This year, there were many players who stood out and had quality seasons.  Many of said players were in their contract year and are now free agents heading into next season.  Here’s a look at 10 of the most underrated free agents.

10. Bartolo Colon, Starting Pitcher

After serving his 50-game suspension last year, the Oakland A’s re-signed Colon and brought him back for one more year, and what a season it was for the 40-year-old pitcher.  He finished the season with an 18-6 record, 2.65 ERA, and 117 strikeouts.  His age will play a factor when teams consider signing him, but this season, the All-Star proved he’s not done with baseball.

9. Stephen Drew, Shortstop

While Drew has had his injury woes, he’s still one of the better players in the game.  Although his average and stats may not be appealing, they are normally higher than most shortstops.  Drew finished 2013 batting .253 with 13 homeruns and 67 RBI.  Drew can add a lot to a team including quite a few playoff experiences. 

8. David DeJesus, Outfielder

DeJesus has been on his fair share of teams and has become a versatile player.  He can play all three outfield positions and add some pop to a lineup.  DeJesus finished the 2013 season batting .260 with eight homeruns and 38 RBI.  He won’t cost much, but can be of value to many clubs.

7. Bronson Arroyo, Starting Pitcher

The starting pitcher has had many quality starts for the Reds this year, but his stats don’t necessarily show it.  Arroyo finished the season with a 14-10 record, a 3.79 ERA, and 124 strikeouts.  He may fly under the radar this offseason, but can add a lot to a rotation.

6. Joaquin Benoit, Relief Pitcher/Closer

Benoit served as the Detroit Tigers closer this year and did well in the role.  He finished the season with a 4-1 record, 2.01 ERA, 24 saves and 73 strikeouts.  Benoit has value and can add some late bullpen depth to teams in need.

5. Lyle Overbay, First Baseman

Overbay played well for a depleted Yankees team this year.  The first baseman hit .240 with 14 homeruns and 59 RBI.  Not outstanding numbers, but sufficient nonetheless.  He could benefit a team without them having to spend a lot of money.

4. David Murphy, Outfielder

Murphy has provided many big hits for the Texas Rangers over the years, but isn’t given much credit due to to the other big name guys on the club.  He’s also made quite a few impressive plays in the field.  This season he hit .220 with 13 homeruns and 45 RBI.  Murphy provides some depth and can be a quality off the bench player for many teams and a lower price than most.

3.  Juan Uribe, Third Baseman

Uribe had a very nice 2013 season as he batted .278 with 12 homeruns and 50 RBI for the Los Angeles Dodgers.  He’s an experiences player with a lot of postseason play.  Uribe could help improve teams while providing a veteran presence.

2. Dioner Navarro, Catcher

2013 was one of the best seasons for Navarro as he batted .300 with 13 homeruns and 34 RBI.  Not only were his numbers at the plate some of his best, but he made some great plays behind the plate as well.  There’s a few catchers on the free agent market, and Navarro won’t be in high demand, but a team can strike a bargain by picking him up. 

1. Justin Morneau, First Baseman

The long time Minnesota Twins first baseman finished the 2013 season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, which was quite odd to see. The last few seasons, he’s had his struggles and has had some health issues, but still provides a threat at the plate with a power bat.  He finished the season batting .259 with 17 homeruns and 77 RBI.  Morneau has flown under the radar for awhile, but is still one of the better in the game, and he can greatly help numerous ball clubs.