Justin Turner, Jackie Bradley Jr. among best remaining MLB free agents

With Trevor Bauer taking his talents to Los Angeles to play with the Los Angeles Dodgers, most of the top free agents in baseball are now signed. Unlike, previous off-seasons, where there were a lot of noise and buzz on the hot stove. This offseason was slower due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Nevertheless, we still saw major signings over the last few weeks such as George Springer signing with the Blue Jays, J.T. Realmuto staying with the Phillies, and Bauer going back home to play with the World Series champions.

But with Spring Training less than two weeks away, there are still some quality free agents still on the open market. We are going to give our thoughts on those players and any latest information on where they may land.

Justin Turner

The former Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman is still on the open market after a solid 2020 season. Turner slashed .307/.400/.460 with four home runs and 23 RBI. In the postseason, the 36-year-old came back down to earth, but still put up a line of .250/.333/.471 with three home runs and six RBI.

The 36-year-old has reportedly received interest from the Brewers, Braves, Blue Jays and Dodgers this offseason. Turner wants a four-year deal, but it is unlikely that he will get that from any team. Los Angeles reportedly wants him back for two years, which is plausible, but they did just sign Bauer to a massive three-year deal.

Jackie Bradley Jr.

The long-time Red Sox outfielder is still sitting on the open market, but has received interest from several teams this season. The Mets, Giants, and Red Sox are interested in his services following a breakout 2020 season. The 30-year-old slashed .283/.364/.450 with seven home runs and 22 RBI. Out of the three teams interested in JBJ, the Mets seem like a logical fit as they missed out on Springer.

James Paxton

The veteran southpaw only played in five games last season for the Yankees because of injuries. However, his first season with the Bronx Bombers in 2019 was everything that the organization could ask for.

Paxton posted a record of 15-6 (career-high wins) and an ERA of 3.82. He also recorded a ridiculous 186 strikeouts in 150.2 innings pitched and a SO/9 of 11.1 The free-agent starter hosted a workout for multiple MLB teams in December and is reportedly receiving interest from the Blue Jays, Mets, Cardinals, and Phillies. The Mets could afford to take a flyer on Paxton after missing out on Bauer. But the Phillies could also use him as the only sure things in their rotation are Aaron Nola, Zack Wheeler, and Zach Eflin.

Yadier Molina

The veteran catcher and future Hall of Famer will likely return for his 18th season with the St. Louis Cardinals. Molina has been a stalwart behind the plate for many seasons and is one of the best Cardinals in team history.

Taijuan Walker

After being traded from the Arizona Diamondbacks to the Blue Jays last season, Walker turned his career around. The 28-year-old starting pitcher had a record of 2-1 to go along with an ERA of 1.37. Walker also had 25 strikeouts in 26.1 innings pitched for a Blue Jays squad that found themselves in the playoffs.

As for this season, it is unclear if the Blue Jays will bring him back. But one would guess if the money is right, why not re-sign Walker?

Jake Odorizzi

Odorizzi is another starting pitcher who can come right in and help a baseball club looking for pitching this season. Last season with the Twins, Odorizzi’s play was up and down due to injuries. He posted a 6.59 ERA and gave up four home runs in 13.2 innings pitched, which is a far cry from what Odorizzi did in 2019.

In 2019, the veteran starter was named to the AL All-Star team after producing a record 15-7, 3.51 ERA, and 178 strikeouts in 159 innings pitched. The Twins are reportedly interested in re-signing Odorizzi, while there are other teams with interest.