Where We Disagree With MLB Trade Rumors' Free Agent Rankings

This is the first year I’ve been ranking free agents that I’m feeling confident that my DiamondCentric free-agent tracker is stronger than MLB Trade Rumors' tracker. That doesn’t mean it will be—this is more art than science. But I am very confident in the consistency of my methods.

At the very least, this is the first year I’ve really noticed how much I disagree with those fellows over at MLBTradeRumors this year. It will be interesting to see who’s right and who’s wrong.

Here are our notable disagreements:

1. Trevor Rogers

MLBTR: #2
DiamondCentric: #12

I actually think they have a good shot at being right about this, but I committed to the placement because I don’t think he throws hard enough to prevent the league from adjusting. I am an honorable foe.

2. Kaima Taira

MLBTR: #10
DiamondCentric: #21

Taira throws hard but doesn’t strike many hitters out for a guy with stuff like that. Also, because he’s built like Alejandro Kirk or a refrigerator, I think there’s a high chance he ends up a reliever.

3. Brandon Lowe

MLBTR: #11
DiamondCentric: #2

Small-market player, but a very, very good one. I think he’s a safe bet at a position that doesn’t usually supply consistent power.

4. Tyler Mahle

MLBTR: #14
DiamondCentric: #35

Mahle’s injury risk is significant. I’m much more conservative when it comes to injury risks than my adversaries.

5. Dustin May

MLBTR: #22
DiamondCentric: #56

Potential isn’t worth much if you can’t do your job with it. The performance has simply not been good enough.

6. Evan Phillips

MLBTR: #29
DiamondCentric: #55

Tough one to place. Relievers are a volatile bunch, aren’t they?

7. Jake Bauers

MLBTR: #31
DiamondCentric: #15

It really comes down to whether you think 2026 is close to what Bauers really is. This may be his ceiling, but I think the floor is pretty high due to his walks and defense.

8. Hiromi Itoh

MLBTR: #34
DiamondCentric: #109

Itoh strikes me as someone who will need apex command to succeed in the US. His size worries me when it comes to withstanding the more grueling MLB season.

9. JP Crawford

MLBTR: #39
DiamondCentric: #77

I think he’s lucky that this is such a terrible class for shortstops. A lot is riding on getting out of Seattle and fixing his swing.

10. Kris Bubic

MLBTR: #48
DiamondCentric: #63

If we were playing Pictionary and you drew the “injury red flag” prompt, you would draw a picture of Kris Bubic.

11. Taylor Ward

MLBTR: #49
DiamondCentric: #73

Lost all of his power and getting older. His skill set has aged quickly.

12. Gleyber Torres

MLBTR: Honorable Mention
DiamondCentric: #21

I think Torres draws a lot of walks, which will give him a decent enough floor to be relevant in four years. Underrated because he didn’t live up to the hype, but still a solid ballplayer.

13. Alec Bohm

MLBTR: Honorable Mention
DiamondCentric: #30

I have a bias for guys who stay on the field and hit for good contact. Unfortunately for Bohm, he’s a corner infielder who lacks power. Big-time change-of-scenery candidate. Good year for him given the relative lack of quality hitters available.