Former MLB Players Hit the CBA Free Agent Market
As the CBA enters it fourth offseason, another crop of free agents has hit the market. This year’s group however, is a bit different as some players with Major League Baseball experience are joining the CBA. Agent Michael Chalmers found a loophole in the bylaws and his clients are now ready to return to baseball. Let’s take a look at these players and where they might end up.CF Joc Pederson
Pederson, a former LA Dodger, saw his MLB career end when the league folded. Pederson has since been a star in the American Dodgeball Association, leading the Des Moines Drillers to the 2025 league title. With the loophole found in the CBA bylaws, Pederson has shockingly retired from the AMA and is one of a handful of former major leaguers looking to get back in to baseball. Pederson still has a great eye and can hit the ball out of the ballpark. He should be a starting outfielder somewhere in the CBA this season.
Possible Destinations: Arizona, Bay Area, Chicago, Cincinnati, New York, Sacramento
Harper’s Prediction: Sacramento
RP Patrick Mahomes
After Mahomes lost the starting quarterback job with the Kansas City Chiefs to Jay Cutler, most sports fans thought we’d seen the last of the former Texas Tech Red Raider. But Mahomes was a highly touted baseball prospect in his younger days and he’s ready to give baseball another try. Patty Football becomes Patty Baseball? Luckily, the CBA doesn’t have a team in Kansas City.
Possible Destinations: Atlanta, Cincinnati, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami
Harper’s Prediction: Los Angeles
C Christian Vasquez
Vasquez, nicknamed Mini Yadi in his MLB days, is returning to the diamond and could immediately be one of the best defensive catchers in the CBA, even at 35 years old.
Possible Destinations: Arizona, Atlanta, Bay Area, Mexico City, Sacramento
Harper’s Prediction: Arizona
SS Andrelton Simmons
Simmons was one of the best defensive shortstops of his time and it’s unlikely he lost that in his time off from the majors. Simmons has spent the last few years playing cricket in the West Indies making some ridiculous catches there without a glove. With baseball in his blood, Simmons will return to the diamond this season. He’s 36 but the former Angel could make a difference for a team looking for a defensive anchor up the middle.
Possible Destinations: Arizona, Bay Area, Cincinnati, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York
Harper’s Prediction: Chicago
CF Billy Hamilton
The reigning MVP of Major League Quidditch is also returning to his baseball roots. After starring as a Snitch for the Cleveland Riff for the last 4 seasons, Hamilton is eager to join the CBA. The speedster looks to plug in as a leadoff hitter and centerfielder in his first season.
Possible Destinations: Arizona, Bay Area, Chicago, Cincinnati, New York, Sacramento
Harper’s Prediction: Bay Area
SS Jurickson Profar
Profar was a prized prospect in his MLB career but never really panned out to the star many thought he would be. With a second shot at baseball, Profar has told teams he will play anywhere. His versatility could prove to be a huge selling point for teams looking to fill a hole in their lineup or add a resourceful piece to their bench.
Possible Destinations: Dallas, DC, Detroit, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Miami, Sacramento
Harper’s Prediction: Mexico City
P Tyler Kolek
Kolek turns 30 this month and still should have plenty of mileage on his arm. It looks like his country music career will be put on hold as he has canceled his tour set for this summer. Disappointed fans will now have to go to the ballpark to see Kolek as he looks to slot in to a team’s rotation straight away.
Possible Destinations: Arizona, Detroit, Florida, Sacramento, Salt Lake City
Harper’s Prediction: Salt Lake City
P Mark Appel
Like Kolek, Appel is a likely starter from day one in the CBA but he is 4 years older than his fellow free agent. Appel announced his retirement from baseball in 2018 but after a failed run on the American Ninja Warrior circuit, the former number 1 overall pick in the MLB draft is coming back to baseball.
Possible Destinations: Arizona, Florida, Houston, Sacramento, Salt Lake City
Harper’s Prediction: Florida
Note: Previously, Matt Chapman was on the list of player’s joining the MLB but Chapman has since pulled his name from the CBA free agency list. He has decided to continue his business career as an In-N-Out Burger chain owner.