With the top of MLB’s free-agency market settled, some notable players remain unsigned.

Spring training is around the corner, and while most teams know what they are working with, some of them could use these free agents still on the market.

This may have been the plan all along—see what the market dictates at the top of positions and go from there.

In this exercise, we play matchmaker with the top free agents available, based on fit and rumored interest.

 

Tyler Naquin to Chicago White Sox

It seems like the White Sox have been trying to fix their right field problem for years. The solution could be Gavin Sheets, a 26-year-old 2017 second-round pick, but the White Sox should still be exploring options.

Chicago ranked last in fWAR at the right field position in 2022. Coming off a disappointing season and with a new manager in place, expect a shake-up or two with this White Sox team.

Tyler Naquin, who slashed .229/.282/.423 with 11 home runs for the Cincinnati Reds and New York Mets last year, does not answer all of Chicago’s questions in right field.

But along with a healthy Eloy Jimenez, who seeks an expanded outfield role beyond DH’ing, Naquin provides a viable option at a spot where the White Sox desperately need it.

Defensively, he’s better than their current options.

 

Michael Wacha to Baltimore Orioles

The Orioles need more pitching to match up with their vaunted AL East rivals, and they have reportedly shown interest in Michael Wacha.

It will not be enough to rely on Kyle Gibson, who they signed this offseason, with the collection of Dean Kremer, Kyle Bradish and Tyler Wells.

Wacha went 11-2 with a 3.32 ERA in 23 starts for the Boston Red Sox last year. While he may not be the top-of-the-rotation starter the Orioles need, he is as close to it as they can get on the free-agent market at this point.

Grayson Rodriguez will eventually become Baltimore’s ace, but it makes sense to bring in a veteran like Wacha to help keep the Orioles competitive in that division.