Top 5 Unsigned Free Agents and Odds on Where They’ll Play in 2018

• Jose Bautista’s prolonged free agency came to an end this week when he signed with the Braves. Which remaining free agent will be next? 
• Will Melky Cabrera rejoin the Toronto Blue Jays?
• Can RA Dickey still befuddle Major Leaguers with his knuckler?

Jose Bautista found a new home on Wednesday when he agreed to a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves. The six-time All-Star will report to the team’s spring training complex in Kissimmee, Florida to shake off the rust from his prolonged offseason and to get in some reps at third base, where he hasn’t played regularly since 2011.

Bautista wasn’t the only big name waiting for his phone to ring this winter. We’ve compiled a list of five other high profile free agents who are still waiting for a Major League contract.

1. Melky Cabrera

No one is more surprised that Melky Cabrera is unemployed than Melky Cabrera himself. The former All-Star Game MVP recently spoke with the New York Post and insisted he’s far from done. “I still have a lot to give baseball,’’ he said. “I love the game. It’s been my passion ever since I was born. It’s who I am.’’

I’d like to start a petition to get Melky Cabrera a job. Dude has way too much talent to be sitting at home without a team.

— Courtney Finnicum (@courtney883) April 18, 2018

Cabrera’s skill was evident last season as the 33-year-old outfielder hit .285 with 17 home runs and 85 RBI while splitting the season with the White Sox and Royals. His ability to consistently make contact from both sides of the plate makes him a rare commodity, and it’s only a matter of time before a contending team offers him a one-year deal.

Odds on where Melky Cabrera will play in 2018

2. Matt Holliday

Matt Holliday recently joined Sirius XM MLB Network Radio as a host, but there’s no doubt that he’d rather be on the field shagging flies than in the studio providing analysis. The 37-year-old leftfielder is a seven-time All-Star and four-time Silver Slugger recipient who hit .231 with 19 homers and 64 RBI last season for the Yankees.

Holliday was a tremendous mentor to Aaron Judge during his one season in the Bronx and could serve a similar role on another young team learning to contend. Sure, his bat speed and power have declined in recent years, but he’s the kind of highly respected vet who can be a positive influence in the clubhouse while also providing a bit of pop in the lineup.

Odds on where Matt Holliday will play in 2018

3. Brandon Phillips

Brandon Phillips may not be on a 25-man roster at the moment, but he’s working out just as hard as any Major Leaguer. The three-time All-Star is training daily at Georgia Tech and is willing to put his ego aside and accept any kind of role a team is willing to offer him.

Brandon Phillips told me today that he’s open to platoon and bench roles. He’s willing to play other infield and outfield spots, in addition to 2B. He’s reached the playoffs 3 times and made 3 All-Star teams. Wants the opportunity to pursue a World Series ring. @MLB @MLBNetwork

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) April 4, 2018

The 36-year-old infielder hit .285 with 13 home runs, and 60 RBI last season while playing for the Braves and Angels. He no longer has the limitless range that made him a four-time Gold Glover, but Phillips is still a professional hitter who knows how to work a count and disrupt opposing pitchers once he gets on base. Expect to see “Dat Dude” soon at a ballpark near you.

Odds on where Brandon Phillips will play in 2018

4. John Lackey

Teams with playoff aspirations would be smart to reach out to John Lackey, a three-time World Series champ who’s made 29 postseason starts.

Lackey rounded into form after the All-Star break, when he went 7-3 with a 3.75 ERA.

Granted, his raw numbers from 2017 aren’t overly impressive, but Lackey rounded into form after the All-Star break, when he went 7-3 with a 3.75 ERA. The 39-year-old right-hander has won everywhere he’s gone and has more than enough tricks up his sleeves to help a team in October.

Odds on where John Lackey will play in 2018

5. RA Dickey

Major League Baseball has a history of employing geriatric knuckleballers. Tim Wakefield pitched until he was 44, Charlie Hough laced ‘em up for the Marlins at age 46, and Phil Niekro was still befuddling batters at age 48. It isn’t hard to imagine RA Dickey following in their footsteps in 2018.

The 43-year-old righty went 10-10 with a 4.26 ERA last season for a sub .500 Braves squad that consistently found new and inventive ways to lose. Unlike other aging hurlers, Dickey’s diminishing velocity isn’t an issue, and he’s a dependable innings eater who can be counted on to make 30-plus starts. Those are appealing qualities for middling teams saddled with injuries and unreliable young arms.

Odds on where RA Dickey will play in 2018

Are there any other remaining free agents you’d like to see again in the Majors? Drop us a note in the comments section below or hit us up on Twitter @bettingdime.