Advertisement

2013 MLB Ultimate Free-Agent Tracker

There is a lot to like about catcher Brian McCann. (AP Photo)
There is a lot to like about catcher Brian McCann. (AP Photo)

Here is the free-agent class of 2013-14, ranked from Nos. 1 to 200. The rankings are based on a number of variables, including each player's history, age and potential, and are as much about predicted performance as market value, providing a general outline as free agency unfolds between now and spring training.

Bookmark this page in your browser or favorite it on Twitter – and return frequently. As the offseason progresses, Yahoo Sports will update it with news of signings and their impact on the other free agents, as well as a supplementary list of players who are non-tendered by their current teams.

1. Robinson Cano, 2B: SIGNED Because a certain portion of revenues must go to players, and young players’ salaries are artificially depressed, it means superstar free agents will continue to reap massive money despite the plethora of examples of why paying for aging talent is an awful idea. Cano is the latest example. He signed a 10-year, $240 million deal with Seattle. Story

[Yahoo Sports Shop: Buy Boston Red Sox World Series championship gear]

2. Masahiro Tanaka, SP: SIGNED The temptation is to compare him to his countrymen, and in some ways, that is fair. Yu Darvish is the best pitcher ever to come to MLB from Japan, and some believe Tanaka is his equal. No starters throw the split-fingered fastball more frequently than Hisashi Iwakuma and Hiroki Kuroda, and that is Tanaka’s bread-and-butter pitch. The Yankees ponied up $155 million for Tanaka's services. Story

3. Shin‐Soo Choo, OF: SIGNED Among active players with at least 2,000 plate appearances, here are the ones with better on-base percentages than Choo: Joey Votto, Albert Pujols, Lance Berkman, Joe Mauer, Jason Giambi and Miguel Cabrera. That’s five MVPs and a six-time All-Star. Now, OBP isn’t everything. Choo’s aptitude at getting on base, however, separates him from those below him. Move Choo back to his natural right field, stick him at the top of the lineup and watch him pile up runs for the next half-decade. The Rangers will do a little something like that after coming to terms with Choo on a seven-year, $130 million deal. Story

4. Brian McCann, C:SIGNED Between power and position, McCann is an intriguing blend of skills. Even better, he’s still just 29 years old. And best yet, whatever team hires him can use him as a law-enforcement consultant. The Yankees now have an enforcer for $85 million for five years.

Jacoby Ellsbury earned a ring with the Red Sox and now a big free-agent deal could be next. (Getty Images)
Jacoby Ellsbury earned a ring with the Red Sox and now a big free-agent deal could be next. (Getty Images)

Story

5. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF: SIGNED In 2011, Ellsbury hit 32 home runs in 660 at-bats. Over his other 2,252 at-bats,  he has 33 homers. Ellsbury is going to get his $100 million-plus from someone, no question, and he’s going to play a solid center field and steal a lot of bases at a remarkably efficient clip. But outside of that 2011 season, he has one full year with an OPS+ over 100 (this season, at 114, which was 64th among the 140 who qualified for the batting title) and a skill set that, should it follow his predecessors-in-speed, will slope downward starting, oh, about now, at 30 years old. Maybe Ellsbury is the exception or maybe 2011 wasn’t an outlier. If not, this has disaster written all over it. The Yankees will take their chances on a seven-year, $153 million deal with Ellsbury. Story

6. Carlos Beltran, OF/DH: SIGNED The smooth transition to full-time DH could start as soon as this year, and it would knock down Beltran a few notches. Still, the bat plays, and it plays extremely well. He'll play for the Yankees, agreeing to a three-year, $45 million deal.  Story

7. Ubaldo Jimenez, SP: SIGNED If we did this list in May, Jimenez would’ve been, oh, about 10 times as low. He looked completely lost, with an ERA hovering around 6.00. From June 1 on, only five starters had a better ERA than him. After the All-Star break, it was one: Clayton Kershaw. We’ve seen this vanish in the past, which is why Jimenez isn’t among the top couple names on this list. Should his delivery stay intact, whatever he signs for will be a bargain. The Orioles stepped up and signed Jimenez for four years and around $48 million.

8. Hiroki Kuroda, SP: SIGNED There is no such thing as a bad one-year deal. Short-term risk in baseball is negligible, even if it’s for a pitcher coming off a second half with a 4.25 ERA. As such, the Yankees get Kuroda for one year at $16 million. Story

9. Mike Napoli, 1B: SIGNED One executive warned this was too high for Napoli. He’s scared off by the strikeouts, 187 in fewer than 500 at-bats, and it’s a valid concern. Same with this: He’s a consistent 20- to 25-homer guy, not some right-handed leviathan. Except there is such a paucity of right-handed power, and Napoli proved himself so adept at first base, the market for him will be huge. But he'll return to the Red Sox on a two-year deal for $32 million. Story

10. Ervin Santana, SP: The disaster for players that is the qualifying offer shouldn’t hurt Santana’s market too much, though to make it worth a team’s while that means offering a contract of three-plus years to a pitcher who never has had three consecutive good years. Four years is almost a given, five a possibility and $75 million not at all far-fetched.

11. Curtis Granderson, OF: SIGNED Before last year’s injury-wrecked season, Granderson whacked more than 40 home runs in 2011 and 2012. Nobody else went 40-plus twice. Part of that was the ballpark – Yankee Stadium was friendly to him – but Granderson’s power is real everywhere, and if he can stay healthy and spend at least another year or two in center field, signing him coming off a down year could pay off. The Mets thought he was worth four years and $60 million. Story

12. Bartolo Colon, SP: SIGNED As odd as it seems placing a 40-year-old who looks like he swallowed another human this high on the list, Colon did go 18-6 with a 2.65 ERA last season. Only Cliff Lee, David Price and Adam Wainwright walked fewer guys. Lots of strikes. Lots of innings. He signed a two-year, $20 million deal with the Mets. Story

13. Matt Garza, SP: SIGNED He wants much more than a one-year deal, and for a player with some red flags – arm issues chief among them – there is danger. The good news for him: He’s not subject to a qualifying offer, so teams will rest easy knowing the potential horror of a pitcher signed long-term is mitigated by not losing draft money, too. The Brewers signed Garza to a four-year deal worth $52 million.

14. Joe Nathan, RP: SIGNED The best reliever on the market by a significant amount will be 39 years old on opening day next season, which says two things: Nathan really is the business, and the uncertainty of relief pitchers makes those like Nathan all the more valuable. The Tigers snatched him up for two years and $20 million. Story

15. Omar Infante, UT: SIGNED He can play second, shortstop, third and all three outfield positions. He hit .318 this season without any of the luck factors that can inflate a batting average. He never strikes out. Infante isn’t flashy, by any means, and teams know that. They love him anyway because of everything he can be. And with a compensation tender unlikely to be attached, he’s looking at a three-year deal for upward of $30 million. He got close, getting four years and $30 million from the Royals. Story

16. A.J. Burnett, SP: SIGNED On one hand, he led baseball in strikeout rate among starters and paired that with an absurd 56.5 percent groundball rate. On the other, he says he only wants to go back to Pittsburgh and doesn’t seem to mind killing his free-agent value. At long last, he agreed with the Phillies on a one-year, $16 million deal.

17. Nelson Cruz, OF: There is significant concern among executives about Biogenesis players’

The Biogenesis scandal will likely hurt Nelson Cruz's value. (AP Photo)
The Biogenesis scandal will likely hurt Nelson Cruz's value. (AP Photo)

performance considering the disaster that was Melky Cabrera last season. Perhaps it’s unfounded, but the stigma has attached itself to Cruz, even though he’s that archetypal right-handed power bat so many teams need.

18. Jhonny Peralta, SS/3B/LF: SIGNED Ditto Peralta. He did absolutely rake in the postseason, but most of his value comes from that bat at a position such as shortstop. He’s unlikely to stay there long-term, especially as he moves deeper into his 30s. He signed with the Cardinals for four years and $53 million. Story

19. Marlon Byrd, OF: SIGNED So, how does a player come off an age-34 season in which he hit .210/.243/.245 and post an age-35 year in which he went .291/.336/.511? Uh. Nevermind. The Phillies gave him $16 million for two years. Story

20. Kendrys Morales, 1B/DH: Finally healthy after a devastating leg injury suffered in a walk-off celebration in 2010 threatened his career, Morales is one of the few consistent power sources in this class. More than that, he’s a very good all-around hitter and bats from both sides of the plate, a nice bonus.

21. Ricky Nolasco, SP: SIGNED Solid innings eaters without a history of injuries are worth a lot on today’s market, and the midseason trade that leaves Nolasco immune from a compensation tender puts him in a position to get four years in the neighborhood of $50 million. And what do you know? He got four years and $49 million from the Twins. Story

22. Tim Hudson, SP: SIGNED The gruesome ankle injury Hudson suffered in July should be fixed for good this month, and even though he’s 38, Hudson still brings a heavy sinker and groundball sentiment, and there is a great deal of value in that. He signed with the Giants for two years and $23 million. Story

23. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C: SIGNED Positional value is king, and even though Saltalamacchia is flawed – he wouldn’t have ridden the bench during the World Series were teams incapable of exposing him – he is still a 28-year-old catcher with power. And those aren’t just rare. They’re practically nonexistent. The Marlins signed him for three years and $21 million. Story

24. Justin Morneau, 1B: SIGNED Perhaps those urging him up the list did so because Morneau is a former MVP, someone with name-brand value. One scout contended it goes well beyond what they know: “He’ll never be who he was, but this guy is going to have some pop. Just watch.” Colorado may be the ideal spot for him after signing with the Rockies for two years for $12.5 million. Story

25. Stephen Drew, SS: Again, the power of the position. Drew wields, as we saw during the postseason, a spectacular glove at shortstop, and during the regular season, at least, his bat was plenty effective. When healthy, he’s good enough to validate a multiyear deal.

26. Joaquin Benoit, RP: SIGNED Closer stuff, closer chops and the sort of changeup that doesn’t age. Signed a two-year contract worth approximately $15 million with the Padres. Story

27. Bronson Arroyo, SP: SIGNED From 2005-13, only Arroyo and Mark Buehrle have 199-plus innings pitched every season. He has never been on the DL, either. Rubber arms have a lot of value and multiyear capabilities. Sure enough, he signed with Arizona for two years and $19 million.

28. Josh Johnson, SP: SIGNED Only in baseball can a player coming off a 6.20 ERA season be one of the hottest commodities out there. Interest in Johnson was massive, but the Padres got him on a one-year deal for $8 million. Story

29. Fernando Rodney, RP: SIGNED His 2012 season was among the best ever for relievers, so 2013 was inevitably a letdown. He still throws 100 mph, though, and his changeup is an absolute beast. The Mariners, so desperate to contend, signed him for two years and $14 million.

30. Carlos Ruiz, C: SIGNED After a slow start returning from an amphetamine suspension, Chooch started hitting again. Better yet, he calls a great game and knows how to work – and work well – with elite pitchers. The Phillies feel that is worth three years and $26 million. Story

31. Grant Balfour, RP: SIGNED Still has the big fastball. Will be interesting to see how his flyball tendencies play outside of spacious O.Co Coliseum. He was close to a two-year, $15 million deal with the Orioles before it fell apart, and signed with the Rays.

32. A.J. Pierzynski, C: SIGNED The only possible thing that could warrant a player with 11 walks in 529 plate appearances ranking this high is his position. He signed with the Red Sox for $8.25 million for one year. Story

33. Dan Haren, SP: SIGNED Over his last dozen starts, vintage Haren returned: 3.14 ERA, 4.92-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio. As long as he’s healthy, he is the rare righty who can thrive topping out at 88 mph. The Dodgers gave him a one-year, $10 million deal. Story

34. Brian Wilson, RP: SIGNED The stuff looks like it’s back. Desperately hoping the Yankees give him an offer he can’t refuse, which forces him to shave and ditch this whole serial-killer costume. The Dodgers signed him for one-year for $10 million. Story

35. Suk-Min Yoon, SP: SIGNED Agent Scott Boras says he’s healthy and was buried in the bullpen by his team in Korea. Whether he’s a starter sitting 90-92 mph with a slider or a middle-inning reliever is the many-million-dollar question. The Orioles are spending $5.75 million on a three-year deal to find out.

36. Corey Hart, OF/1B: SIGNED Hit .279/.343/.514 with 87 home runs over his last three seasons played. Tough to say where he’ll be after missing 2013 with surgeries on both knees, but the cheap, one-year deal he’ll command is extremely well worth the risk, even if he’s limited to DH duties. The Mariners got him for $6 million for that one season. Story

37. Scott Kazmir, SP:SIGNED From out of baseball to striking out more than a batter an inning, Kazmir’s

Scott Kazmir appears to be in line for a multi-year deal. (AP Photo)
Scott Kazmir appears to be in line for a multi-year deal. (AP Photo)

reclamation story is another feather in the cap of Indians pitching coach Mickey Callaway. Remember: He’s still just 29. He got two years and $22 million from the A's. Story

38. Lance Berkman, DH: RETIRED The Big Puma decides to hang 'em up.

39. Juan Uribe, 3B: SIGNED He’s got a good glove, sure, but to say he was the fourth-best position player in this class this season, as Wins Above Replacement does, is silly. He’s best in a utility role with 350 plate appearances and 130 games played. He's back with the Dodgers.

40. Rafael Furcal, SS: SIGNED Another forgotten man coming off Tommy John surgery, he participated in fielding drills during the playoffs and threw just fine. The Marlins signed him for $3.5 million for one year. Story

41. James Loney, 1B: SIGNED The latest graduate of the Tampa Bay First Baseman Reclamation Project faded heavily in the second half. Post-All-Star break, he slugged just .378 and hit just four home runs. Still, the Rays re-signed him for three years and $21 million. Story

42. Eric O'Flaherty, RP: SIGNED Expected back from Tommy John at mid-season for the A's.

43. Raul Ibanez, DH: SIGNED Tied Ted Williams’ record for home runs by someone 41 or older by hitting 29. There’s not much else to his game, but a platoon DH spot seems a tailor-made proposition. He signed a one-year, $2.75 million deal with the Angels. Story

44. Jesse Crain, RP: SIGNED Questions about his shoulder drop him 20 spots and turn a three-year, $25 million deal into a one-year deal with the Astros. Story

45. Scott Feldman, SP: SIGNED Good in Chicago. Solid in Baltimore. The Astros hope he'll be good for them for three years and $30 million. Story

46. Edward Mujica, RP: SIGNED Until his final-month meltdown, he was poised to get elite reliever money. He joined the Red Sox for two years and $9.5 million.

47. Phil Hughes, SP: SIGNED Still just 27, Hughes is a classic change-of-scenery guy. More than one executive has compared him to Gil Meche, who landed a five-year, $55 million deal from Kansas City with a career 4.65 ERA and 96 ERA+. Hughes is 4.54 and 95. The Twins took the plunge on him at three years and $24 million. Story

48. Javier Lopez, RP: SIGNED The best lefty specialist on the market. That's worth three years and $13 million from the Giants. Story

49. Gavin Floyd, SP: SIGNED Another Tommy John rehab case who could return mid-summer. He agreed to a one-year, $4 million deal with the Braves. Story

50. Roy Halladay, SP: RETIRED Signed a one-day contract with the Blue Jays to say farewell. Story

51. Rajai Davis, OF: SIGNED As Billy Hamilton, Quintin Berry, Jarrod Dyson and others proved, a speed-only weapon is well worth a roster spot. Especially one who can play center field. He signed with the Tigers for two years and $10 million. Story

52. Jason Hammel, SP: SIGNED Hard-throwing righty who looked poised for a multiyear deal before a mess of a 2013 tabled that. He signed a one-year, $6 million deal with the Cubs.

53. Joel Hanrahan, RP: O'Flaherty but right-handed. Floyd but a reliever. Brian Wilson but for 2014.

54. Chris Young, CF: SIGNED Some still believe he can be a 20/20 guy with good center-field defense, even though he showed minimal power, speed and fielding prowess this past season. The Mets took a chance on him with a one-year deal worth $7.25 million. Story

55. Mike Morse, 1B/DH: SIGNED Enough right-handed power to guarantee him a deal somewhere, but buyer beware: After his binge at the start of the season, Morse hit .208/.266/.332 with just seven home runs over his final 297 plate appearances. The Giants signed him to a one-year deal for $6 million. Story

56. Jason Vargas, SP: SIGNED One season of eight in the big leagues with an ERA better than league average – and it was barely better. The list officially has thinned out, and it's barely a quarter of the way done. Vargas signed with the Royals for four years and $32 million. Story

57. Kelly Johnson, UT: SIGNED Provides some pop, can play five positions and is cool with a part-time role. The Yankees signed Johnson to a one-year, $3 million deal. Story

58. Jason Kubel, OF/DH: SIGNED Looked completely lost last season after slugging over .500 the previous year in Arizona. He signed a minor-league deal with the Twins. Story

59. Scott Baker, SP: SIGNED It took him far longer than expected to return from Tommy John surgery – and when he did, he was missing 3 mph on his fastball. He signed a minor league deal with the Mariners.

60. David Murphy, OF: SIGNED Was primed for a big multiyear deal until he absolutely collapsed in his walk year. A .220/.282/.374 line = a two-year, $12 million with the Indians.  Story

61. Nate McLouth, OF: SIGNED If he could play center field, he would leap into the top 40. He can't, not well at least, and so we're left with a corner outfielder who doesn't hit for power and enters his age-32 season reliant upon his legs to churn out offensive value. Generally, not a good combination. The Nationals signed him for two years and $10.75 million. Story

62. Mark Ellis, 2B: SIGNED WYSIWYG. Won't hit much, still can pick it and in a second-base class that's Cano and everyone else, he's the best of everyone else. He signed with the Cardinals.

63. J.P. Howell, RP: SIGNED Throws absolute slop and still records outs with the best of 'em. This time around he got the two-year deal he should've gotten last season, signing with the Dodgers for $11.5 million. Story

64. Randy Messenger, SP: SIGNED Went to Japan and became the next Colby Lewis. Over the last three seasons, he has a 2.75 ERA, 471 strikeouts over 543 innings and an excellent home run rate, even with Japan's juiced ball. He decided to stay in Japan.

65. Jose Veras, RP: SIGNED The Cubs signed him to a one-year, $4 million deal. Story

66. Mike Pelfrey, SP: SIGNED Potentially good value. One full season removed from Tommy John – and that was after coming back earlier than almost any pitcher in the surgery's history. Signed a two-year, $11 million deal with the Twins. Story

67. Joe Smith, RP: SIGNED Righty specialist is the sort who could conceivably get a three-year deal after posting ERAs of 2.01, 2.96 and 2.29 over the last three seasons. And that's exactly what he got, signing with the Angels for three years and $15.75 million. Story

68. Bruce Chen, SP/RP: SIGNED Kansas City handled him perfectly, transitioning him from the bullpen to a starting role and keeping his arm fresh. Not Jamie Moyer 2.0 yet, but at 36, he's on his way. He re-signed with the Royals for one year and $4.25 million.

69. LaTroy Hawkins, RP: SIGNED Well, 2014 will be his 20th season, and with the retirements of Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte and Darren Oliver, he will be the most tenured pitcher in the game after signing a one-year, $2.5 million deal with the Rockies. Story

70. Colby Lewis, SP: SIGNED The original Colby Lewis missed all of 2013 recovering from elbow surgery and undergoing hip surgery. At 34, could be a cost-effective bounce-back candidate. He signed a minor-league deal with the Rangers. Story

71. Chris Perez, RP: SIGNED Got weed shipped to his dog and throws 95. Who cares that he gave up 11 homers in 54 innings. That's a righteous dude, and he agreed to a one-year deal with the Dodgers. Story

72. Eric Chavez, 1B/3B: SIGNED Still can hit, though the perennial Gold Glove winner is a shadow of his former self at third. A great part-time option anyway. The Diamondbacks re-signed him for one year for reportedly $3.5 million. Story

73. Jamey Wright, RP: SIGNED The king of the minor league deal, he signed a one-year, $1.8 million deal with the Dodgers.

74. Chris Capuano, SP: SIGNED Throwing harder than ever (which isn't saying much) but found himself eminently hittable last season. Part of it was bad luck, though playing in pitchers' parks like Citi Field and Dodger Stadium have masked potential weaknesses as well. He signed a one-year, $2.25 million deal with the Red Sox.

75. Kevin Youkilis, 1B/3B: SIGNED Last full season was, uh, never. Coming off a year in which he played fewer games than his age (34), any sort of significant role is a tough sell, so he opted for Japan.

76. Paul Maholm, SP: SIGNED Pitched hurt at the end of last season and was so bad he got bumped from the postseason rotation for Freddy Garcia. Guh. The Dodgers signed Maholm to a one-year, $1.5 million deal.

77. Manny Parra, RP: SIGNED Great stuff and great results under Bryan Price, now the Reds' manager. Could be a stalwart lefty reliever for a long time. He re-signed with the Reds.

78. Boone Logan, RP: SIGNED Four strong years as the Yankees' primary left-handed reliever have left him in a strong position to ask for a multiyear deal. The Rockies gave him one for three years and $16.5 million. Story

79. Scott Downs, RP: SIGNED Like Maholm, wore down at the end of the season and missed the playoff roster. Ability to prevent home runs is a big plus and will get him guaranteed money. The White Sox guaranteed him $4 million for one year. Story

80. Kurt Suzuki, C: SIGNED A perfectly acceptable everyday catcher, especially for a team with a young pitching staff, the sort of which he nurtured in Oakland and Washington. He signed a one-year deal worth $2.75 million deal with the Twins. Story

81. Delmon Young, OF/DH: SIGNED The market for bat-only guys is limited, so it's especially hard for a team to guarantee a spot to a player with such mediocre plate discipline. To that end, the Orioles signed him to a minor league deal.

82. Michael Young, UT: RETIRED In the right role – late-inning pinch hitter, occasional give-a-guy-a-day speller, never a defensive replacement – he's well worth a roster spot. Alas, he's hanging 'em up..

83. Dioner Navarro, C: SIGNED Re-emerged as a worthwhile platoon catcher, carrying strong numbers throughout the season and finishing 11th among catchers with 13 home runs despite just 266 plate appearances. He signed with the Blue Jays for two years and $8 million. Story

84. Oliver Perez, RP: Absent a midseason meltdown – from June 29 to Aug. 17, he allowed 17 runs in 13 2/3 innings – Perez was downright spectacular. Consistency, of course, always has been his bugaboo. The stuff makes him worth a one-year deal.

85. Geovany Soto, C: SIGNED In limited time backing up Pierzynski, showed enough for a team to give him at least 350 plate appearances. He re-signed with the Rangers for one year and $3.05 million. Story

86. Jeff Baker, UT: SIGNED Anybody with the last name Baker should just play football so he can be called the Touchdown Maker. Especially because Home Run Baker already is taken. And after 11 in 175 plate appearances, Jeff warranted it. He signed with the Marlins for two years and $3.7 million.

87. Brian Roberts, 2B: SIGNED Concussion issues and hamstring surgery have limited him to 192 games over the last four seasons. When he plays, he's an OK everyday second baseman, even at 36. The Yankees signed him for one-year and $2 million. Story

88. Francisco Rodriguez, RP: SIGNED Lots of strikeouts and solid control drummed up memories of the old K-Rod. Speaking of old, he isn't: He turns only 32 in January. Signed a one-year, $3.25 million deal with the Brewers.

89. Nick Punto, UT: SIGNED Gets on base now and again and plays strong defense at all three infield positions. That gets you into the top 100. Signed with the A's for one year and $2.75 million. Story

90.Jose Molina, C: SIGNED Rays get their defense-only backstop on a two-year deal to supplement a deep group with Ryan Hanigan and Jose Lobaton.

91. Paul Konerko, DH: SIGNED He's returning for a farewell tour with the White Sox after signing a one-year deal worth $2.5 million. Story

92. Ryan Vogelsong, SP: SIGNED When a pitching-needy team declines a $6.5 million option, it speaks to Vogelsong's fall from World Baseball Classic starter to seeking employment. He re-signed with the Gaints for one year and $5 million. Story

93. John Buck, C: SIGNED Archetypal run-into-something catcher who will hit a few home runs, call a good game and frustrate with a brutal strikeout-to-walk ratio. The Mariners signed him.

94. Travis Hafner, DH: When he was healthy the first two months of the season, he hit .248/.363/.481. When he wasn't the last four months, he hit .155/.232/.271. Story of his career.

95. Chad Qualls, RP: SIGNED Forget the Red Sox winning the World Series. This was the greatest moment of the 2013 season. The Astros signed him for two years and $6 million. Story

96. Kevin Slowey, SP: SIGNED Put him in a big ballpark with a good outfield defense, and he could be even better than he was with Miami. But he's staying with Miami.

97. Skip Schumaker, UT: SIGNED Plays infield and all three outfield positions. Plus, squirrels run across the plate during his at-bats. The Reds deemed all that worth two years and $5 million. Story

98. Matt Albers, RP: SIGNED Monster groundball rate makes up for lack of strikeouts. Signed a one-year, $2.45 million deal with the Astros. Story

99. Joba Chamberlain, RP: SIGNED He's got 99 problems and his pitching's one. He signed with the Tigers for one year and $2.5 million. Story

100. Chris Carpenter, SP: RETIRED Hopefully he'll become a social-media consultant and create awesome hashtags. #hugenuts Story

101. David Aardsma, RP: SIGNED No. 1 in the baseball phone book, No. 101 in the ultimate free-agent Tracker. He signed a minor league deal with Cleveland.

102. Franklin Gutierrez, CF: SIGNED Remember that time the Mariners gave him $20.5 million? And GM Jack Zduriencik said: “We are all excited about what this player can be”? Oops. He re-signed with the Mariners for one year. Story

103. Luke Scott, DH: SIGNED Actually hit better against lefties than righties last season, though he has destroyed righties over his career and would be a solid 25th man. He'll play in Korea.

104. Kevin Gregg, RP: Same pitcher as he was in years past – walks too damn many guys – with a little better luck.

105. Joe Saunders, SP: Pitching to a 5.26 ERA with Safeco Field as your home ballpark is quite the feat. Only Joel Pineiro had done it before.

106. Mark Reynolds, 1B/3B: SIGNED From April sensation to August unemployment. The Reynolds roller coaster is tortuous. He's with Milwaukee on a minor league deal.

107. Chad Gaudin, SP/RP: SIGNED Scouts and executives agree: a great 2013 season was a fluke. He's with Philadelphia on a minor league deal.

108. Brendan Ryan, SS: SIGNED An excellent backup who has played enough second and third in the past to transition into a defense-first utilityman. He signed with the Yankees for two years and $5 million. Story

109. Edinson Volquez, SP: SIGNED So ... is this the year? Probably not. The Pirates will find out with a one-year deal worth $5 million. Story

110. Roberto Hernandez, SP/RP: SIGNED The whole let's-stick-the-groundball-pitcher-in-front-of-a-great-defense thing didn't work out so well. He signed a one-year deal with the Phillies. Story

111. Matt Guerrier, RP: SIGNED Finished season strong with the Cubs and should have some more mileage left on his 34-year-old arm. He signed a minor league deal with the Twins.

112. Brayan Pena, C: SIGNED Switch-hitting, good-guy backup catcher. Should be able to play for another decade if his body allows him. The Reds signed him for two years and $2.275 million. Story

113. Burke Badenhop, RP: The best part of the Miguel Cabrera deal? Might be. And it does not seem like it's been six years since Cabrera was traded to Detroit, right?

114. Roy Oswalt, SP: RETIRED OK, raise your hand if you knew Oswalt pitched for the Rockies last year. Yeah. You're a liar. Now he's hanging 'em up.

115. Juan Carlos Oviedo, RP: SIGNED Also, the whole let’s-use-our-real-name thing didn’t work out so well for Roberto Hernandez (né Fausto Carmona). Here’s to better luck for Oviedo (the former Leo Nunez) coming off a year-plus rehab of Tommy John surgery. The Rays are giving him a shot with a one-year deal worth $1.5 million. Story

116. Matt Thornton, RP: SIGNED Huge dip in strikeouts for a 37-year-old is a bad sign, even if his left-handedness means he can pitch until he's 95 years old. The Yankees signed him up for two years and $7 million. Story

117. Juan Pierre, OF: Enough wheels still to make a roster as a fifth outfielder and pinch runner.

118. Kyle Farnsworth, RP: SIGNED Fastball down 3½ mph off its peak, and at 36, chances are it's not coming back. He signed a minor league deal with the Mets.

119. Clint Barmes, SS: SIGNED A total Hoover at shortstop and total suckhole at the plate. Re-signed with the Pirates for one year and $2 million. Story

120. Willie Bloomquist, UT: SIGNED Scrappy. Should've been nicknamed Scrappy-Doo a long time ago. Also should yell, “Lemme at 'em!” while being held back by manager. The Mariners signed him for two years and $5.8 million. Story

121. Jamey Carroll, UT: SIGNED Scrappier, because, like, he's shorter. But not as fast or versatile. Career .349 OBP is nice. With the Nationals on a minor league deal.

122. Jerry Hairston Jr., UT: RETIRED Will be a broadcaster for the Dodgers.

123. Jake Westbrook, RP: A 44-to-50 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 116 2/3 innings generally does not signify a bright future.

124. Ramon Santiago, UT: Comes cheap, beloved in the clubhouse and can play all the infield positions.

125. Tyler Colvin, OF: Still just 28 and has had two .500-plus slugging seasons. Should get a shot, even though he bombed out in Colorado.

126. Barry Zito, SP: Yeah, that was on purpose.

127. Ryan Madson, RP: They say somewhere around 90 percent of pitchers come back the same from Tommy John surgery. Madson hasn't pitched in two years. Should his arm respond finally, he's a great make-good-deal candidate.

128. Pedro Feliciano, RP: Lefty, pulse, etc.

129. Alexi Casilla, 2B: SIGNED Needs to use his speed more to compensate for below-average bat. Signed a minor league deal with the Orioles.

130. Roger Bernadina, OF: SIGNED From a 111 OPS+ in 2012 to a 50 last year, the 29-year-old cost himself a guaranteed deal. He signed a minor league deal with the Reds.

131. Frank Francisco, RP: The chair-man was paid more than a million dollars an inning last season. That's so Mets.

132. Andres Torres, OF: Solid center field glove, which is rare enough to move him up this high and make up for a bat that's gone backward and speed that has regressed.

133. Jose Mijares, RP: SIGNED Before Jean Machi's cropdusting: 3.38 ERA. After Jean Machi's cropdusting: 4.27 ERA. Just saying. Signed a minor league deal with the Red Sox.

134. Pat Neshek, RP: Has strung together a few solid seasons in the majors and a nice candidate for a minor league deal that will work out.

135. Phil Coke, RP: With any luck, will join Houston and team up with outfielder L.J. Hoes to moonlight as pro wrestling heels called The Felonies.

136. Reed Johnson, OF: SIGNED The sort who signs a minor league deal and wins a job in spring training. Has been in the major leagues for 11 straight years. As such, he signed a minor league deal with the Marlins.

137. Johan Santana, SP: From the richest deal ever given to a pitcher to a minor league contract. The shoulder is a mean, mean joint, and if he can return from a second surgery, it will be one of the great comeback stories the sport has seen.

138. Rich Hill, RP: SIGNED Nasty stuff as a lefty specialist. Get walks in check (29 in 38 2/3 innings) and he can pitch forever. He signed a minor league deal with the Red Sox.

139. John Lannan, SP: SIGNED Just turned 29. And still underwhelming as ever. Signed a minor league deal with the Mets.

140. Lyle Overbay, 1B: SIGNED Doesn't hit enough to warrant playing time, and plays a position that in the era of seven-man bullpens offers scant backup jobs. He signed a minor league deal with the Brewers.

141. Ronny Cedeno, UT: SIGNED Perfectly acceptable utilityman who can cover all of the infield positions. Signed a minor league deal with the Phillies.

142. Mike Gonzalez, RP: Flat slider foretold doom by the end of a season that saw him post a 7.71 ERA over the final two months.

143. Aaron Harang, SP: SIGNED Now at a full decade straight with at least 111 innings. The only other pitchers to do that from 2004-13: Arroyo, Burnett, Buehrle and CC Sabathia. Only one of them is getting a minor league deal. Harang's is with the Indians.

144. Freddy Garcia, SP/RP: SIGNED Got a playoff start over the No. 76 player on this list, which says more about Maholm than it does Garcia. Signed a minor league deal with the Braves.

145. Carlos Marmol, RP: SIGNED Actually walked hitters at a higher rate with the Dodgers (19 in 21 1/3 innings) than the Cubs (21 in 27 2/3). Do not let the ERA difference (2.53 compared to 5.86) fool you. He signed a one-year, $1.25 million contract with the Miami Marlins.

146. Casper Wells, OF: He played for a full one-sixth of major league teams last season. Someone is bound to want him again this year.

147. Brennan Boesch, OF: SIGNED Still young enough at 28 and left-handed enough to find himself a place on a bench somewhere, but he signed a minor league deal with the Angels.

148. Luis Ayala, RP: Along with Carroll, the only remaining players from the final Montreal Expos still in the major leagues.

149. Nick Masset, RP: Between surgeries on his throwing shoulder and for thoracic-outlet syndrome, hasn't thrown a major league pitch in more than two years.

150. Erik Bedard, SP/RP: Behind the guy who hasn't thrown a major league pitch in more than two years.

151. Wilson Betemit, UT: SIGNED Knee injury kept him out almost all of 2013. He signed a minor league deal with the Rays.

152. Yorvit Torrealba, C: Welcome to the backup-catcher portion of the program.

153. Kelly Shoppach, C: A few of these guys will get major league deals because the paucity of catching is that significant.

154. Manny Corpas, RP: SIGNED Dime-a-dozen, inning-chomping reliever. He signed a minor league deal with the Rockies.

155. Henry Blanco, C: SIGNED Every Breaking Bad fan's favorite catcher: Hank White. Signed a minor league deal with the Diamondbacks.

156. Humberto Quintero, C: SIGNED Should have a Tumblr called Humbrt Quntr. Signed a minor league deal with the Mariners.

157. John McDonald, UT: SIGNED Won a World Series ring. Probably does not have a Tumblr. Signed a minor league deal with the Angels.

158. Placido Polanco, 2B/3B: It had been 38 years since a full-time third baseman pulled off what Polanco did in 2013: at least 416 plate appearances with a slugging percentage as low as .302. At least he's got good company: That third baseman was Brooks Robinson in 1975.

159. Munenori Kawasaki, UT: SIGNED Forget baseball. Just give the guy a TV show. Signed a minor league deal with the Jays.

160. Peter Moylan, RP: SIGNED Sinker-slider sidearmer could be a midseason pop-up candidate. Signed a minor league deal with the Astros.

161. Robert Coello, RP: SIGNED Master of the WTF is effective as long as he can stay healthy, which has been an issue.Signed a minor league deal with the Yankees.

163. Jeff Francis, SP: SIGNED Halfway decent peripherals fell prey to Coors Field. Still, he simply doesn't have the command to survive with an 86-mph fastball. Signed a minor league deal with the Reds.

164. James McDonald, SP: SIGNED Lost velocity, control and rotation spot with Pittsburgh last season. At 29, a plenty worthwhile reclamation project. He signed a minor league deal with the Cubs.

165. Jeff Karstens, RP: Didn't pitch in 2013 because of shoulder surgery. Should be ready for 2014, though will need to earn way onto a team through a minor league deal.

166. Laynce Nix, OF/1B: Deal should be contingent on him dropping superfluous Y.

167. Chris Getz, 2B: SIGNED Inability to hit or play shortstop mitigates good base-running and a decent glove at second. Signed a minor league deal with the Blue Jays.

168. Matt Diaz, OF: Could hit his way onto a roster as a right-handed, pinch-hitting platoon specialist. Granted, it's been three years since he's looked anything like a major league hitter, so that's a long shot.

169. Endy Chavez, OF: SIGNED Can't hit. Not close to the same fielder who did this. Simply isn't a big leaguer anymore. Signed a minor league deal with the Mariners.

170. Daisuke Matsuzaka, SP: SIGNED If he takes as much time between contracts as he does between pitches, he will not sign until 2018. Mercifully. Instead, he signed a minor league deal with the Mets.

171. Jeremy Bonderman, RP: Fastball is still way too hittable to be anything more than a lottery ticket.

172. Ty Wigginton, UT: SIGNED Of the 789 players in history with at least 1,362 career games, Wigginton's 2.3 WAR rank 782nd. Impressive. Signed a minor league deal with the Marlins.

173. Dewayne Wise, OF: He oughta just send out an email to all 30 teams with the subject line “I did this” and this picture embedded.

174. Taylor Teagarden, C: SIGNED Name still sounds more like a restaurant than a ballplayer. Signed a minor league deal with the Mets.

175. Chris Valaika, UT: SIGNED Deserves better than being a pawn in Jeffrey Loria's petty grudges, though he'll have to hit more to win a utility spot. Signed a minor league deal with the Cubs.

176. Austin Kearns, OF: Spent the last two seasons in Miami, so at least we know if Hell ever gets an expansion team, he could play there, too.

177. Luis Cruz, UT: SIGNED Only the fifth batter since 1920 to have at least 187 plate appearances and a batting average of .145 or worse. If you're below him, oy. Will play in Japan.

178. Brent Lillibridge, UT: SIGNED Below Luis Cruz. Signed a minor league deal with the Rangers.

179. Brandon Lyon, RP: Anybody who can survive a season with the Mets shows a superior acuity for mental fortitude.

180. Wil Nieves, C: SIGNED The namesake of one of the all-time great characters of the Annual Blogapaloozathon, Sad Wil Nieves, is probably a little sad he's 180th. Sorry, Wil. He signed a one-year deal with the Phillies for $1.1 million.

181. Tim Byrdak, RP: Quite a feat to have pitched 12 years in the major leagues and be best known for your Hulk Hogan impression.

182. Clayton Richard, SP: Two season-ending shoulder surgeries within three years does not portend well for the 30-year-old's future.

183. Jason Bay, OF: Whether he plays or not, the Mets still owe him $3 million this season. Hey, it beats the Bobby Bonilla deal.

184. Carlos Pena, 1B/DH: SIGNED When the 111-loss Astros get rid of you ... eek. Signed a minor league deal with the Angels.

185. Tsuyoshi Wada, SP: SIGNED One Tommy John surgery and $8.15 million later, he still hasn't thrown a pitch for the Orioles. Signed a minor league deal with the Cubs.

186. Shaun Marcum, SP: SIGNED Tommy John surgery and a shoulder injury have led to an 85-mph fastball, which led to a minor league contract with the Indians.

187. Trevor Crowe, OF: SIGNED Seeing the number of 2013 Astros toward the bottom of this list, their record makes all the sense in the world. Signed a minor league deal with the Tigers.

188. Octavio Dotel, RP: Backup plan is to subsist on his Social Security check.

189. Rafael Betancourt, RP: Underwent Tommy John surgery in mid-September and, at 38, may decide to retire rather than aim for 2015.

190. Jon Garland, SP: OK, raise your hand if you knew Garland pitched for the Rockies this year. Yeah. The Rockies' pitching was awful.

191. Kameron Loe, RP: SIGNED Allowed nine home runs in his first 15 innings last season. It is not easy to be that bad. Signed a minor league deal with the Giants.

192. Miguel Tejada, UT: Likely to retire. Should he decide to play, will miss first 64 games of the season finishing out a 105-game amphetamine suspension.

193. Chris Snyder, C: SIGNED Once received a three-year, $14.25 million contract extension. Which is to say: Baseball, man. Signed a minor league deal with the Nationals.

194. Jeff Francoeur, OF: SIGNED Could find himself on a roster eventually, because he always seems to, but is the most classic when-will-teams-learn-better player since the one who inhabits the final spot on the list. He signed a minor league deal with the Indians.

195. Chad Tracy, 3B: SIGNED A pinch hitter who over the last four years has an OPS+ of 75. He signed a minor league deal with the Angels.

196. Zach Duke, SP/RP: SIGNED Somehow got a major league deal with Washington last season. No team will make that mistake again. Signed a minor league deal with the Brewers.

197. Cesar Izturis, UT: SIGNED Only three more teams to catch Matt Stairs' record of 12. And his OPS+ since 2010 is 51. Continued employment is a remarkable thing. Signed a minor league deal with the Astros.

198. Ramon Ortiz, RP: Once was called Little Pedro. Should have been called Humongous Exaggeration.

199. Jason Marquis, SP: Will miss the season recovering from Tommy John surgery. Unlike O'Flaherty and Hanrahan, not a whole lot of upside when he does get healthy.

200. Yuniesky Betancourt, UT: SIGNED For years, he has threatened to capture this spot on the annual free-agent list. Congratulations, Yuni. Destiny is yours. And now that destiny takes him to ... Japan.