Despite Major League Baseball spring training just a month away, some big names remain left in free agency.
Two-time All-Star Alex Bregman has yet to find a team. Anthony Santander, Jesse Winker, and Jurickson Profar are among the position players still looking to find a new home, as well as starting pitcher Jack Flaherty.
These things don’t always get completed before pitchers and catchers report either. Sometimes long after that. Some are worth the wait too.
Here’s a look back at some notable MLB signings that happened after spring camp began.
Dexter Fowler
Dexter Fower’s beloved reunion with the Chicago Cubs wasn’t that long after spring training had started, but it was a welcomed one.
About 10 days or so after pitchers and catchers reported, the center fielder re-signed with the team in 2016. It was a surprise. So when he arrived at camp in Mesa, AZ, he was embraced with open arms.
The Cubs went on to win the 2016 World Series, with Fowler sparking the offense at the top of the lineup.
Matt Chapman
It wasn’t until March of 2024 when two-time Platinum Glove Award-winner Matt Chapman signed as a free agent with the San Francisco Giants. The team’s home opener was March 28 against the San Diego Padres.
It was worth the wait. The third baseman signed to a six-year, $151 million contract. He earned his fifth Gold Glove Award and finished 11th in MVP voting.
Bryce Harper
Speaking of worth the wait.
The Harper sweepstakes was another Giants being the bridesmaid scenario. The Philadelphia Phillies ultimately won the bid with a record-breaking deal worth $330 million over 13 years with no opt-outs. The deal also took place in March.
The press conference was held at the spring training facility at BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater, FL.
Blake Snell
After the Giants signed two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell to a two-year contract last March, he struggled in his first few outings. Things evened out, and he finished his campaign in the Bay Area with a 3.12 ERA.
He recently signed a five-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers worth $182 million.
Joey Votto
After 23 MLB seasons, Joey Votto officially retired last September. He became a free agent at the end of his 12-year, $251.5 million contract with the Cincinnati Reds.
Before that, he gave it one more shot and signed a minor-league deal with the Toronto Blue Jays. He didn’t ink that until last March.
“In my head, the next time I play, I’ll be so excited and grateful to be able to get back on a major-league field, get back on a baseball field and compete,” Votto said. “That’s really all where my head is at.”
Alex Cobb
You wouldn’t think the Baltimore Orioles were as relentless in pursuing Alex Cobb as they were in 2018, but they were. It worked out in the form of a four-year, $57 million deal.
Cobb was coming off of an impressive season with the Tampa Bay Rays. He boasted a 3.66 ERA in 2017.
He arrived at camp on March 21.