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MLB Free Agency 2017: Top 18 players left on the market

By Joshua Sadlock

Oct 14, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion hits a single against the Cleveland Indians in the third inning in game one of the 2016 ALCS playoff baseball series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 14, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion hits a single against the Cleveland Indians in the third inning in game one of the 2016 ALCS playoff baseball series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 29, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles catcher Matt Wieters (32) walks to the dugout before a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 29, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles catcher Matt Wieters (32) walks to the dugout before a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Matt Wieters, C

Now that the Orioles have landed Castillo (pending physical, of course), that should officially signal the end of the Matt Wieters Era in Baltimore. He arrived in the league with impossible expectations and failed to come even remotely close to living up to his “Jesus in cleats” billing. With the Orioles out of the picture, it is difficult to find a natural fit for Wieters.

The Nationals found their replacement for Wilson Ramos by trading for Derek Norris. The Tampa Bay Rays signed Ramos. The Minnesota Twins signed Jason Castro away from the Houston Astros, and the Astros traded for Brian McCann.

The Atlanta Braves are probably the best fit now for Wieters, who attended Georgia Tech. Tyler Flowers is currently slated to start for the Braves next year, but he is just a stopgap for a rebuilding team. With Wieters left with very little leverage, the Braves may be able to land him for a price that fits their budget.

Wieters may not sign until the middle of January or later at this point. He made four All-Star teams with the Orioles, but never lived up to the hype. His bat has looked slow at times, and his body is trending in the wrong direction. He is also viewed as a poor pitch framer, and his footwork and blocking behind the plate have gotten lazy.

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