Written by Joel Reuter at BleacherReport.com
The start of spring training is right around the corner, but a number of intriguing free-agent options are still looking for new homes on the open market.
Dexter Fowler, Yovani Gallardo and Ian Desmond are the three marquee names still waiting to sign, but they have been held back by qualifying offers this winter.
Cuban slugger Yulieski Gourriel is another interesting name that has been recently added to the free-agent crop after he defected, and he could be headed for a significant payday of his own once he decides on a team.
However, the focus ahead will be on the lower-level guys still seeking new contracts who are capable of providing some good value.
Players are ranked based on their expected 2016 impact relative to the salary they are likely to receive, giving us the best last-minute values in free agency.
10. SP Cliff Lee
2015 Stats
Injured, did not play
Overview
Cliff Lee has not pitched at the big league level since leaving in the third inning of a start on July 31, 2014 with elbow discomfort.
As many as 15 teams have shown some level of interest in him this offseason, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network.
However, his asking price has been somewhat high, according to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe.
“There were teams kicking around scenarios for the veteran lefty this past week, but they are unsure about devoting $6 million to $8 million, plus incentives to Lee, who hasn’t pitched in the majors for most of two seasons.”
The 37-year-old Lee has indicated he would need a “perfect fit” in order to leave his family and attempt a comeback, according to Darek Braunecker of MLB Network Radio.
The left-hander was still pitching at a high level prior to the injury in 2014, going 4-5 with a 3.65 ERA, 1.377 WHIP and 8.0 K/9 in 13 starts.
Prior to that, he went 14-8 with a 2.87 ERA, 1.010 WHIP and 222 strikeouts in 222.2 innings during the 2013 season to finish sixth in NL Cy Young voting and earn a spot on the NL All-Star roster.
He’s one of the more intriguing buy-low rebound options on the market this winter, and it will be interesting to see where he lands.
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