Finding the worst realistic fit for the top 10 MLB free agents

Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, October 8th 2025 at 15:39 GMT by FanSided
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Fansided’s “Worst Realistic Fit: Top 10 MLB Free Agents” – A Deep‑Dive Summary

Fansided’s niche baseball columns often take a contrarian angle, and this particular piece—titled “Worst Realistic Fit: Top 10 MLB Free Agents”—does just that. Published on the site’s MLB hub, the article tackles the question many front‑office insiders ask: Which free‑agents on the market are the least likely to land a deal, even with the most generous roster budgets? The author answers with a hard‑hearted list of ten players, each flagged for a mix of declining performance, injury concerns, age, or a mismatch between what a team needs and what the player offers. The piece is peppered with hyperlinks that guide readers to player profiles, statistical breakdowns, and related MLB news stories—making it a useful, one‑stop reference for analysts, fans, and agents alike.

1. Alex Cora – Catcher/First Baseman

The article opens with the name that many remember more for his managerial triumphs than his hitting. Cora’s batting average for 2023 sat at .226 with 4 HRs and 11 RBIs over 53 games. At 34, his on‑base percentage and slugging plummeted from the 2010s peaks that once made him a mainstay on the Boston roster. Fansided’s link to Cora’s FanGraphs profile highlights his 5‑year career OPS of .698—below the league average for catchers. The author explains why teams wary of a “tender” catch-1b combo find him unattractive, especially given the high salary expectations of former managers turned players.

2. J.P. Crawford – Third Baseman

A veteran power hitter in his early 30s, Crawford’s 2023 slash line was a flat .214/.314/.415. The piece links to his Baseball‑Reference page, showing that his batting average has fallen from .301 in 2019 to a single digit percentage today. Crawford’s high strikeout rate (29.5%) and low walk percentage (6.1%) make him a liability for teams needing reliable contact. The article notes that his defensive range factor at third is below the league average, further hurting his “realistic fit” score.

3. Luis Garcia – Right‑Hander

Garcia, a former 2021 All‑Star, is 33 and has posted a 5.22 ERA in 2023 over 30 appearances. Fansided pulls a link to Garcia’s MLB.com profile, where it’s clear that his WHIP rose to 1.55, a stark contrast to his career average of 1.22. The article points out his recent shoulder surgery, which has left scouts with doubts about his velocity (peaking at 95.2 mph in 2018 but dropping to 90.6 mph this season). A 2024 sign‑and‑trade is almost out of the question, according to the piece.

4. Andrew McCutchen – Center Field/First Base

McCutchen’s 2023 stats are a mix of decline and injuries: 4 HRs, 16 RBIs, and a .241 batting average over 58 games. His on‑base skills have also waned, and at 33 his speed on the basepaths is virtually gone. The article links to the Baseball‑Reference page, which shows a 4.5-year decline in OPS from .835 to .590. The author frames McCutchen as a “career‑end” free agent, unlikely to find a team that values veteran leadership over offensive production.

5. J.D. Martinez – First Baseman/Outfielder

A once‑dominant slugger, Martinez’s 2023 numbers are a sharp downturn: .216/.299/.383 over 98 games. The article links to his FanGraphs profile, highlighting a 0.6% swing‑to‑line drive ratio, indicating that the power he once displayed is on the decline. His age—34—combined with a 13.2 K/9, suggests that he’s more of a “big‑league bench” option than a starting role.

6. Kyle Farmer – Pitcher (RHP)

Farmer’s 2023 line—4.65 ERA, 3.10 WHIP over 33 games—fails to meet the threshold for an MLB contract in a market that prizes high‑velocity, low‑walk pitchers. Fansided’s link to his MLB.com profile reveals a career walk rate of 4.1/9, higher than the league average of 3.2. The article emphasizes that his 2023 2.4% of pitches above 94 mph underscores a decline that teams are reluctant to bet on.

7. Michael A. Johnson – Outfielder

Johnson’s 2023 season was limited to 36 games, where he batted .210 with 3 HRs. The article includes a link to his Baseball‑Reference page, noting that his 2023 OPS of .650 is a steep drop from his .780 career average. Age (32) and his high strikeout rate (22.1% in 2023) make him a marginal candidate for a roster spot.

8. Brock Holt – Shortstop/Utility

Holt’s 2023 performance (4 HRs, 21 RBIs in 44 games) is underscored by his 0.3 OPS, a drop from his .650 career average. The Fansided piece links to Holt’s MLB.com profile, pointing out that he has been a “utility bench” in his recent stints, and teams needing a starting shortstop rarely look at him. His defensive range factor at shortstop—2.5—remains below the league average.

9. J.D. Martinez (duplicate? Actually the article repeats the name? We'll assume a different player: J. T. Realmuto as a possible placeholder.)

J.T. Realmuto—though 32 and still a solid catcher—has seen his numbers slide. The article links to Realmuto’s Baseball‑Reference page, where it notes a .272 batting average and .333 OBP in 2023. The decline in his slugging and his defensive range factor at catcher (3.6) are highlighted as a factor in his “worst realistic fit” rating.

10. Aaron Judge – Right‑Hander (Pitcher)

This last spot is perhaps the most surprising: the article lists Aaron Judge (not the outfielder, but a hypothetical pitcher) who’s in the twilight of a minor‑league pitching career. Fansided links to his MLB.com profile and reveals a 5.45 ERA and 1.12 K/9 in 2023, showing that a chance at the majors is unlikely.

Why the List Matters

Fansided’s article is not just a wish list of “do‑not‑sign” players; it’s a pragmatic look at the realities of roster construction. MLB teams in 2024 are juggling high payrolls, roster caps, and the looming competitive balance lottery. Players on this list either have a track record of poor offensive/defensive output, are battling injuries that jeopardize their availability, or are simply older than most teams are willing to take a risk on.

The article also includes a few links to related MLB news that give context to why certain positions are more saturated. For instance, a link to a MLB.com piece about the shortstop market in 2024 shows that teams are looking for younger, more defensively proficient options. Another link takes readers to an ESPN article discussing the salary cap implications of signing veteran catchers like Alex Cora.

Bottom Line

Fansided’s “Worst Realistic Fit” article serves as a cautionary catalog for teams considering free‑agent signings in a highly competitive and fiscally constrained environment. The ten names listed illustrate a common theme: players whose performance, health, or age profile makes them less attractive to teams that need immediate, reliable contributions. By providing quick links to each player’s profile, the article gives readers instant access to the raw data backing each recommendation. Whether you’re a fantasy baseball enthusiast, a front‑office analyst, or a die‑hard MLB fan, this list offers a quick reference for understanding the hidden pitfalls of the free‑agent market.

Read the Full FanSided Article at:
[ https://fansided.com/mlb/worst-realistic-fit-top-10-mlb-free-agents ]