Kopech was injury-free, he was one of the most unhittable relievers in baseball, and a key contributor to L.A.'s World Series run.
Kopech's electric stuff is undeniable. His 100 mph fastball and low-90s cutter are weapons that generate swing-and-misses. In the games he pitched last season, his heater averaged 97.5 mph, holding hitters to a .103 batting average, while his cutter averaged 91 mph, generating a swing-and-miss rate of 53.3%.
At just under 30 years old, Kopech has some of the best raw stuff among MLB relievers. If he can stay healthy and maintain his command, he'll be a lights-out reliever once again. The team that takes a chance on Kopech could be in for a huge payoff.
5. 1B Rhys Hoskins: Power and Patience
Rhys Hoskins has been hampered by injuries over the past few years, most notably a torn left ACL that kept him out for the entire 2023 season. However, prior to that, he was a force at the plate, with an .845 OPS and 148 home runs over six seasons with the Phillies. He also contributed six homers during the Phils' World Series run in 2022.
Since returning to action with the Brewers in 2024, Hoskins hasn't quite reached those heights, but he's still been productive. In his first season with Milwaukee, he hit 26 home runs in 449 at-bats, and last season, before a thumb injury, he had a .768 OPS with 12 homers in 82 games. Hoskins' hard-hit rate (46.4%) and sweet spot rate (39.7%) were career bests last year, and his walk rate (11.6%) was his best since 2019.
If Hoskins, now 33, can stay healthy for a full season, he could exceed all expectations. His ability to hit the ball hard, take walks, and keep his strikeout rate in check make him a prime candidate for a resurgence.
These five free agents are ready to surprise and contribute significantly to their new teams. Will they be the difference-makers in the 2026 season? Only time will tell. What do you think? Who among these players do you think will have the biggest impact? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
