The 2014 class of free agent was one of the best in recent history, with Robinson Cano leading a pack of multiple All-Stars looking for new contracts with possibly news teams. However, these players were expected to succeed. What about those who have outperformed expectations?

Here are the most surprising free agents so far:

Nelson Cruz, LF/DH, Baltimore Orioles

Yes, Cruz has been a reliable 20+ home run hitter in his career, but no one expected him to get off to the start that he did with the Orioles. After a lengthy suspension last season and a free agent holdout of sorts, Cruz hit 20 home runs in his first 53 games, which led the league at that point.

Cruz hit the long ball, drove in runs and kept his average around .300. He currently has 23 home runs, 60 RBI and a .293 batting average. It was a wonderful return for the $8 million investment for the Orioles.

Kurt Suzuki, C, Minnesota Twins

Suzuki was not one of the highest regarded catchers on the market this offseason, batting .232 with five home runs last season with the Oakland Athletics. However, he found a groove offensively this season.

Suzuki is currently batting .321 with the Twins, with 68 hits and 32 RBI so far this season. The Twins did not envision another catcher batting over .300 when Joe Mauer left the position, but they’ve found a gem in from this year’s free agent market.

Casey McGehee, 3B, Miami Marlins

Last year, McGehee was playing baseball in Japan. The Marlins came into this offseason knowing they needed a third baseman, and McGehee surfaced for them and the team signed him to a one-year deal in December.

McGehee has been a steal for the Marlins, who sit 2.5 games back of first place in the NL East. He is batting .307 with 44 RBI, giving the Marlins the third baseman they wanted this offseason.

Scott Kazmir, SP, Oakland Athletics

Kazmir has been through a roller coaster in the past few years, but he landed in Oakland after starting for the Cleveland Indians last season. Kazmir joined the team and has played a huge role in the No. 1 Athletics’ pitching staff.

Kazmir is an astounding 9-2 with a 2.08 ERA and 80 strikeouts on the season. He ranks third in the entire league in ERA, which is incredible given that he was also playing in Japan a few years ago.

Masahiro Tanaka, SP, New York Yankees

Tanaka had big expectations entering this season, after signing with the Yankees for $155 million. However, not many planned on Tanaka having the success he has so far in 2014.

The Yankees’ top starter leads the league with 11 wins, ranks fourth in ERA at 2.11 and strikeouts with 119. Tanaka has been a huge contributor to the Yankees’ 39-35 record and could be a candidate for Cy Young and Rookie of the Year.

Tim Hudson, SP, San Francisco Giants

At 38, many believed Hudson was far beyond his prime and the 3.97 ERA in 2013 fueled those worries.  However, the Giants took a chance on him this offseason and he has overperformed for the NL-leading team.

Hudson is 7-3 with a 2.39 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP. Those aren’t numbers fans are used to seeing from a 38-year-old.