According to recent MLB updates, the hot stove is still lukewarm, with big names like Cody Bellinger and Blake Snell still simmering. But while the superstars wait for their mega-deals, a different kind of excitement bubbles beneath the surface: bargain-hunting season! Teams have shifted their gaze to the market’s bottom, a place full of players ready to shine for a fraction of the price.

Forget flashy headlines and inflated contracts. These under-the-radar players come with the potential to exceed expectations, which is undeniable. They’re the reclamation projects, the late bloomers, the hidden gems with untapped talent just waiting to explode. So tune in, baseball fans, because the most thrilling chapter of the offseason is just beginning!

MLB Updates: Bargain bin bonanza in the riled-up offseason market

According to Bleacher Report’s MLB updates, one player who is being heavily overlooked is outfielder Aaron Hicks. The New York Yankees released him in May after a few injury-plagued seasons, but he rebounded to hit .275/.381/.425 with 15 extra-base hits and 1.0 WAR in 65 games with the Baltimore Orioles. Now, he has hit the open market as a productive player with a hefty Yankees contract due for $9.5 million, which makes him a league-minimum steal for any team this offseason. Another player who could be a steal is first baseman C. J. Cron.

Cron has a career-high 3.3 WAR. Despite a nagging back injury in 2023, a now-healthy Cron could provide a potent offensive upgrade for first-base-needy teams. MLB updates reminds one not to miss the quiet pop of Randal Grichuk either! Averaging 27 homers per season, he’s a versatile fourth outfielder who can fill the gaps when injuries arise or fiery streaks strike the team.

Swingman extraordinaire Jakob Junis relies heavily on his signature slider (62.5%), striking out batters at a career-best rate of 4.57. His left-handed counterpart Matt Moore’s late-career rise is legit. MLB updates asks one to forget the prospect flameout—he’s a strikeout machine (10.3 K/9) with a near-unhittable slider, making him a steal for any team seeking bullpen help.

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After a Tommy John-shortened stint in Toronto, Cy Young contender Hyun Jin Ryu (3.46 ERA in 2023) re-enters the free-agent pool, eager to prove he’s a bargain amidst pricey pitching contracts. Following him is infielder and multi-positional maestro Donovan Solano (.280 average), bringing in versatility and punch, making him a prized bench weapon for contenders or a cost-effective starter for rebuilding teams.

Right-hander Ryne Stanek’s pitching velocity speaks volumes (98.2 mph), but it’s his movement that chills hitters. His splitters and sliders are pure sorcery, generating whiffs north of 40% and making him a late-inning force to be reckoned with. His fellow ace, under-the-radar lefty Brent Suter (3.38 ERA in 57 appearances), is a chameleon of the pitching staff, ready to plug rotation holes or bolster bullpens at a budget-friendly price.

Read More: MLB Updates: Struggling Ace Lands Whopping $28 Million Contract, New York Enroute

The last on the top ten list is second baseman Kolten Wong. Despite a down year, two-time Gold Glover Wong (3 WAR x 2 consecutive seasons) could be a bargain buy for teams seeking defensive stability and proven production at second base. These are just a few of the many talented players who are still available in free agency. With a little bit of scouting, teams could find a diamond in the rough that can help them make a push for the playoffs.