One of the biggest storylines of this offseason was Tatsuya Imai signing with the Houston Astros. Big names like Cody Bellinger and Kyle Tucker are still on the board, and most of the attention naturally flows to those headline moves. But every winter, it’s often the second tier of free agents, the players who don’t dominate the news cycle, who end up providing the best value. Whether it’s a rebound candidate, an overlooked reliever, or a veteran in the wrong situation, smart front offices find wins on the margins. With that in mind, here are five underrated free agents still searching for homes in 2026.

Michael Kopech, RP

Kopech pitched just 11 innings in 2025 due to multiple injuries. Since the Dodgers acquired him in 2024, he has made only 48 appearances, but in that span he owns a 1.84 ERA and 10.4 K/9. If he can stay healthy, he could be a major weapon at the back end of a bullpen.

Zac Gallen, SP

Gallen had an outstanding three-year run as a bona fide ace and Cy Young contender. But he took a significant step back in 2025, posting a 4.83 ERA and allowing the fourth-most home runs of any pitcher. He turns 31 in August, but age should not be the issue. The bigger problem was command of his curveball, his best pitch, something that can be fixed. We know he’s capable of pitching at a Cy Young level, the question is whether he can rediscover that control.

Tyler Kinley, RP

Kinley logged 72.2 innings in 2025, allowing 35 runs while striking out 73 hitters. He struggled early with the Rockies, but after being traded to the Braves, he was dominant. In Atlanta, he posted a 0.72 ERA with 22 strikeouts and only two runs allowed. He is on the older side, turning 35 on Opening Day, but he should still have a few productive years left.

Rhys Hoskins, 1B

Hoskins suffered a thumb injury on his glove hand in July 2025 and appeared in just 90 games for Milwaukee, slashing .237/.332/.416 with 12 home runs. He hasn’t matched his production from Philadelphia, where he posted a 3.0 WAR in his final season. Since joining Milwaukee, he has produced just 0.7 WAR. But a healthy Rhys Hoskins has already shown he can be one of the better first basemen in the league.

Victor Caratini, C

For teams looking to add a catcher this offseason, it often feels like JT Realmuto or nothing. But Victor Caratini has quietly become a strong secondary option, and even offers value as a DH, where he appeared 30 times in 2025. Caratini has posted an OPS of .711 or better in three straight seasons, something only seven catchers have done. He may not be a splashy signing, but his offensive production is strong for the position, and his defense remains solid.

If this was your kind of read, you’ll like what’s next. Get The Sandman Ticket, our free, weekly newsletter with picks, insights, and a little bit of everything we love about sports.