MLB Power Rankings: Biggest 2022-23 free-agent miss for all 30 MLB teams
By Kevin Henry
MLB power rankings: National League Central biggest free agent mistakes
Chicago Cubs — Jacob deGrom
The Cubs will likely have five free agents in the starting lineup on Opening Day in a batting order that has been completely remade this offseason. Chicago was also linked to deGrom this offseason, and his addition might have kept the Cubs from signing Dansby Swanson and others, but it certainly would have boosted the rotation.
St. Louis Cardinals — Carlos Rodón
The rumors linking the Cardinals to pitching all offseason (including the current ones involving a potential trade with the Marlins) show that there is a belief that St. Louis could use a boost in starting pitching. Rodón was among those rumors earlier in the offseason, but the Yankees signed him. Will St. Louis finally land another pitcher after missing on Rodón earlier?
Milwaukee Brewers ‚— Adam Duvall
The Brewers could use some help in the outfield and, while Duvall is a high-risk, high-reward proposition (one of the reasons why he is no longer in Atlanta), the 34-year-old could have provided some depth and answers to an outfield situation that seems murky in Milwaukee.
Cincinnati Reds — Dansby Swanson
Speaking of Swanson, this one is maybe the biggest stretch of the whole list as the Reds are already paying Joey Votto big dollars and wouldn’t add another big contract to the payroll. However, Cincinnati desperately needs help at shortstop, and Votto’s contract ends this season (with a team option for 2024), so maybe it wouldn’t have been such a crazy thought.
Pittsburgh Pirates — Taylor Rogers
The Pirates have the potential to have a sneaky good lineup in 2023, but there is still help needed in the bullpen. Bringing the veteran southpaw into the late-inning mix in Pittsburgh could have boosted the chances of the Pirates nailing down games that the offense may well win in 2023.