Introduction

Recently, CBS Sports released a highly anticipated ranking of Major League Baseball's top 50 free agents. However, as with any list, some notable players inevitably fall through the cracks. Here, we dive deeper into five such players who, despite their talents, just missed the cut.

The reality of ranking players is that after a certain point, the distinctions become blurred. Being listed as the No. 50 or No. 51 free agent hardly indicates a vast difference in skill or potential. The players discussed here were considered contenders for late listings but ultimately didn’t make the final wave due to various factors. Let’s explore why these five names, including a couple of former All-Stars, are significant in this year's free agency market.

1. Alex Cobb, RHP

Cobb, a 37-year-old right-hander, made a splash in 2023 by earning his first All-Star selection. Despite his tenacity and competitive nature, injuries limited him to just three starts last season. His pitching arsenal—a mix of a sinker, splitter, and curve—suggests he still has the potential to contribute to a Major League rotation. However, given his age and injury history, it's likely that he may have to settle for a minor league deal rather than getting a guaranteed spot on a roster.

2. John Means, LHP

Means, a seasoned left-handed pitcher and 2019 All-Star, has showcased strong changeup skills throughout his career. Unfortunately, injury troubles, including undergoing a second Tommy John surgery, have severely limited his availability. Having only made 10 starts since the 2021 season, the likelihood of him impacting a team this year is slim. A deal with performance incentives and a club option might just be the best case scenario for him as he works his way back to form.

3. Paul DeJong, SS

DeJong had a surprisingly solid season, hitting 24 home runs and achieving a 97 OPS+ while playing for both the White Sox and Royals. Given the scarcity of quality shortstops on the market, one might expect him to be ranked higher. However, concerns over his batting profile, including a staggering strikeout rate over 32%, raise alarms. Despite his power numbers, teams may hesitate given his inconsistency at the plate and a lack of solid hitting metrics to back it up.

4. Danny Jansen, C

The catcher market is notoriously thin this offseason, yet Jansen's recent performance was anything but stellar. His disappointing 87 OPS+ last season marked his worst performance since 2020. An even more significant concern is his frequent injury struggles, with fewer than 350 plate appearances in any season since 2019. Unless Jansen can demonstrate he can provide consistent offensive output, teams may shy away from taking a gamble on him.

5. Alex Verdugo, OF

The former Red Sox outfielder has seen fluctuations in performance, leaving teams wondering where his true potential lies. Although fans might remember his time with the Yankees, Verdugo is still cloaked in question marks as he enters free agency. Given his mixed results and market pressure, there's speculation about whether he can attract the kind of contract his talent seemingly warrants.

While these players didn’t achieve a coveted spot on the top 50 list, they still possess unique qualities that could benefit the right team. The MLB offseason is just heating up, and the landscape can change quickly—watch for any unexpected moves that could bring these talents back into the spotlight!