Free Agent Rankings: Who Just Missed the Top 50?

David Frerker-Imagn Images MLB Trade Rumors unveiled its Top 50 free agent rankings on Monday, but the players just falling short of the list provide significant value for financially constrained teams. Jack Flaherty and Gleyber Torres, two athletes with solid stats but injury risks and age concerns, were two such players who missed the main tier.

Both have a shot at one-year deals worth between $10 million and $12 million. The rank gap between the 40th and 60th players is minimal, indicating that many will sign mid-level contracts and become capable starters or hitters. Jack Flaherty, a 31-year-old right-handed pitcher, was expected to be in the top 50 until the San Diego Padres declined his contract option, pushing him to 51.

His injury struggles this past season, including a left peroneal strain and right flexor inflammation limiting him to 20 appearances, affected his ranking. Despite showing promise with a 4.48 earned run average and 26% strikeout rate, he is expected to sign a one-year deal in the $10-12 million range. Gleyber Torres, Flaherty's former Detroit teammate, ranked as the top position player absent from the top 50.

At age 30, he posted a .260 batting average with .364 on-base and .363 slugging percentages over 420 plate appearances. His ability to get on base, drawing walks at a career-high 13.6% rate while maintaining a 19.3% strikeout rate, makes him valuable for any lineup. With MLB Trade Rumors projecting all players in this tier to secure big league contracts, teams willing to take a calculated risk on a one-year deal could find a bargain here.

The free agent market features stars at the top and more, including a large group of players who can effectively fill roles for a season or two. Teams often use these players to cover injuries or fill gaps in the rotation and lineup. The market is active, and deals will likely be announced soon, with the next group of players already on the radar for the following offseason.