7 Most Underrated Free Agents Heading into the MLB Winter Meetings

The MLB offseason is well and truly underway, with notable veterans like Cole Hamels finding new homes with new paychecks to match. And while everyone worth their salt is chasing Gerrit Cole, Anthony Rendon, and Madison Bumgarner, it's time to indentify seven MLB free agents with legitimate value that are currently flying a bit too far under the radar.

1. LHP Rich Hill

Rich Hill turns 40 in March, but could be a sneaky mid-rotation starter in 2020 / Will Newton/Getty Images

While Hill is really getting up there in age at 39 years old, but he still has performed at an attractive level for the Los Angeles Dodgers last season. He's coming off elbow surgery, but it would be worth it for a would-be contender to sign "Dick Mountain" for a playoff push, as in 58.2 innings last season he posted a terrific 2.45 ERA.

2. 1B Eric Thames

Eric Thames offers a streaky but fierce power bat for teams in need of some extra pop. / Patrick McDermott/Getty Images

The Brewers ended up declining his option, but based on how Eric Thames has performed since his return from playing in Korea, he'll get a shot somewhere. In the three seasons in Milwaukee after coming back from the KBO, he has posted an excellent .848 OPS, which should entice some ball clubs into offering the 33-year-old a contract.

3. OF Domingo Santana

Domingo Santana posted a .770 OPS with 20 doubles at 21 home runs for Seattle in 2019. / Abbie Parr/Getty Images

Domingo Santana started off hot for the Mariners in 2019 as they raced out to a 13-2 record, but he ended up dropping off just as his team did. Health issues and a poor second half to the season present a couple red flags, but the potential is there. If Santana can find a way to replicate his 2017 form -- 30 homers, 15 steals, .875 OPS -- he'll end up being one of the smartest offseasons signings in the game.

4. LHP Dallas Keuchel

Keuchel made two playoff starts for the Braves last season, giving up four earned runs. / Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Former Cy Young Winner Dallas Keuchel, was unsigned until June last season when the Braves decided to take a shot on him. In his time with Atlanta, the 31-year-old former Astro performed serviceably with an 8-8 record and an ERA of 3.75. This performance is certainly worthy of another MLB contract -- it is just a matter of who's willing to pony up the cash, as he won't come especially cheap.

5. RHP Taijuan Walker

Injuries have limited Taijuan Walker to just 14 total innings pitched in the last two seasons. / Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images

With only four appearances in the past two seasons, teams wouldn't be wrong to be hesitant about signing Taijuan Walker, but the age and potential might be worth the risk. The former first round pick has a career ERA of 3.95 in 528.1 innings pitched, and while his injury history could force some teams to pass on him, the higher risk could come with a high reward.

6. OF Guillermo Heredia

Guillermo Heredia is an affordable pick that provides outfield defense and a bench bat. / Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Guillermo Heredia was a solid role player in Tampa Bay last season, and he would be a nice addition to most MLB benches. A career .240 hitter with solid speed who also can provide plus defense at all three outfield positions could become a valuable asset for a potential contenders -- and he won't be expensive to sign.

7. RHP Tyler Clippard

Tyler Clippard posted an amazing 0.885 WHIP for Cleveland in 2019. / Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

Tyler Clippard could help to improve nearly every bullpen in baseball. For the Indians last season, he posted a 2.90 ERA along with 64 strikeouts in 62 innings pitched. At 34 years of age, he should be a player that a team like the Boston Red Sox should be jumping all over.