5 best/worst MLB free-agent signings of 2014

On the eve of Major League Baseball's free agency period, here's a look back at the five worst and five best free-agent signings of last season.

5 Worst - Hoping for a mulligan

5. Joe Nathan, Detroit Tigers (two years, $20 million)

Hoping to address their bullpen woes following a postseason collapse at the hands of the Boston Red Sox, the Detroit Tigers signed six-time All-Star closer Joe Nathan. The 39-year-old was awful in 62 appearances, posting a 4.81 ERA and career-worst 1.53 WHIP while blowing seven saves. 

4. Curtis Granderson, New York Mets (four years, $60 million)

After four seasons in the Bronx with the Yankees, Curtis Granderson made the $60-million move to Queens and struggled with the expansive dimensions at Citi Field. Granderson slashed .195/.290/.340 over the first half of the season, and despite his play improving at points he finished with a disappointing .227 average and 20 home runs in 155 games.  

3. Ubaldo Jimenez, Baltimore Orioles (4 years, $48 million)

Ubaldo Jimenez's first year with the Orioles was so bad the AL East division winners didn't even include him on their playoff roster. Baltimore's third-highest-paid player finished the season with a 6-9 record and 4.81 ERA in 125 1/3 innings. 

2. Ricky Nolasco, Minnesota Twins (four years, $49 million)

With the Twins hosting the All-Star game, Ricky Nolasco's body of work in 2014 resembled someone auditioning to pitch the home run derby, as opposed to someone expected to lead the rotation. The 31-year-old posted one of the most agonizing campaigns of his career, going 6-13 with a 5.38 ERA and a career-worst 1.51 WHIP while allowing 22 long balls in 159 innings. 

1. Shin-Soo Choo, Texas Rangers (seven years, $130 million)

The Rangers made a monumental splash signing Shin-Soo Choo, and he rewarded them with the worst season of his 10-year career. Choo slashed .242/.340/.374 with 13 home runs, 40 RBIs and 131 strikeouts in 123 games. Luckily for Rangers fans, the 32-year-old only has six years remaining on his deal.

5 Best - Money well spent 

5. Phil Hughes, Minnesota Twins (three years, $24 million)

While Nolasco bombed, Phil Hughes proved to be a pleasant surprise. The right-hander notched a 16-10 record while crafting a 3.52 ERA and career-best 11.63 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 209 2/3 innings. Hughes was even generous enough to let the Twins keep some of their money. 

4. Fernando Rodney, Seattle Mariners (two years, $14 million)

Rodney was one of a pair of big signings by the Mariners last season - Robinson Cano's $240-million deal being the other - and the closer performed admirably in Seattle en route to his second career All-Star appearance. The right-hander converted 48 saves and posted a 2.85 ERA with 76 strikeouts in 66 1/3 innings. 

3. Rajai Davis, Detroit Tigers (two years, $10 million)

Rajai Davis was initially signed to be a fourth outfielder in Detroit, but the 34-year-old took over in center field following the July trade of Austin Jackson. Davis's injection of speed was a valued addition to a Tigers lineup that has its fair share of base-cloggers. In 134 games, he hit .282/.320/.401 with eight home runs, 27 doubles, 51 RBIs and 36 stolen bases. 

2. Justin Morneau, Colorado Rockies (two years, $12.5 million)

The thin air at Coors Field might have resurrected Justin Morneau's career. The oft-injured first baseman won an NL batting title after posting a .319 average - his highest mark since 2010 - while clubbing 17 home runs and driving in 82 in 135 games. 

1. Nelson Cruz, Baltimore Orioles (one year, $8 million)

Nelson Cruz was the biggest bargain of any player last season. Coming off a 50-game suspension in 2013 for his link to the Biogenesis clinic, Cruz responded to the Orioles' faith in signing him by hitting a league-leading 40 home runs, in addition to slashing .271/.333/.525 and driving in 108 runs.