The MLB free agency period has been underway for a few weeks and there are still so many stars available.
It is not uncommon for the stars to wait until later in the offseason or even right around spring training to make their decisions.
As some players want to see which teams best fit them and their needs.
Although in years past, free agency has been a time where desperate teams hand out hefty contracts.
That will most likely be the case again this season for teams looking for a splash.
Here are two MLB-free agents that are risky signings.
Jacob DeGrom
No pitcher will be more sought after in the open market than right-handed starter Jacob deGrom.
His ability when on the mound is unquestioned.
But, that has always been a struggle for deGrom.
He has not thrown over 100 innings in each of the past two seasons.
“The #Mets are said to be prioritizing both Jacob deGrom and center fielder Brandon Nimmo, whose market is robust.” #LGM
~ @ragazzoreport on Jacob deGrom & Brandon Nimmo. pic.twitter.com/3bLfhviSnL
— GENY Mets Report (@genymets) November 22, 2022
He is not getting any younger, entering his age-35 season in 2023.
DeGrom remains one of the dominant forces on the mound when healthy.
But, teams looking to sign him will have to weigh the risk/reward of signing him to a massive contract for only half a season of production.
Justin Verlander
Another ace on the open market is reigning AL Cy Young winner, Justin Verlander.
But, unlike deGrom, Verlander has been one of the most reliable and healthy pitchers throughout his career.
His only significant injury came in 2020 when he needed Tommy John surgery that cost him all of 2020 and 2021.
But, he bounced back this past season leading the Astros to the World Series.
Word is Dodgers are meeting with Justin Verlander today. Would fit their preference for big talents on short-term deals (with of course very high AAV). Both NY teams interested and of course incumbent Astros.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 28, 2022
So where does the risk come in with Verlander?
Well, he is entering his age 40-season, and at some point “father time” always wins.
He had his lowest strikeout per nine ratio of the past four seasons with a 9.5.
We saw something similar with MLB Hall-of-Famer Gregg Maddux who was a shell of himself pitching after the age of 40.
Verlander is going to command a hefty contract for his services.
So teams will need to weigh how much they are willing to pay a 40-year-old pitcher entering the final few years of his career.
