These Dozen Free Agents Are Still Available For Teams To Sign

Forbes Business

by Dan Schlossberg, Senior Contributor

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

With spring training well underway, Major League Baseball teams are still evaluating their rosters, leaving a number of notable free agents unsigned. Among them are Lucas Giolito, a former Cy Young Award winner, and Andrew McCutchen, the 2015 National League MVP. These players, along with nine others, represent significant talent that remains on the market as teams deliberate over potential fits and contract negotiations. Giolito, who has been a consistent presence in the majors since his debut in 2016, brings both experience and proven performance to the table. Despite his career highs, including a 2019 season where he earned 18 wins and finished second in Cy Young voting, Giolito’s 2023 campaign was shortened due to injury, which may be affecting his current marketability. McCutchen, on the other hand, continues to showcase his elite skills as a versatile outfielder and power hitter, even as he approaches his late 30s. Both players bring unique strengths that could significantly bolster a team’s roster. The lingering availability of these free agents highlights the strategic considerations teams face during the early stages of the season. Teams may be weighing factors such as salary expectations, potential health risks, and how these players align with their long-term roster plans. For fans and analysts, the delay in securing these players adds an extra layer of intrigue to the offseason shuffle. From a business perspective, the unsigned status of these high-profile players underscores the complexities of free agency in professional sports. Teams must balance short-term gains with long-term financial planning, while also considering the risks associated with adding experienced talent later in their careers. This dynamic creates a fascinating narrative for baseball enthusiasts, as the ultimate destinations of Giolito and McCutchen—and their impact on their new teams—remain to be seen. As spring training progresses and Opening Day approaches, the resolution of these unsigned free agents’ situations will undoubtedly shape the direction of several ballclubs. Whether through midseason trades or extensions, their stories are far from

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Originally published on Forbes Business on 2/23/2026