Free Agent Rankings: Who Just Missed the Top 50?
· Yahoo Sports
MLB Trade Rumors released its Top 50 free agent rankings on Monday, but the players just missing the cut offer real value for teams on a budget. The list of honorable mentions includes Jack Flaherty and Gleyber Torres, two players who could sign one-year deals worth between $10 million and $12 million. These athletes have solid stats but face injury risks or age concerns that kept them off the main tier.
The gap between the 40th- and 60th-ranked players is very narrow. Most of these athletes will sign short-term contracts with mid-level salaries. Teams looking for depth can find capable starters and hitters in this group. The market for these players is active, and many will secure eight-figure guarantees despite not making the top 50 list.
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The Pitcher Who Fell Just Short
Jack Flaherty was expected to be in the top 50 until a surprise move by the San Diego Padres changed the landscape. The team declined an option on Nick Pivetta, which pushed Pivetta into the 28th spot and dropped Flaherty to number 51. Flaherty is a 31-year-old right-handed pitcher who struggled with injuries this past season.
A left peroneal strain in his ankle and right flexor inflammation limited him to just 20 appearances. He missed the final two months of the regular season and only returned for a two-inning relief outing on the last day. A 4.48 earned run average over 88 and one-third innings marked the end of his season. The numbers show a pitcher who was effective before the injury but lost time at a critical moment.
Flaherty did show promise when he was healthy. He struck out 26% of opponents, which is above average, and recorded an 11% swinging strike rate. These stats give him a higher ceiling than most starters in this tier. According to MLB Trade Rumors, he is likely looking at a one-year “pillow contract,” but he could land in the $10-12 million range. This projection is similar to what Dustin May received last year before his own injury struggles.
The Second Baseman With High On-Base Skills
Gleyber Torres, Flaherty’s former teammate in Detroit, ranked as the leading position player absent from the top 50 list. Torres is entering his age-30 season and comes off a decent year at the plate. He posted a .260 batting average with a .364 on-base percentage and a .363 slugging percentage across 420 plate appearances. While his batting average was modest, his ability to get on base was strong.
Torres trailed only Brice Turang at the second base position in on-base percentage, provided players had at least 400 plate appearances. He drew walks at a career-high 13.6% clip while maintaining a modest 19.3% strikeout rate. This combination of patience and contact makes him a valuable asset for any lineup. Teams need hitters who can work counts and avoid striking out too often.
Per MLB Trade Rumors, the expectation is that players in this honorable mention tier will all find big league contracts. The potential for an eight-figure guarantee remains real for these athletes. Even though they did not crack the top 50, their skills are in demand. A team willing to take a calculated risk on a one-year deal could find a bargain here.
Sep 15, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Ernie Clement (22) steals second base as Detroit Tigers second baseman Gleyber Torres (25) takes the throw in the third inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn ImagesUnderstanding the Market for Depth
The free agent market includes stars at the top and more than that. There is a large group of players who can fill roles effectively for a season or two. MLB Trade Rumors noted that there is very little separating the 40th player from the 60th player in most classes. A mid-level salary contract lasting one or two years is anticipated for everyone within this range.
Teams often use these players to cover for injuries or to fill gaps in the rotation and lineup. An extension or an option pickup could remove a player from the class at the last minute. Due to such uncertainty, MLBTR kept several honorable mentions on standby in case a final spot needed filling. This flexibility is key for teams managing their rosters.
Although the source lists names alphabetically, the organization loosely ordered the subsequent players ahead of publishing the list. This process ensures that the best available talent is identified, even if they fall just outside the main tier. For fans and analysts, this group represents a pool of proven talent that is often overlooked.
What the Numbers Mean for Families
For the average fan, these signings affect the quality of play on the field. When teams sign players like Flaherty or Torres, they are betting on past performance to help the team win now. A one-year deal for $10 million is a significant investment, but it is manageable for most clubs. It allows teams to stay competitive without locking themselves into long-term contracts that could hurt them later.
The data shows that injuries play a huge role in these rankings. Flaherty’s fall from the top 50 was due to a specific injury, not a lack of talent. Torres remains a solid player despite not making the cut. This highlights the importance of looking at the full picture before judging a player’s value. A single injury or a bad month can change a player’s market value overnight.
MLB Trade Rumors updates these lists frequently as the offseason progresses. The final deals depend on how teams assess risk and reward. For the players, these contracts provide a chance to prove they are still worth the money. For the teams, they provide a way to add depth without breaking the bank. The market for these players is active, and deals will likely be announced soon.
Looking Ahead to Future Classes
While the focus is on the current free agent class, the next group of players is already on the radar. MLB Trade Rumors additionally released a roster of players projected to enter free agency following the 2027 season. This list includes big names like Adley Rutschman, Bo Bichette, and Ronald Acuña Jr. These players are still under team control, but their future contracts will be massive.
The current class of honorable mentions shows how quickly the landscape can change. A player who is a top-20 talent today could be an honorable mention next year if they get injured or underperform. Teams must stay alert and ready to act when the right opportunity arises. The gap between the top 50 and the rest is small, and the value is there for those who look closely.
As the offseason continues, more names will emerge from this group. The final list of signings will tell us which teams were willing to take a chance on a player with a question mark. For now, the rankings stand as a guide to who is available and what they might cost. The next 10 players offer a mix of skill, risk, and potential reward that no team can ignore.