MLBTR released our ranking/contract predictions for the top 50 free agents on Monday. We’ve included an unranked list of 24 additional honorable mentions, players who garnered some consideration for the bottom of the list but ended up right next to it. All of these players are expected to find contracts in the big leagues, potentially with eight-figure guarantees.
Although the Top 50 honorable mentions are listed alphabetically, we have loosely ranked the following players in preparation for publishing the list. An extension or opt-out has the potential to remove one or two players from the class at the last minute, so we’ll have a few of the honorable mentions in queue in case they need to reclaim one of the final spots. There is very little difference between the No. 40 player in most free agent classes and the No. 60 player, because everyone in that range is expected to sign a one- or two-year deal at an average salary.
Let’s review the names that just missed the cut.
51. Jack FlahertyRHP
Flaherty was listed in the top 50 until the Padres, somewhat surprisingly, declined their option on Nick Pivettawho ended up in 28th place. Flaherty had an injury-shortened year, as left peroneal (ankle/foot) strain and right flexor inflammation limited him to 20 appearances. He essentially missed the final two months of the season, returning only for a two-inning relief outing on the final day.
The 31-year-old right-hander finished the year with a 4.48 ERA over 88 1/3 innings. He had an ugly first few months, but he was throwing well in June and July before the forearm injury. Flahery has struck out 26% of opponents above average with an 11% strikeout rate, giving him a higher ceiling than most back-end starters at the HM level. He’s likely looking at a one-year pillow deal, but could land in the $10-12 million range, similar to Dustin May at this time last year.
52. Gleyber Torres2B
Flaherty’s former teammate in Detroit was the best player to miss the cut. Torres is entering his age 30 season and is coming off a decent year at the plate. He hit .260/.364/.363 in 420 plate appearances, trailing only Brice Turang at the position (min. 400 AP) as a base percentage. Torres drew walks at a career-high 13.6% against a modest 19.3% strikeout rate.
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