“Spring training has begun for all 30 MLB teams, with pitchers and catchers already in action and full squads set to join them next week.

As the 2024 season approaches, some notable players are still unsigned as free agents. Here are five names you might not expect to see on the market, but they’re likely to sign with teams before Opening Day on March 28th.”

1. Center fielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger

The recipient of the 2019 NL MVP award revitalized his career with the Chicago Cubs in 2023 following a challenging stint with the Los Angeles Dodgers. From 2020 to 2022, he participated in 295 games but struggled, posting a .203 batting average with 209 hits (alongside 286 strikeouts) across 1,032 at-bats. However, Bellinger experienced a resurgence in his first season with the Cubs, batting .307. By the end of the 2023 season, he accumulated 153 hits with just 87 strikeouts.

Potential destination: Chicago Cubs

Heading back to the Cubs seems like a logical move for Bellinger. He would offer a more reliable option in center field compared to the expected starter, Pete Crow-Armstrong, who is a promising prospect but has yet to register a hit in his 14 career at-bats. Just recently, Crow-Armstrong expressed enthusiasm about the prospect of Bellinger returning, stating, “If Cody comes back, that’s fantastic. It improves our chances of winning.”

2. Starting pitcher Blake Snell

It’s quite astonishing that the pitcher who led the NL in ERA in 2023 finds himself without a team as we approach the midpoint of February 2024. Snell had an exceptional season, boasting a league-leading 2.25 ERA, which earned him his second Cy Young Award. His first Cy Young came in 2018 while he was playing for the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League, making him part of an elite group of only seven pitchers in MLB history to win the Cy Young Award in both leagues. This prestigious list includes Max Scherzer, Roy Halladay, Roger Clemens, Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez, and Gaylord Perry.

Potential destination: New York Yankees

The Yankees’ pitching roster suffered a blow when they acquired Juan Soto in December, resulting in the departure of Michael King, Jhony Brito, Randy Vasquez, and prospect Drew Thorpe. According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, Snell declined a six-year, $150 million contract from the Bronx Bombers earlier in the offseason, hoping for a lengthier deal. However, with his market not as robust as anticipated at this stage, that offer might now appear more enticing.

3. Starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery

Montgomery was a significant addition for the Rangers during last year’s trade deadline, contributing in crucial moments as Texas secured its first-ever World Series title. Throughout the 2023 postseason, Montgomery made six appearances, tallying a 2.90 ERA across 31 innings pitched. Notably, he delivered shutout performances in Game 1 of both the ALDS and ALCS, showcasing his impact on the team’s success.

Potential destination: San Francisco Giants

In 2023, the Giants’ starting pitchers posted a WAR (wins above replacement) ranking of 16th, accumulating a total of 14.5. Notably, they allowed the seventh-highest home run rate on fly balls, standing at 13.2%. Conversely, Montgomery achieved the lowest home run rate on fly balls of his career, registering at 9.3%. Furthermore, he achieved the highest velocity on his four-seamer in his career, reaching 93.4 mph, highlighting his improved performance in limiting home runs.

4. Third baseman Matt Chapman

Since 2017, Chapman has been a standout performer among position players, ranking 11th in WAR (wins above replacement). His defensive skills are a cornerstone of his game, earning him four Gold Glove awards. According to Stathead, Chapman boasts the second-highest defensive WAR (11.8) in the league over the past seven seasons, underlining his exceptional defensive contributions.

Potential destination: Toronto Blue Jays

A return to the Blue Jays could be mutually beneficial for Chapman and the team. With Toronto’s recent signing of Justin Turner in free agency and the anticipated reliance on Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Santiago Espinal at third base, there’s potential for a collective offensive output that matches Chapman’s production at the plate. However, it’s doubtful they can replicate his defensive prowess on the field, which has been a significant asset for Chapman throughout his career.

5. Designated hitter J.D. Martinez

As he enters his 14th season, Martinez remains a valuable asset for any MLB team. In the previous season with the Dodgers, he showcased his power by hitting 33 home runs, marking his highest tally since 2019 during his tenure with the Red Sox. Additionally, Martinez displayed career-high metrics in fly ball rate, reaching 37 percent, and hard-hit rate, achieving 54.9 percent, further solidifying his offensive impact.

Potential destination: New York Mets

The Mets have been rumored to have interest in Martinez during this offseason as they seek to bolster their lineup with a quality batter. Mark Vientos, who has ascended through the team’s farm system and made appearances in 81 games over the past two seasons, is considered a prime contender for the designated hitter role. Despite Vientos’ impressive .290 batting average with 40 home runs in AAA from 2022 to 2023, he has struggled to replicate that level of production in the majors, recording a .205 batting average with 10 home runs in 254 at-bats.