Who are the top remaining free agents at each position?

By foxsports
Published

In just about a week, a handful of teams will be welcoming their pitchers and catchers to camp, signaling the official start of spring training.

Still, teams haven't completely built their rosters -- there are plenty of free agents on the market. Here are the top remaining options for each position:

Pitcher: Yovani Gallardo

Since 2009, Gallardo has started at least 30 games per season, owning an ERA above a 4.00 just once (he had a 4.18 in 2013). The Rangers gave him a qualifying offer, so that could be a big factor in him remaining unsigned -- it would be tough for a team to justify giving up their first-round pick for a (likely) three-year deal. 

Honorable mentions: Kyle Lohse, Justin Masterson, Tim Lincecum

Catcher: None

Seriously. Chris Iannetta signed. Dioner Navarro signed. It was slim pickings this offseason for catchers.

First baseman: Justin Morneau

Morneau missed most of last season, but still has a good chance be a productive hitter. After a slow start to 2015, the 34-year-old began to turn things around before a concussion knocked him out from mid-May until September. Upon returning, though, he hit .338/.423/.471 in 22 games to close the season. And he's just a year removed from leading the NL in average (.319 in 2014).

Honorable mentions: Pedro Alvarez, Ike Davis, Corey Hart

Second baseman: Yulieski Gourriel

With Ben Zobrist and Daniel Murphy off the table, it's a thin market for second basemen at this point in the offseason. It received somewhat of a boost, however, when the Gourriel brothers (Yulieski and Lourdes) both reportedly deflected from Cuba in hopes of signing an MLB contract. Yuliestki, the older of the two at 31, is an unrestricted free agent and could likely step right into a starting role -- in 15 years of pro ball in Cuba and Japan, he's hit .333 with 246 homers and 1,006 RBI.

Honorable mentions: Alberto Callaspo, Dan Uggla, Rickie Weeks

Third baseman: David Freese

This one is a toss-up between Freese and Juan Uribe. They were very comparable last season (Freese slashed .257/.323/.420; Uribe .253/.320/.417), but the advantage goes to Freese because of age (he's four years younger than Uribe). Freese battled some injuries last season, but has shown he's a productive player when healthy, smashing 14 home runs in 121 games in 2015.

Honorable mentions: Casey McGehee, Uribe

Shortstops: Ian Desmond

If time machines existed, Desmond would likely want to go back to 2014 when he reportedly turned down a seven-year, $107 million extension from the Nationals. Now, he'll likely be happy with getting anything more than half of that. He's seen his batting average steadily decline, from a career-high .292 in 2012 to just .233 last season. It should be noted, however, that he is a Scott Boras client -- nothing should surprise you with his next contract.

Honorable mentions: Clint Barmes, Jimmy Rollins

Outfielders: Dexter Fowler, Austin Jackson, David Murphy

Since all three free agents can play multiple outfield positions, it made more sense to put them under one umbrella. Despite a few teams needing outfield help (Angels and Orioles come to mind), these players remain unsigned -- though Fowler has received some attention in recent days.

Honorable mentions: Dominic Brown, Drew Stubbs, David Murphy