The 2026-27 MLB offseason is just over a week old, with teams awaiting the first major trade or free-agent signing. A lockout is expected when the collective bargaining agreement expires at 11:59 p.m. ET on Dec. 1, likely prompting a flurry of activity before then. While the top 50 free agents have been ranked, several quality players outside that list could raise a team's floor and improve its supporting cast.
RHP Bryan Abreu
The 29-year-old reliever posted a 5.81 ERA before the All-Star break and a 1.71 ERA after, with underlying metrics like FIP and xERA also improving in the second half. Abreu has been third in appearances and second in innings among relievers since 2022, though his fastball velocity dropped nearly 2 mph this year. He still offers bat-missing ability and late-inning experience, potentially as a seventh-inning option for a contender.
IF J.P. Crawford
Crawford, now in his early 30s, provides a bottom-of-the-order presence with a decent on-base rate, 10-15 home run power, and low strikeout totals. His defensive range and arm at shortstop have declined, but he played 33 games at third base last season and could fit at second base. Known as an excellent teammate, he may benefit from a fresh start away from the Mariners.
LHP Sean Newcomb
After injury and ineffectiveness nearly ended his career two years ago, Newcomb reinvented himself as a sinker/curveball reliever. The 33-year-old has worked at least 90 innings in each of the last two seasons, filling every bullpen role from closer to long relief. He limits walks and hard contact in the air, profiling as a valuable third or fourth option for a contending team.
RHP Emilio Pagán
Now 35, Pagán returned from a hamstring injury in July and posted a 1.88 ERA with 34 strikeouts and only five walks over his final 28 ⅔ innings. His career 1.51 HR/9 remains a concern for late-inning work, but his fastball remains firm and his splitter is an elite swing-and-miss pitch. If a team can tolerate the home-run risk, he remains a capable high-leverage reliever.
DH Joc Pederson
Pederson, turning 35 in April, is a platoon designated hitter who excels against right-handed pitching, posting a .245/.338/.496 line with strong exit-velocity data. He can play right field or first base for about six innings before a defensive replacement. Essentially a bat-only player, he also brings strong clubhouse presence.
