3 free agents who will still be looking for work in February

Free agent activity is at a virtual standstill over the Christmas break, but the market is sure to heat up in the new year.

Several big names such as Max Scherzer, James Shields and Asdrubal Cabrera are expected to sign in January, but other lower tier free agents may not find new homes until pitchers and catchers report a month later.

Here are three free agents who will still be looking for work in February:

Stephen Drew

Drew, like Scherzer, is a client of agent Scott Boras who is notorious for waiting until deep into the offseason to negotiate contracts. The veteran shortstop didn't sign until mid-May a year ago, ultimately signing a one-year, $10-million contract with the Boston Red Sox, and he could be sidelined again before finding work this spring. Although he won't have draft pick compensation attached to him this time around.

The long layoff was reflected in Drew's stats, as his .162/.237/.299 slash line suggests. Drew isn't known for his offensive skills, though, and has value as a defensive specialist. Clubs won't give him anything near the $10 million he earned in 2014, but getting spring at-bats should help improve his numbers in 2015. Proven shortstops are hard to find, so you can bet someone will take a gamble on Drew as spring training inches closer.

Kelly Johnson

Johnson bounced around between three American League East teams last season, a result of his declining numbers since a breakout 2010 campaign with the Arizona Diamondbacks (.284, 26 home runs, 71 RBIs). The 32-year-old can no longer be considered a starter, but his versatility in the field makes him an intriguing option as a bench player.

Johnson can play the corner outfield spots, as well as first base, second base and third base, which could be particularly helpful for a National League squad. His deteriorating speed may hamper his ability to play the outfield in the future, but every manager needs a left-handed bat off the bench to call on late in games. Expect clubs to wait until the last minute before pursuing him in order to potentially get a discount.

Aaron Harang

Harang's career appeared to be in a steep decline until the Atlanta Braves took a chance on him in 2014. The right-hander was banished to the minor leagues in 2013, but after a rash of pitching injuries, the Braves signed him to a big-league contract last season. The 36-year-old posted an incredible 0.70 ERA in his first four starts, and worked to a 12-12 record with a 3.57 ERA in 33 outings for Atlanta.

Harang should find work as a depth starter in 2015, but there are a number of younger pitchers on the market that are more desirable. Once Scherzer and Shields decide on their respective futures, teams still seeking pitching upgrades will turn to Ryan Vogelsong and Harang to fill the void.