Alex Bregman, Nick Pivetta Highlight Best MLB Free Agent Signings in Executive Poll
While several high-profile free agent additions—such as Max Fried with the New York Yankees—have delivered strong performances this season, a recent poll of 20 MLB front office executives revealed clear standouts. Some players naturally garnered more attention and praise than others.
Topping the list was Alex Bregman, who earned 40% of the vote (eight total), doubling the total of any other player. In his first 35 games with the Boston Red Sox, Bregman is slashing .317/.396/.583 with a 171 wRC+ and 1.8 fWAR—figures that place him among the league’s elite. At 31, the third baseman is proving to be well worth the three-year, $120 million contract he signed late in the offseason.
While Alex Bregman’s excellence is expected, San Diego Padres starter Nick Pivetta has emerged as one of the season’s biggest surprises. Long known for his inconsistency, Pivetta once faced skepticism for declining the qualifying offer from the Red Sox, but that decision is now paying dividends.
The right-hander secured a four-year, $55 million contract with San Diego and has quickly established himself as the No. 2 starter on one of the National League’s top teams. In six starts spanning 35 1/3 innings, Pivetta boasts a 1.78 ERA and a 2.28 FIP, striking out 29.3% of batters while walking just 6.0%. With 1.3 fWAR already to his name, it’s no surprise he received four votes in Mark Feinsand’s front office poll recognizing the best free agent signings.
The only other player to receive multiple votes in the poll was Pete Alonso, who earned three. The slugger re-signed with the Mets on a team-friendly two-year, $54 million deal, and he’s been on a tear to start the season. Alonso owns a staggering 211 wRC+, second only to Aaron Judge, making it likely he’ll opt out after this season in pursuit of a longer-term contract.
Three other players each received a single vote: Carson Kelly (Cubs), Jorge Polanco (Mariners), and Roki Sasaki (Dodgers). While the vote total curiously adds up to just 18—suggesting two executives may have abstained—it’s easy to see why each earned recognition. Polanco has posted a 1.203 OPS and 1.4 fWAR as a force in Seattle’s lineup, Kelly has shocked the league with a 253 wRC+, and Sasaki, just 23, continues to impress with elite potential and poise well beyond his years.
Leave a Reply