As pitchers and catchers prepare to report for spring training in two weeks, MLB teams are seeking to finalize their free-agent acquisitions before the season begins. Among the most notable free agents still available are future Hall of Famers Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer, alongside other key players like Framber Valdez and Eugenio Suárez. While certain destinations appear likely for many of these stars, unexpected fits are still possible.
This article explores surprising and plausible landing spots for eight of the top remaining free agents, including Justin Verlander, highlighting teams not heavily linked to these players but which could make sense given their rosters and payroll.
Unexpected Teams That Could Land Free Agents
A New Home for Justin Verlander: Texas Rangers
Justin Verlander, age 42, completed the 2025 season with the San Francisco Giants, starting 29 games and pitching 152 innings with a 3.85 ERA. Despite the Baltimore Orioles’ reported interest and speculation around former teams such as the Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, and Giants again, the Texas Rangers emerge as a surprising yet reasonable option.
The Rangers, guided by president of baseball operations Chris Young, have crafted their team identity around strong starting pitching. Their rotation led the league in ERA last year and features stars like Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi, and MacKenzie Gore. Though concerns remain over the front three’s durability and the back end’s reliability, adding a pitcher of Verlander’s caliber would reinforce the rotation and reaffirm the team’s pitching-first philosophy.
With Cody Bradford expected back from elbow surgery by May, the Rangers could initially rely on Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker in the back end before assessing further moves. Given their payroll capacity, a one-year contract in the $15-20 million range for Verlander is feasible.
Washington Nationals as a Potential Destination for Lucas Giolito
Lucas Giolito, 31, posted a 3.41 ERA in 26 starts last season for the Boston Red Sox but struggled beneath the surface with poor strikeout and contact metrics, reflected in an expected ERA of 5.06. Despite underwhelming underlying numbers, no contending team has shown strong interest, placing Giolito as a candidate for a rebuilding club.
The Washington Nationals fit this profile as Giolito’s original franchise and boast a connection through president of baseball operations Paul Toboni, who worked with Giolito in Boston. With MacKenzie Gore now in Texas, a rotation spot is open, possibly filling a need.
The feasibility of this deal hinges on salary expectations. A price between $10-15 million could make the Nationals’ interest plausible, especially considering their payroll is projected below $100 million for 2026.
Kansas City Royals Offer a Surprising Fit for Max Scherzer
Max Scherzer, now 41, struggled with durability issues last season, going 17 starts for 85 innings with a 5.19 ERA for the Toronto Blue Jays. Reports suggest he may emulate Roger Clemens by waiting until midseason to commit to a team. The Royals could be an intriguing candidate given their vulnerable rotation.
While the Royals are likely to contend thanks to strong starting pitching overall, their rotation is precarious with veteran arms Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha aging, and younger starters Cole Ragans and Kris Bubic hampered by injuries last year. Additionally, Scherzer’s ties to Missouri, having played college ball at the University of Missouri near Kansas City, add to the potential appeal.
Should the Royals maintain health among their starters, they might avoid pursuing Scherzer. However, with a payroll that might approach a franchise record of $149 million, they could absorb a prorated deal for the veteran ace if playoff aspirations escalate.
Miami Marlins Could Surprise by Signing Luis Arraez
Luis Arraez, 28, a three-time batting champion, had a strong 2025, hitting .292 with 8 home runs and 11 stolen bases over 154 games for the San Diego Padres. Despite this, his free-agent market has been cold, with little reported interest.
The Miami Marlins, where Arraez hit .343 over 180 games in 2023 and 2024, present a logical but unexpected landing spot. The Marlins excel at limiting strikeouts and generating runs without relying on power, typified by their 4.4 runs per game average and the fourth-lowest strikeout rate last season. Arraez’s reputation as the most strikeout-proof hitter in MLB complements the Marlins’ style perfectly.
Miami projects just 0.9 WAR production at first base in 2026—one of the lowest marks in the league—indicating a pressing need. Given their overall spending mirrors 2025 and Arraez’s market situation, a modest one-year “pillow contract” seems within reach.
“look for a one-year pillow contract” – Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic
Cleveland Guardians as a Possible Fit for Chris Bassitt
Chris Bassitt, age 36, brought stability to the Toronto Blue Jays’ rotation with a 3.96 ERA over 31 starts in 170 innings, striking out 166 batters. Yet his free agency has attracted limited reported interest outside the Detroit Tigers. Bassitt’s profile suits a club needing reliability at the back end of a strong rotation.
The Cleveland Guardians have a solid top duo in Gavin Williams and Tanner Bibee but less depth after that, with Logan Allen and Slade Cecconi offering average performance. They lack a definitive No. 5 starter, making Bassitt a logical candidate to fill that role. He is an Ohio native and played college ball in nearby Akron, adding a local connection.
The Guardians recently extended José Ramírez to shore up fan confidence but will likely focus on retaining their AL Central title by strengthening their pitching staff. With payroll space available, a deal in the vicinity of $20 million annually could materialize.
Chicago White Sox Could Target Zac Gallen
Zac Gallen, 30, was a significant figure in December’s free-agent buzz but his market has since cooled. His 4.83 ERA over 33 starts and 192 innings for the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2025 raised questions, but the White Sox have been known to surprise with acquisitions.
After investing $66 million in free agents Munetaka Murakami, Seranthony Domínguez, and Anthony Kay, and trading Luis Robert Jr. to the New York Mets for payroll relief, the White Sox have financial flexibility. Gallen could be sold on the opportunity to become their undisputed No. 1 starter on a one-year contract, increasing his value for next winter’s market.
One challenge is that Chicago would have to forfeit their second-highest draft pick to sign him due to Gallen rejecting a qualifying offer, which may be a dealbreaker. However, they may consider this a reasonable gamble if he adds trade value midseason or helps lead a playoff push.
Philadelphia Phillies Consider Power Upgrade with Eugenio Suárez
Eugenio Suárez, 34, displayed significant power in 2025, hitting 49 home runs across 159 games for both the Arizona Diamondbacks and Seattle Mariners. While he may return to Seattle or move to Pittsburgh on a lucrative deal, the Phillies present a compelling surprise option.
Philadelphia recently failed to sign Bo Bichette, a blow compounded by Luis Robert Jr. and Freddy Peralta joining the Mets shortly after. The Phillies face pressure to respond and signing Suárez, one of MLB’s premier pure power hitters, could provide that impact, especially in hitter-friendly Citizens Bank Park where projections suggest he could hit 54 homers.
The Phillies are currently in luxury tax territory after re-signing J.T. Realmuto, which may limit their willingness to add big contracts. Still, a $15-20 million yearly deal for Suárez might be offset by trading Alec Bohm, set to earn $10.2 million in his final arbitration-eligible season.
Arizona Diamondbacks Could Pursue Framber Valdez
Framber Valdez, 32, had 31 starts and 192 innings with a 3.66 ERA for the Houston Astros in 2025. Though Baltimore is considered the primary suitor due to personnel ties with Mike Elias, the Diamondbacks represent a surprising alternative.
Arizona has defied offseason expectations by retaining key players like Nolan Arenado and Merrill Kelly and not trading Ketel Marte, signaling a push to compete. Adding Valdez at the top of their rotation would complement their strong infield defense and support their contention goals, aiming to challenge the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West.
However, the Diamondbacks are approximately $16 million shy of last year’s payroll and Valdez’s multi-year value likely exceeds that gap. A one-year contract could appeal to both sides, allowing Valdez to stay healthy and effective, then return to free agency under favorable terms.
The Unfolding Impact of Free Agency Moves in MLB
As spring training nears, the decisions of these free agents and their potential surprise stops will reshape several MLB rotations and lineups. Justin Verlander’s possible signing by the Texas Rangers exemplifies how teams might not always pursue the expected paths. Such moves could shift competitive balances, particularly in divisions with tight playoff races.
The upcoming seasons appear set for significant pitching staff reshuffling, with teams weighing budget constraints, player health, and strategic fit carefully. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these lesser-anticipated signings impact team performances and playoff prospects.
Another Red Sox update: As of the weekend, very little traction when it came to Eugenio Suarez.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) January 20, 2026
