MLB Free Agency: Underrated Names to Know Outside of the Star Players

Everyone knows about Alex Bregman, Cody Bellinger, and Kyle Tucker entering MLB free agency, but these under-the-radar options shouldn’t be overlooked.

Devin Williams of the New York Yankees catches a ball after a pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays during the seventh inning in game three of the American League Division Series at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City on Oct. 7, 2025. Ishika Samant/Getty Images

We’re in the Season of Giving, but MLB free agency has given us next to nothing thus far, outside of Dylan Cease joining the Blue Jays. Free agency officially began on Nov. 6, but as is typical with MLB free agency, there isn’t expected to be much movement until the Winter Meetings are held from Dec. 7-10.

Thus, most of the best 2026 MLB free agents, from Kyle Tucker to Cody Bellinger, Kyle Schwarber, and Framber Valdez, remain unsigned. While those are the names most fans know, there are several undervalued players out there who could have meaningful impacts not just in the 2026 MLB season but far beyond. And since everyone loves a good Black Friday bargain, we’ll take a look at the best discounts on the free agent market that fans should be aware of.

Devin Williams, P

Williams was in the conversation of being the best closer in baseball until a disastrous 2025 season in New York. However, he’s certainly not the first player to have tons of success and then struggle in the Big Apple. A change of scenery is certainly needed, and Williams should be able to build off his strong finish to last year. Over his last nine regular season games, he didn’t allow a run over 9 IP and then carried over that momentum into the postseason. Over four appearances and 4 IP, Williams, again, didn’t allow a single run.

Max Kepler, OF

One of two German-born players in MLB last season, Kepler didn’t perform up to his standards in his first year in Philadelphia after a decade with the Minnesota Twins. His OPS-plus (88) was the lowest of his career, as he was the victim of poor luck. Despite having the third-highest exit velocity and hard-hit percentage of his career, Kepler had the second-lowest BABIP of his 11 MLB seasons. Thus, he is someone who should regress toward the mean with his bat next season, while his glove remains elite for a corner outfielder.

Danny Jansen, C

After eight years in the majors, Jansen has yet to see 400 plate appearances in a season, but it may be time for some team to give him a full-time job. He’s always been one of the best defensive catchers, but his bat has come around in recent years as well. While he carries a low average (lifetime .220 hitter), his power makes up for it and still has an above-average OPS-plus over his career. Since the 2022 season, Jansen’s 55 home runs rank 12th among catchers despite his 1,210 plate appearances ranking 22nd at the position.

Michael Soroka, P

Having just turned 28, Soroka is one of the youngest players on the market and has both the resume and the recent past that could make him a steal. He was an All-Star at just 21 years old in the 2019 season, finishing the year with a sub-3.00 ERA. Then injuries struck, and he threw just 36 innings over the next four seasons. After struggling in both 2024 and most of 2025, Soroka was then traded to the Cubs late last season, where he regained his form. Over six appearances with Chicago, he posted a 1.08 ERA, mostly as a reliever, and this could be the new path for him going forward, especially considering his injury history.

Harrison Bader, OF

Bader has played for six teams over the last four years, so several fan bases are likely aware of him. Stability, however, is something he deserves after a bounce-back season. He looked both like the Gold Glove winner he was earlier in his career as well as a potential top-of-the-order bat. Bader was, arguably, the Phillies’ best hitter during their postseason push—outside of Schwarber—after Philly acquired him at the trade deadline.