In an unexpected turn of events, Jose Iglesias had a remarkable season in 2024 after being out of the majors for the entirety of 2023, which included two releases from teams. Iglesias spent the initial months of last season playing with the Mets’ Triple-A Syracuse affiliate before earning a call-up on May 31. To the astonishment of many, he not only recorded an impressive batting line of .337/.381/.448 but also achieved a career-high 2.5 WAR. In addition to his on-field success, Iglesias made headlines by releasing a chart-topping Billboard single titled “OMG,” performed under the alias Candelita. His stellar performance on the field not only revitalized the Mets’ season but also brought a refreshing sense of positivity, thanks to his dual career as a pop star. However, with spring training underway, the 35-year-old infielder currently finds himself without a team.

Iglesias is not alone in his search for a new team, as several notable players remain unemployed this offseason. This article presents a brief overview—far from exhaustive—of some high-profile position players still available on the market, alongside potential teams where they could fit in. Interestingly, four of the six players highlighted here were part of the New York teams in 2024, but this isn’t indicative of any regional bias; it’s essential to recognize that four of these players had delayed starts last year due to late spring signings or injuries. In a follow-up piece, I’ll detail the pitchers still waiting for calls. I have included each player’s Depth Charts projections, but keep in mind that their estimated WAR totals are influenced by playing time that may vary significantly based on where they eventually sign.

Evaluate the Potential of Yasmani Grandal, C for Your Team (2025 DC Projection: 0.9 WAR, 99 wRC+, 173 PA)

Even though Yasmani Grandal has strayed far from the performance that earned him two All-Star selections, he managed to break free from a two-year slump of replacement-level stats while playing for the White Sox. He posted a commendable 1.4 WAR and 95 wRC+ with a batting line of .228/.304/.400 over 72 games with the Pirates. After spending the first 39 days of the season sidelined by plantar fasciitis, he faced a slow start. However, he rebounded impressively, hitting .302/.429/.558 in 107 plate appearances following the All-Star break while serving as a backup to Joey Bart. His Statcast metrics reflected remarkable improvement, showcasing a 9.8% barrel rate, 42.8% hard-hit rate, and an .419 xSLG. Moreover, he had his most effective season as a pitch framer since 2019, contributing 8.5 runs over 589 innings, according to our methodology, and 6 runs per Statcast measurements.

At 36 years old, Grandal’s role is likely to be that of a backup catcher, but his ability to switch-hit and his skill set on both sides of the game make him a valuable asset for any team. For example, while the Mariners lead our Depth Charts projections for catchers with Cal Raleigh starting, they could still benefit from adding Grandal to enhance their lineup subtly. Currently, Mitch Garver, who posted an 88 wRC+ last year, serves as the backup and is also taking up significant time as a designated hitter. Since Garver is still owed $12.5 million, a trade may be unlikely unless there’s a major injury, but the idea holds merit. The Yankees, having traded Jose Trevino to the Reds, have Alex Jackson—who has a career 29 wRC+—slated behind Austin Wells. Meanwhile, the Guardians are paying $4 million to Austin Hedges, who has a career 50 wRC+ and posted just a 20 wRC+ in 146 plate appearances last year, to be their designated pitch framer. Have they considered acquiring a catcher who can both frame pitches and hit effectively? This option is still open, even in Ohio.

Assessing Jose Iglesias’ Versatility as a 2B/SS/3B Option (2025 DC Projection: 0.9 WAR, 89 wRC+, 371 PA)

While Jose Iglesias carries a career batting line of .283/.323/.386 (with a 90 wRC+), he has managed to produce several above-average seasons, often driven by unusually high batting averages on balls in play. Noteworthy seasons include 2013 (.303/.349/.386, 102 wRC+, .356 BABIP), 2020 (.373/.400/.556, 160 wRC+, .407 BABIP), and last year (137 wRC+, .382 BABIP). However, these seasons can largely be attributed to small-sample size success rather than consistent hard contact. In 291 plate appearances last year, Iglesias recorded an average exit velocity of just 85.8 mph, a 2.2% barrel rate, and a 30.6% hard-hit rate.

Despite his previous struggles, Iglesias has two significant advantages that could bolster his marketability. Firstly, he serves as a decent platoon option, showcasing a 125 wRC+ in 449 plate appearances against left-handed pitchers since the start of 2020. Furthermore, he maintains a respectable 97 wRC+ in 970 plate appearances against right-handers during the same timeframe, suggesting that even as an everyday player, he wouldn’t severely hinder offensive production. Overall, Iglesias has averaged a 106 wRC+ from 2020 to 2024, but it’s essential to note that he didn’t play at all in 2023 and had below-average seasons in the two years where he recorded over 400 plate appearances during that period. However, Iglesias’ true strength lies in his defensive abilities. Although he may currently be more suited as a backup shortstop, he has been 24 runs above average at the position during the Statcast era, and last season, he performed one run above average at both second base (in 477 innings) and third base (in 130 innings).

After the Mets decided to re-sign Pete Alonso, president of baseball operations David Stearns indicated that they plan to utilize Iglesias’ roster spot to provide opportunities for younger players, with Luisangel Acuña, Brett Baty, and Ronny Mauricio being the most likely candidates, along with Donovan Walton and Jared Young. Veteran Nick Madrigal, who still has a minor league option, has been edged out of the mix following a fractured left shoulder sustained in a split-squad game against the Nationals, but it seems the Mets are prepared to manage his absence internally.

The Guardians could be an ideal landing spot for Iglesias, as they currently rank last in our Depth Charts projections at second base. Even with top prospect Juan Brito, a switch-hitter, vying for a spot, Iglesias would represent an upgrade over current platoon options like Gabriel Arias and Angel Martínez. Additionally, Iglesias would seamlessly fit into the Brewers’ plans, where light-hitting lefty Brice Turang is currently positioned as the starting second baseman, with rookie Caleb Durbin—a 40 FV prospect acquired in the Devin Williams trade—likely serving as his backup.

Explore J.D. Martinez’s Potential Value as a Designated Hitter (2025 DC Projection: 0.3 WAR, 103 wRC+, 427 PA)

Throughout the past few years, J.D. Martinez has experienced a mix of highs and lows. Yet, he still managed to hit 33 home runs and maintain a 135 wRC+ in just 113 games with the Dodgers in 2023. Unfortunately, he wasn’t invited back for the following season after the team signed superstar Shohei Ohtani. It took until late in spring training for Martinez to secure a deal with the Mets. After spending time in extended spring training and a brief stint in the minor leagues, he finally made his season debut in late April. However, he underperformed, finishing with just a .235/.320/.406 line (108 wRC+) and hitting 16 home runs in 495 plate appearances.

Martinez’s Statcast data indicates he may have deserved better results. His average exit velocity was 91 mph, only 0.4 mph below his career average and higher than his numbers from 2020 and 2022, both of which were less than stellar. His 14.7% barrel rate was only slightly below his career average, yet significantly higher than his performance from 2019 to 2022. Additionally, his 45.5% hard-hit rate was similarly promising. A notable statistic reveals that his slugging percentage lagged 66 points behind his .472 xSLG, tying him with Salvador Perez for the second-largest gap in the majors, only behind Juan Soto. Furthermore, his 33-point xwOBA gap (.318 wOBA, .351 xwOBA) ranked sixth in the league. Recent data from the second half of 2023 indicates that Martinez’s average speed remained stable at 73 mph, though his squared-up and blast rates exhibited a slight decline.

With no appearances in the outfield last year and just three over the past three seasons, Martinez has solidified his role as a pure designated hitter. Even at 37 years old, he possesses the potential to be effective in this role—provided he doesn’t veer off into other sports, such as pickleball (which, by the way, is not the way to go!). A reunion with the Diamondbacks seems logical, yet they appear committed to a combination featuring lefty Pavin Smith and righty Randal Grichuk, whose success hinges on replicating last year’s limited-sample performances. Other contenders like the Giants (with Wilmer Flores and Heliot Ramos), Mariners (with Garver and Mitch Haniger), and Royals (with Jonathan India and Perez) also showcase questionable DH options.

Consider the Value of David Peralta as a Corner Outfielder (2025 DC Projection: 0.2 WAR, 94 wRC+, 259 PA)

David Peralta faced a significant challenge during the second half of 2023 while playing with the Dodgers, largely due to a torn flexor tendon in his left forearm, which required surgical repair in October. After signing a minor league contract with the Cubs in late February of the following year, he continued his rehabilitation at their Triple-A Iowa affiliate but opted out of his contract in mid-May. Shortly after, he was picked up by the Padres, where he posted an impressive .267/.335/.415 line (115 wRC+) with eight home runs across 260 plate appearances, primarily stepping up during the two-plus months when Fernando Tatis Jr. was sidelined. Peralta’s role wasn’t strictly limited to a platoon, as he played various positions in the outfield and designated hitter, with nearly all of his plate appearances coming against right-handed pitchers.

Given these circumstances, it is reasonable to consider the 37-year-old Peralta as a viable platoon option in a corner outfield position. It’s hard to imagine that he wouldn’t outperform players like MJ Melendez in left field for the Royals or Hunter Renfroe in right field for the Guardians, especially when analyzing the rosters of other competitive teams.

Evaluate Anthony Rizzo’s Potential as a First Baseman (2025 DC Projection: 0.3 WAR, 98 wRC+, 350 PA)

The reality is that Anthony Rizzo has encountered significant difficulties over the past two years with the Yankees. He played through an undiagnosed concussion in 2023 and subsequently missed time due to a fractured right arm in 2024. Although he showcased slight improvement in September (.247/.345/.315, 97 wRC+) contrasted with his pre-fracture performance (.223/.289/.341, 81 wRC+), his overall Statcast metrics reveal the struggles he faced: an average exit velocity of 86.7 mph, a 4% barrel rate, a 32.8% hard-hit rate, and a .340 xSLG, all representing his career lows across the board. Additionally, he suffered further misfortune when he was hit on the fourth and fifth fingers of his right hand on September 28. After missing the Division Series, he managed to play through the ALCS and World Series, posting a .267/.421/.300 line.

Given these subpar statistics, it’s not surprising that the 35-year-old three-time All-Star has seen limited interest from teams. Recently, The Athletic reported that while Rizzo is eager to continue his career, he is hesitant to accept a minor league deal, stating, “The fact that teams want you to play for basically league minimum ($760,000), I’m like, you guys are crazy. You’re almost trying to ruin the market for the next guy.”

Although Rizzo’s projections may not be promising, it’s surprising that his strong reputation as a defender and teammate hasn’t helped him secure a position. In a landscape where contenders like the Twins and Brewers are relying on players like Ty France and Rhys Hoskins respectively, Rizzo may find himself better suited as a veteran presence on a lower-tier team. However, considering his participation in eight of the last ten postseasons, he might not be inclined to accept such a role at this stage of his career.

Analyze Alex Verdugo’s Skills as a Left Fielder (2025 DC Projection: 0.9 WAR, 99 wRC+, 385 PA)

Interestingly, Alex Verdugo remains a free agent despite leading all remaining free agents with 621 plate appearances last year. He enjoyed a full season as the regular left fielder for the Yankees, managing to fend off calls for the team to promote top prospect Jasson Domínguez late in the year. However, his 83 wRC+ (.233/.291/.356) ranked among the lowest for players qualifying for the batting title in either league, making it the fourth-lowest among regular outfielders. His batted ball metrics were similarly unimpressive.

Nonetheless, as Verdugo enters his age-29 season, he boasts a career 103 wRC+ and is recognized as a skilled defender, equipped with a strong arm and good range. He accumulated 8 DRS, 7.5 UZR, and 3 FRV while patrolling the expansive left field at Yankee Stadium. Reports indicate that he has drawn interest from teams such as the Angels, Astros, Blue Jays, Mets, and Pirates early in the offseason. At this point, he may not be in line for a lucrative $10 million pillow contract like the one Max Kepler received from the Phillies, and he may require an injury to create a spot for him. The ongoing experiment with Jose Altuve in left field for the Astros is particularly noteworthy, although last week’s agreement with infielder Brendan Rodgers on a minor league deal may have diminished the likelihood of Altuve returning to second base and Verdugo signing with Houston to play left. Meanwhile, Tommy Pham, who is expected to start in left field for the Pirates, may be better suited for a platoon role at this stage in his career, making Verdugo a fitting choice for the Pirates as they aim to address significant roster gaps.