As we get set for the start of baseball’s regular season, there are several intriguing free agents still on the market, whether they be old or looking for a better contract.
Even if a free agent isn’t signed by the start of the season, there are always peaks and valleys in the MLB season that could see teams come calling.
Here’s a look at some free agents available who would help teams.
Derrek Lee, 1B
Derrek Lee may be 37 years old, but he’s a proven veteran who hit .267 with 19 home runs last season. He still has some left in the tank, evidenced by his final 28 games with the Pittsburgh Pirates, in which he hit .337 with seven home runs, 18 RBI and 16 runs in just 101 at-bats.
Lee may not be the same player he once was, but it is surprising that he hasn’t received an offer after he attracted a good deal of attention last season at the trade deadline.
Johnny Damon, OF
Johnny Damon is 38 years old now, and he’s not much of an option as an outfielder, but he would still make a nice DH for an American League team.
In 150 games with the Tampa Bay Rays last season, Damon hit .261 with 73 RBI, 79 runs and 19 stolen bases. He’s not going to be the catalyst of a baseball team now, but he’s a proven winner and two-time All-Star.
Roy Oswalt, SP
Roy Oswalt is still a free agent primarily because he’s chosen to be. After not receiving the deal he was looking for from the St. Louis Cardinals or Texas Rangers, he announced this spring that he planned to sit out the first part of the season.
Oswalt’s production and ability, of course, is not the problem. In 23 starts last season for the Philadelphia Phillies, he posted a 3.69 ERA.
But back problems last summer threatened his career and he missed some games. While it’s surprising he didn’t sign with a team after last season, it’s not a shock he hasn’t received a big contract, either.
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