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4 Stud MLB Players Who Are Somehow Still Available in Free Agency

By Scott Rogust

Josh Donaldson is one of four huge names still left on the open amrket.
Josh Donaldson is one of four huge names still left on the open amrket. / Todd Kirkland/Getty Images

Names like Gerrit Cole, Stephen Strasburg, and Anthony Rendon flew off the board during the MLB Winter Meetings, signing record-breaking contracts in consecutive days.

It's been nearly a month since those top players have put pen to paper with their new teams, and there are some still huge names remaining on the open market, to the shock of many.

Here are four that stick out.

4. Yasiel Puig

Yasiel Puig is a solid outfield option for a team in need.
Yasiel Puig is a solid outfield option for a team in need. / Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

Puig was acquired by the Cleveland Indians last season to make a playoff push. While that endeavor was unsuccessful, Puig proved to be one of the bright spots in the batting order. In 49 games with Cleveland, Puig batted .297 with an .800 OPS, 2 homers and 23 RBI. There are countless teams in need of outfield help, and Puig could be the solution both offensively and defensively.

3. Nicholas Castellanos

Nicholas Castellanos was the Cubs hottest hitter last season, and is still unsigned.
Nicholas Castellanos was the Cubs hottest hitter last season, and is still unsigned. / Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images

Like Puig, Castellanos was brought to the Windy City to help the Chicago Cubs push for a postseason berth. In a lineup consisting of Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant, Castellanos was leaps and bounds the team's best hitter. He batted .321 with a 1.002 OPS, 16 home runs and 36 RBI in just 51 games. The Texas Rangers have emerged as a finalist for Castellanos' services, but the fact he's been on the market this long is dumbfounding, to say the least.

2. Marcell Ozuna

Marcell Ozuna appeared bound to sign a deal in December, yet he still awaits an offer.
Marcell Ozuna appeared bound to sign a deal in December, yet he still awaits an offer. / Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Remember when Marcell Ozuna was bound to get a new contract at the Winter Meetings? Ozuna did have a bit of a down season during his second year with the St. Louis Cardinals, but produced when it mattered most: in the playoffs. During St. Louis' run to the NLCS, Ozuna led the team in batting average (.324), on-base percentage (.359), hits (12), and RBI (5). How has he still not signed?

1. Josh Donaldson

Josh Donaldson is still deciding on where he'll play, as he's commanding a $100 million contract.
Josh Donaldson is still deciding on where he'll play, as he's commanding a $100 million contract. / Todd Kirkland/Getty Images

Make no bones about it, Josh Donaldson is the most coveted player on the open market at the moment. Ever since Anthony Rendon signed with the Los Angeles Angels, Donaldson became many teams' fallback option, due in part to his NL Comeback Player of the Year campaign with the Atlanta Braves. The Twins, Nationals and Braves are currently battling for his signature on a likely four-year, $100 million deal. How has this not gotten done yet, though?