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10 Underrated MLB Free Agents Your Favorite Team Should Sign

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10 Underrated MLB Free Agents Your Favorite Team Should Sign

World Series - Kansas City Royals v San Francisco Giants - Game Three
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Everyone knows the big names like Max Scherzer, Jon Lester and Hanley Ramirez in free agency this season, but there are plenty of other talented and less expensive players available, especially if you're a fan of a small-market team. Here are 10 players your team should consider signing.

10. SP Jason Hammel

Chicago Cubs Photo Day
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10. SP Jason Hammel

Chicago Cubs Photo Day
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2014 Team(s): Chicago Cubs/Oakland Athletics

Hammel was one of the better pitchers in baseball until being traded from the Cubs to the Athletics. After that point, he went downhill and lost his rotation spot. If he can regain that previous form, a team could get a bargain this offseason.

9. IF/OF Emilio Bonifacio

Infield05 Emilio Bonifacio
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9. IF/OF Emilio Bonifacio

Infield05 Emilio Bonifacio
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2014 Team(s): Chicago Cubs/Atlanta Braves

Bonifacio provides value in a number of ways. He's a threat on the bases and can play almost every position in the field, which gives him immense versatility. Since he's not a huge name, a team may be able to sign him for relatively cheap.

8. SP Jake Peavy

San Francisco Giants v New York Mets
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8. SP Jake Peavy

San Francisco Giants v New York Mets
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2014 Team(s): Boston Red Sox/San Francisco Giants

Peavy is a big name in baseball, but people forget he can still pitch. He's won a World Series with two different teams in the last two seasons, which has to be worth something. He will still get a decent sized contract, but the drop off in price from elite pitchers to him will be greater than his drop off in production compared to those guys.

7. SP Edinson Volquez

Wild Card Game - San Francisco Giants v Pittsburgh Pirates
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7. SP Edinson Volquez

Wild Card Game - San Francisco Giants v Pittsburgh Pirates
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2014 Team(s): Pittsburgh Pirates

Volquez used to be lights out for the Reds, but hasn't shown the ability to be a great pitcher in a couple years. He's still a very solid middle-of-the-rotation guy, though, and could be a nice addition to an already established team. With a few years left in the tank, he could end up being the missing piece for a competitive team.

6. DH Billy Butler

World Series - San Francisco Giants v Kansas City Royals - Game Seven
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6. DH Billy Butler

World Series - San Francisco Giants v Kansas City Royals - Game Seven
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2014 Team(s): Kansas City Royals

Butler's Royals finally broke through in 2014, but he actually had a down year. That could end up benefitting other teams in free agency because they will get him for less than he's probably worth. He's shown the ability to hit 30 home runs and that isn't lost on his potential suitors.

5. RP Luke Gregerson

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim v Oakland Athletics
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5. RP Luke Gregerson

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim v Oakland Athletics
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2014 Team(s): Oakland Athletics

When he was the setup man for the Padres a couple years ago, Gregerson was considered one of the best in baseball. He only got better for the Athletics last season, but still isn't a household name. Any team looking for a setup man or closer has to give Gregerson a look as he will be much cheaper than someone like David Robertson.

4. OF Michael Morse

World Series - San Francisco Giants v Kansas City Royals - Game One
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4. OF Michael Morse

World Series - San Francisco Giants v Kansas City Royals - Game One
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2014 Team(s): San Francisco Giants

When healthy, Morse is one of the better run producers in the outfield among non-superstar players. However, he can never seem to stay healthy. That hurts his market value, but if the team that signs him can get 140 games or so out of him, he could be the steal of the 2014 free agent market.

3. SP Brandon McCarthy

Houston Astros v New York Yankees
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3. SP Brandon McCarthy

Houston Astros v New York Yankees
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2014 Team(s): Arizona Diamondbacks/New York Yankees

Traded to the Yankees last season, McCarthy turned around his mediocre season and made it a very good one. He's the best pitcher available after the big three starters, so his drop off in price from those guys is going to be steep. Any team looking for a great No. 3 starter option will give McCarthy a look.

2. RP Andrew Miller

St Louis Cardinals v Baltimore Orioles
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2. RP Andrew Miller

St Louis Cardinals v Baltimore Orioles
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2014 Team(s): Boston Red Sox/Baltimore Orioles

Most casual baseball fans don't know who Andrew Miller is, but they should. Developing later than most, Miller has become one of the better left-handed relievers in the game. Any team looking for back-end bullpen help should consider signing him rather than David Robertson, who will have a considerably higher price tag.

1. IF/OF Michael Cuddyer

San Francisco Giants v Colorado Rockies
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1. IF/OF Michael Cuddyer

San Francisco Giants v Colorado Rockies
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2014 Team(s): Colorado Rockies

Cuddyer was injured for most of 2014, but when he wasn't, he was extremely productive. At the age of 35, he isn't going to command a gigantic contract, so teams are going to get value in him. Since he probably only has another year or two of solid production, a team who thinks they're one piece away should try making Cuddyer that piece.

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