5 Underrated MLB Free Agents Who Could Surprise in 2025

As January drags on, the MLB free-agent market still feels oddly quiet. Plenty of talented players are out there, waiting for a deal. Sure, the big names get the buzz, but sometimes it’s those overlooked signings that end up making all the difference in October.

This article takes a look at five free agents who aren’t in the usual top 30 but could give teams real value if they’re willing to look past the obvious choices.

Why Underrated Free Agents Matter in Today’s MLB

Front offices these days care a lot about efficiency. They’re looking for players who can give more than what their contracts suggest, not just the ones who make headlines in the offseason.

With 11 of Mark Feinsand’s original top 30 free agents still unsigned, there’s a real chance for clubs that trust their scouts and analytics to find hidden gems.

These signings often keep rosters steady and add depth over a long season. Sometimes, they even end up being the surprise that pushes a team over the top.

Justin Verlander: Adjustments Over Decline

Justin Verlander isn’t blowing hitters away with pure heat anymore, but you can’t just write him off. He had a tough 2024 and a shaky start to 2025, but then something clicked.

Over his last 13 starts in 2025, Verlander posted a sharp 2.60 ERA. He mixed in a sweeper that held hitters to a ridiculous .053 batting average. If you’re looking for a veteran with upside and postseason nerve, Verlander’s willingness to adapt is tough to ignore.

Defense, Durability, and Efficiency in Demand

Not every free agent has to be a star. Some of the best moves come from guys who fill crucial roles—defensive standouts, reliable innings-eaters, or those who just make a roster stronger from top to bottom.

Harrison Bader: Gold Glove Defense With a Live Bat

Harrison Bader is still one of the best defensive outfielders in baseball. He’s got elite sprint speed at 28.8 ft/s (85th percentile) and has racked up +76 outs above average in eight seasons.

The real surprise? His 2025 breakout at the plate. With 501 plate appearances, he posted a 122 wRC+. That combination of defense, speed, and some pop makes him a sneaky-good fit for contenders.

Zack Littell: The Art of Pitching, Not Throwing

Zack Littell has quietly turned himself into a sturdy back-end starter. In 2025, he threw 186 2/3 innings and led all qualified starters with a walk rate of just 4.2%.

He doesn’t overpower anyone. Instead, Littell leans on a five-pitch mix and pinpoint command. In a league where innings are precious, his reliability stands out.

Bullpen Firepower and Bounce-Back Bats

The difference between good and great teams often comes down to the bullpen and lineup depth. Those little edges matter most in the season’s biggest moments.

Michael Kopech: High-Leverage Upside

Michael Kopech didn’t get a full run in 2025 because of injuries. But when he’s right, his stuff is electric. His 97.5 mph fastball and a cutter with a 53.3% swing-and-miss rate speak for themselves.

If his knee holds up and he finds the zone more often, Kopech could be a game-changer out of the bullpen.

Rhys Hoskins: Power Still Plays

Rhys Hoskins has been fighting through old injuries, but his power hasn’t disappeared. He mashed 26 home runs in 2024 and put up impressive hard-hit and sweet-spot numbers in 2025.

If he can stay healthy, Hoskins has a real shot to beat expectations as a middle-of-the-order bat.

Smart Teams Look Beyond the Headlines

Each of these players brings something unique to the table.

Honestly, it’s not always about chasing the biggest names. Sometimes, the right fit is a little quieter—maybe even overlooked—but those are the moves that can really shift a season’s momentum.

 
Here is the source article for this story: 5 free agents who might be better than you think