Free agency is officially underway, and GMs have their target lists and rankings pulled up on their computers and smartphones, or posted on dry-erase or magnetic boards in their offices. They’re engaged with the agents for these players and have already begun initial negotiations.



What is always fascinating around this time is how teams view players who are similar in talent. Each organization’s preferences can be based on specific team needs, present infrastructure, preferring one tool over another or liking one player’s make-up and character more. For example, a team looking for a middle-of-the-lineup corner outfield bat is probably looking at Nicholas Castellanos and Marcell Ozuna, the two best on the open market this offseason. GMs and evaluators I’ve talked to are split on which one they prefer for various reasons.



I thought it might be a fun exercise to go through some of the free agents who evaluators think are similar in this...