The 2023 MLB season is now in the books, leading way for a highly anticipated offseason with a huge amount of big names on the market. Of course, the trade market is expected to heat up with big names such as Juan Soto, Dylan Cease, Corbin Burnes, and more likely to be shopped around. We also have a huge free agent class, one that isn’t as stacked with bats as the last few, but moreso high end rotation arms. Japanese phenom Yoshinobu Yamamoto headlines the bunch, with MLB stars Blake Snell, Clayton Kershaw, Aaron Nola, and more hitting the market. So as we do every year, here is my 2024 offseason MLB free agent predictions. A full slate of the top tier players with write-ups on each of my choices, as well as secondary guys. All and all, containing my top 65 players available with where they end up and what contract they get. I hope you enjoy!
TOP TIER:
Mitch Garver
C/DH | Age: 33 | Career: MIN ’17-’21, TEX ’22-’23
Achievements: WS Champion (’23), 1x Silver Slugger
From: Texas | To: Tampa Bay | Contract: 2 years, $27m
Other Potential Options: Texas, Washington, Miami
2023 Season Stats: .270 AVG, 19 HR, 50 RBI, .870 OPS
Garver had a resurgent year in 2023 as the primary backup to Jonah Heim as well as primary DH. His power numbers remained impressive and he will look to demand a 2 or 3 year deal at 33 as a main DH who can man the backstop if need be. The Rangers may want his services back but it’s likely they go a different route. The Rays seem like a solid option for a cheap deal to help out the middle of the lineup while giving them flexibility for off days for Rene Pinto and Francisco Mejia.
Yasmani Grandal
C | Age: 35 | Career: SD ’12-’14, LAD ’15-’18, MIL ’19, CWS ’20-’23
Achievements: 2x All-Star
From: CHI White Sox | To: Cincinnati | Contract: 1 year, $7m
Other Potential Options: Tampa Bay, Baltimore, LA Angels, Washington
2023 Stats: .234 AVG, 8 HR, 33 RBI, .647 OPS
Grandal’s 4-year deal with the White Sox is up and he will look to latch on somewhere else as Chicago moves into rebuild mode. He still has defensive capabilities as one of the best framers in the game, as well as a high on-base guy although his average and power has dipped with age. Heading into his age-35 season, he will most likely settle on a 1-year deal as a backup catcher/DH. The Rays, Orioles, and Nationals could all be in the market for the cheap veteran to be their primary DH. But the Reds have a need at backup catcher behind Tyler Stephenson as well as a lefty bat to DH to replace Joey Votto.
Rhys Hoskins
1B | Age: 31 | Career: PHI ’17-’23
From: Philadelphia | To: CHI Cubs | Contract: 4 years, $74m ($20m Player Option for Year 4)
Other Potential Options: Philadelphia, San Francisco, Boston, NY Yankees
DNP – Tore his ACL
Hoskins was the backbone of the 2022 Phillies that made that historic run to the World Series, but a Spring Training injury kept him sidelined while the team made it back to the NLCS in 2023. Now entering free agency it seems Hoskins’ Phillies era has ended, with Bryce Harper set to move to 1B long-term and the DH being filled up. This gives a few big options, including the Giants and Red Sox who could use him as a DH. But the Cubs will be looking to build, and a gaping hole is open at 1B while a big power bat for the middle of the lineup is also needed. This seems like quite a solid fit.
C.J. Cron
1B | Age: 34 | Career: LAA ’14-’17/’23, TB ’18, MIN ’19, DET ’20, COL ’21-’23
Achievements: 1x All-Star
From: LA Angels | To: Minnesota | Contract: 2 years, $16m ($10m Team Option for Year 2)
Other Potential Options: Milwaukee, Miami, CHI White Sox
2023 Stats: .248 AVG, 12 HR, 37 RBI, .729 OPS
Cron has had a resurgence over the past few years as one of the best power hitters in the game while taking full advantage of the friendly confines in Colorado. He’s still a capable 1B and should demand a 1 or 2 year deal with an option for a team that needs a jolt of power in the lineup. The Brewers and White Sox have needs at 1B and should be players for Cron, but I think he ultimately returns to the Twins at the very least as a band-aid as a primary DH.
Whit Merrifield
2B/CF | Age: 35 | Career: KC ’16-’22, TOR ’22-’23
Achievements: 3x All-Star, 3x AL Stolen Base leader (’17,’18,’21)
From: Toronto | To: Boston | Contract: 3 years, $42m
Other Potential Options: Toronto, Cleveland, LA Angels, LA Dodgers
2023 Stats: .272 AVG, 11 HR, 67 RBI, 26 SB
For the first time in his 8-year MLB career, Merrifield is set to hit free agency heading into his age-35 season. As a utility man playing both 2B and OF while being a high average/stolen base guy, he’ll boost the top of the order for whoever he signs with. He should command a 2 or 3 year deal in my opinion, as even as he pushes his late 30’s, it hasn’t seemed to slow his bat or speed down. The Blue Jays and Guardians should be huge players as two contenders with needs at 2B, CF and top of the order depth. The Red Sox though have some money to spend and need a solid every day 2B to pair with Trevor Story in the middle infield. They should be hard after Whit.
Tim Anderson
SS | Age: 30 | Career: CWS ’16-’23
Achievements: 2x All-Star, 1x Silver Slugger, AL Batting champion (’19)
From: CHI White Sox | To: LA Angels | Contract: 3 years, $36m
Other Potential Options: San Francisco, Cleveland, CHI Cubs
2023 Stats: .245 AVG, 1 HR, 25 RBI, 13 SB
After ending his long tenure with the White Sox, Anderson is set to hit the market for the first time after possibly the worst year of his career. A fresh start somewhere else should bode the skilled hitting short stop well though, and at only 30 he should demand a multi-year deal. The Guardians have a potential vacancy at SS, but flexibility as a 2B may widen the opportunities for him. I think the Angels seem to be a good fit, a team that may be on the brink of needing a new identity with Ohtani’s free agency pending. The Halos also have no immediate prospects on the horizon at SS and can use a skilled bat at the top of the lineup.
Amed Rosario
SS/2B | Age: 28 | Career: NYM ’17-’20, CLE ’21-’23, LAD ’23
Achievements: AL Triples leader (’22)
From: LA Dodgers | To: CHI White Sox | Contract: 4 years, $52m ($13m Player Option for Year 4)
Other Potential Options: San Francisco, LA Angels, CHI Cubs
2023 Stats: .263 AVG, 6 HR, 53 RBI, 15 SB
While he was the #1 prospect in all of baseball in 2017, Rosario hasn’t lived up to his star potential. But despite not being a star, he has carved out a solid 7-year career with a career .272 AVG and 96 SB. At only 28, he has plenty of room to still improve while giving flexibility to play short, second, and the outfield. The White Sox are set to move on from veteran Tim Anderson, and with no real big-time infielder prospects on the horizon, bringing in Rosario to take over SS makes so much sense. His age fits their timeline well and can develop into the core of a team in a half rebuild. Luis Robert, Yoan Moncada, and Eloy Jimenez are the young guys the White Sox are relying on and Rosario can be a great piece to add to that.
Matt Chapman
3B | Age: 31 | Career: OAK ’17-’21, TOR ’22-’23
Achievements: 1x All-Star, 4x Gold Glove, 2x Platinum Glove
From: Toronto | To: San Francisco | Contract: 7 years, $165.2m (3yrs/$70.8m Player Option for Years 5-7)
Other Potential Options: Toronto, Milwaukee, Arizona, LA Dodgers
2023 Stats: .240 AVG, 17 HR, 54 RBI, .755 OPS
Chapman has been one of the league’s best defensive 3B since his call up in 2017, securing a 4th gold glove this year and having a solid season with the bat. He is probably the most highly sought after infielder on the market, and is drawing interest from anyone with an unproven 3B. Because of his skilled glove, power bat, and only 31 years old, he should demand a contract just north of $150m. The Blue Jays are going to try hard to retain him, and I expect the D-Backs and Brewers to be in the mix as well. But the Giants, have a huge hole at 3B, and after a year removed from nearly signing Carlos Correa to a massive deal, they should be deep in the mix for Chapman. I think they come away with him, offering him much more than anyone else while pairing him with Marco Luciano as the future of the left side of the infield in San Fran.
Jeimer Candelario
3B/1B | Age: 30 | Career: CHC ’16-’17/’23, DET ’17-’22, WSH ’23
From: CHI Cubs | To: Toronto | Contract: 4 years, $60m ($15m Team Option for Year 4)
Other Potential Options: CHI Cubs, LA Angels, San Francisco
2023 Stats: .251 AVG, 22 HR, 70 RBI, .807 OPS
While being not much more than a role player for several years in Detroit, Candelario found consistency in 2023 with a decent glove at third and some much improved power in the lineup. He heads into his age-30 season and can easily demand a 4-year contract from a team that may miss out on Matt Chapman as their top choice. The Cubs will definitely ponder over a return, and the Angels could use his flexibility with all of Rendon’s injuries. But if the Blue Jays miss out on re-signing Chapman, this is their clear pivot in free agency. A much cheaper option that could fit the middle of their lineup well. He’s practically a poor man’s Chapman, but a good option over having Cavan Biggio man the hot corner everyday.
Evan Longoria
3B | Age: 38 | Career: TB ’08-’17, SF ’18-’22, ARI ’23
Achievements: 4x All-Star, 3x Gold Glove, 1x Silver Slugger, AL Rookie of the Year (’08), Hit for the cycle (’17)
From: Arizona | To: Cleveland | Contract: 1 year, $5m
Other Potential Options: Arizona, Tampa Bay, Detroit, San Diego
2023 Stats: .223 AVG, 11 HR, 28 RBI, .717 OPS
Longoria got a lot more than he signed up for when he took a 1-year deal with the D-Backs last offseason, making it all the way back to the World Series for the first time since his rookie year in Tampa when they lost to the Phillies in 2008. Now heading into his age-38 season, I’m sure he will ponder retirement while also looking around for teams who will take a flyer on him. His bat and glove are not nearly the same, and he fell into a platoon role in Arizona by the end of the year. The Guardians need to bring in more veterans and this could be a perfect fit for him to be a platoon DH while being on a competitor if he decides to play in 2024.
Cody Bellinger
CF/1B | Age: 28 | Career: LAD ’17-’22, CHC ’23
Achievements: WS Champion (’20), NL MVP (’19), NL Rookie of the Year (’17), NL Comeback Player of the Year (’23), NLCS MVP (’18), 2x All-Star, 1x Gold Glove, 1x Silver Slugger, 1x All-MLB First Team (’19)
From: CHI Cubs | To: CHI Cubs | Contract: 8 years, $252m (5yrs/$157.5m Player Option for Years 4-8)
Other Potential Options: NY Yankees, LA Angels, Minnesota, San Francisco, LA Dodgers
2023 Stats: .307 AVG, 26 HR, 97 RBI, .881 OPS
After getting non-tendered by LA last offseason, Belly’s career looked like it was crumbling down, that was until he landed with the Cubs. He signed a 1-year prove it deal and couldn’t have capitalized any better, as he’s en route to a huge payday this offseason. With the kinds of deals we saw last offseason for OF’s it’s not far fetched that he’ll demand somewhere in the range of 7-9 years. The Yankees, Angels, and Giants all have big needs in the outfield and could use another bat as well. But the Cubs are going to be big players with Craig Counsell set to take the helm, and Bellinger should be the top bat to bring back.
Teoscar Hernández
RF | Age: 31 | Career: HOU ’16-’17, TOR ’17-’22, SEA ’23
Achievements: 1x All-Star, 2x Silver Slugger, 1x All-MLB Second Team
From: Seattle | To: Cincinnati | Contract: 4 years, $90m
Other Potential Options: Arizona, NY Mets, Boston, Toronto, Miami
2023 Stats: .258 AVG, 26 HR, 93 RBI, .741 OPS
Teoscar has been one of the league’s quietest power hitters over the past half decade, recording no less than 22 homers every year since 2018 (excluding the shortened 2020 season where he hit 16 in just 50 games). Now on the market for the first time at only 31, he’ll draw plenty of interest from teams looking for an extra power bat. He could easily demand right around $100m total in a 4 or 5 year deal. The Red Sox, D-Backs, Marlins, and Blue Jays are all teams that will kick the tires and are in need of another DH/OF power bat. The Reds though are on the brink of becoming a contender, and with their stacked infield of prospects, their outfield is pretty decimate. Adding Hernandez to that lineup could be a deadly addition, and one that puts the Reds over the edge offensively.
Lourdes Gurriel Jr.
LF | Age: 30 | Career: TOR ’18-’22, ARI ’23
Achievements: 1x All-Star
From: Arizona | To: Arizona | Contract: 6 years, $130m
Other Potential Options: Seattle, Toronto, Boston, San Francisco
2023 Stats: .261 AVG, 24 HR, 82 RBI, .772 OPS
Gurriel has been consistently solid throughout his career but shined in his contract year for the NL champion D-Backs. At only 30, and as a consistent high average and power hitter, he’ll demand somewhere north of $100m for 5 or 6 years. A couple of early options are the Mariners, Red Sox, and Giants, who all need bats and OF help badly, with the Mariners being the strongest of those three. But if Tommy Pham leaves in free agency, it’ll be crucial for Arizona to bring back their second most consistent hitter behind Corbin Carroll. I think this is a must re-sign for the Diamondbacks after everything he provided throughout their historic 2023 season.
Joc Pederson
CF/DH | Age: 32 | Career: LAD ’14-’20, CHC ’21, ATL ’21, SF ’22-’23
Achievements: 2x WS Champion (’20,’21), 2x All-Star
From: San Francisco | To: NY Yankees | Contract: 2 years, $33m
Other Potential Options: San Francisco, Baltimore, Arizona, Seattle
2023 Stats: .235 AVG, 15 HR, 51 RBI, .764 OPS
I know, I said this exact same thing last year right before he signed the Qualifying Offer, but Joc to the Yankees NEEDS to happen. It’s really a match made in heaven in my eyes, and 2022 further proved this with the amount of offensive struggles the Yanks suffered through. There’s a gaping hole in CF, especially with Jasson Dominguez set to miss the majority of 2024. Pederson can flex in CF and as a DH and give them the power lefty bat they lack in a stadium that’s built for a player like him. If not the Yanks, the Orioles and Mariners are intriguing teams to make a run at him.
Tommy Pham
OF | Age: 36 | Career: STL ’14-’18, TB ’18-’19, SD ’20-’21, CIN ’22, BOS ’22, NYM ’23, ARI ’23
From: Arizona | To: Seattle | Contract: 3 years, $33m
Other Potential Options: Arizona, NY Mets, NY Yankees, CHI Cubs, LA Dodgers
2023 Stats: .256 AVG, 16 HR, 68 RBI, .774 OPS
Tommy Pham revived his career after signing a cheap deal with the Mets to be their 4th outfielder. At one point he was even the team’s most consistent hitter, as he was sent to Arizona and became a key piece to their playoff run. Many people differ on what he’s going to demand heading into his age-36 season, but my guess is somewhere in $9m-$12m AAV range for 2 or 3 years. The Cubs, Mets, and D-Backs may be three of his hottest suitors and will all look at him more as a DH. But with Teoscar Hernandez’s departure, a stop gap LF for the Mariners is just what they need, and Pham can help out their lineup in so many ways. A Pham, Rodriguez, Kelenic outfield heading into 2024 doesn’t sound too bad.
Harrison Bader
CF | Age: 29 | Career: STL ’17-’22, NYY ’22-’23, CIN ’23
Achievements: 1x Gold Glove
From: Cincinnati | To: Toronto | Contract: 4 years, $44m ($11m Team Option for Year 4)
Other Potential Options: Kansas City, Boston, Cincinnati
2023 Stats: .232 AVG, 7 HR, 40 RBI, 20 SB
Bader has been one of the games best CF’s over the past few seasons, as a speed demon on the base paths as well as a defensive wizard. And at only 29, he’ll easily demand a contract in the range of 4 or so years. Teams that need a piece to build around (such as Royals) or a team in need of a defensive piece and a lead off bat (Blue Jays and Reds) will shop him. If the Blue Jays have plenty of power bats, and with Kevin Kiermaier’s potential departure, Bader would be a great fit to slot in with Daulton Varsho and George Springer in that OF.
Shohei Ohtani
DH/SP | Age: 29 | Career: LAA ’18-’23
Achievements: 2x AL MVP (’21,’23), 3x All-Star, 2x Silver Slugger, AL Rookie of the Year (’18), AL Homerun leader (’23), AL Triples leader (’21), 2x All-MLB First Team (’21,’22), 2x All-MLB Second Team (’21,’22)
From: LA Angels/ To: LA Dodgers/ Contract: 8 years, $386m ($53m Player Option for Year 8)
Other Potential Options: CHI Cubs, NY Mets, LA Angels, Boston, Seattle
2023 Stats: .304 AVG, 44 HR, 95 RBI, 1.066 OPS | 10-5, 3.14 ERA, 167 Ks, 1.06 WHIP
Ohtani is without a doubt the big fish in this year’s free agent class and several teams are closely linked. After a second major injury to his arm, the 2024 season will likely be just a hitting one for Shohei who has accomplished things we’ve never seen before in both hitting and pitching. That, I think, will directly effect his free agent stock as the years will still be hefty but AAV may take a hit. His future as a two-way talent will always be in question of how long he can keep it up, and especially now with the injuries. Regardless, the Dodgers and Mets seem to be the biggest suitors with a return to the Angels, Red Sox, Mariners, and Cubs being dark horses. Ultimately he probably will land with the Dodgers and stay in L.A. 8 for 386 may seem low to some, but it is still $48.25m AAV which should be right around what he’s worth.
J.D. Martinez
DH | Age: 36 | Career: HOU ’11-’13, DET ’14-’17, ARI ’17, BOS ’18-’22, LAD ’23
Achievements: WS Champion (’18), 6x All-Star, 3x Silver Slugger, AL RBI leader (’18)
From: LA Dodgers | To: CHI Cubs | Contract: 2 years, $30m ($15m Player Option for Year 2)
Other Potential Options: LA Dodgers, Texas, NY Mets
2023 Stats: .271 AVG, 33 HR, 103 RBI, .893 OPS
J.D. followed up a very questionable 2022 season that saw a huge lack in power with an offensive outbreak for the Dodgers as their DH. This led to his 6th all-star selection and will enter free agency in a better position that landed him a $10m deal last year. Heading into his age-36 season, a 2-year deal should not be off the table, as we’ve been able to see some of the best DH’s in the game keep it going until their 40’s. The Mets, Dodgers, and Rangers, who are all in the race for Shohei will have JD as their backup option. But if the Dodgers take Ohtani, the new look Cubs could throw a lot of money at Martinez to help bolster their offense.
Jorge Soler
DH | Age: 32 | Career: CHC ’14-’16, KC ’17-’21, ATL ’21, MIA ’22-’23
Achievements: 2x WS Champion (’16,’21), WS MVP (’21), 1x All-Star, AL Homerun leader (’19)
From: Miami | To: NY Mets | Contract: 3 years, $49.5m ($16.5m Team Option for Year 3)
Other Potential Options: Boston, LA Dodgers, Texas
2023 Stats: .250 AVG, 36 HR, 75 RBI, .853 OPS
Soler is coming off of his best year since 2019, playing 138 games and slugging 36 bombs with an .853 OPS. Early in his career, injuries left Soler on the shelf for a while, and although he still misses time here and there, his move to DH has helped him stay on the field. He’ll have several suitors in the 3 or 4 year range at only 32 and one of the biggest power threats in the league. Again, contenders like the Dodgers and Rangers will check in but he fits perfectly for a team in Queens. The Mets need a real DH and someone they can rely on to slot in and provide pure power. He’s the only must get bat for the Mets in my opinion with all of their upcoming prospects. Adding him next to Pete Alonso in the middle of that order can bolster their offense to the extreme.
Justin Turner
DH/3B | Age: 39 | Career: BAL ’09-’10, NYM ’10-’13, LAD ’14-’22, BOS ’23
Achievements: WS Champion (’20), NLCS MVP (’17), 2x All-Star
From: Boston | To: Arizona | Contract: 1 year, $18m
Other Potential Options: San Diego, Boston, NY Mets, Baltimore
2023 Stats: .276 AVG, 27 HR, 93 RBI, .800 OPS
In his first year away from the Dodgers in nearly a decade, Turner moved from 3B to becoming a primary DH and his bat benefited big time. This will become the new trend for the 39-year-old as not too many teams will be looking at signing him to be their 3B. Turner is just a quality hitter, always has been, and now as he pushes 40 he may have a couple of valuable years left. The Padres, Mets, and Orioles could all be solid fits while a reunion with the Red Sox can’t be ruled out. If the Diamondbacks lose Tommy Pham they will need a good veteran DH as they push to not only make it back to the World Series but possibly even win the NL West. Bringing Turner back to the west coast could be a great match for both parties.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto
SP/ Age: 25/ Career: Orix (NPB) ’17-’23
NPB Achievements: NPB Champion, 2x PL MVP, 3x Eiji Sawamura (Cy Young) Award, 3x PL ERA leader, 2x Gold Glove, 2 No-Hitters
From: Orix/ To: NY Mets/ Contract: 7 years, $210m
Other Potential Options: NY Yankees, Philadelphia, LA Dodgers, San Francisco, LA Angels, CHI Cubs
2023 NPB Stats: 17-6, 1.16 ERA, 176 Ks, 0.86 WHIP
It isn’t often that I include the foreign free agents (mainly because I don’t know much about them) but Yamamoto is the exception with how much hype he’s garnishing. Yoshi is referred to as a generational talent by scouts, and several teams will be pushing hard for him to aid their rotation. He’s projected to exceed $200m in a deal that should be 7+ years due to him only being 25. The Yankees, Dodgers, Giants, and Cubs are all going to make a huge bid but one team needs him more than any. The Mets depletion at SP led to their abysmal 2023 season, and a star like Yoshi to add to all-star rookie Kodai Senga is just what they need to propel them back. The Mets should match any offer for the young phenom to become their ace of the future. If you think you’ve seen Mets fans mad, just wait for our reaction if Yamamoto doesn’t wind up a Met.
Clayton Kershaw
SP | Age: 36 | Career: LAD ’08-’23
Achievements: WS Champion (’20), 3x NL Cy Young (’11,’13,’14), NL MVP (’14), 10x All-Star, 1x Gold Glove, 3x NL Wins leader (’11,’14,’17), 5x NL ERA leader (’11-’14,’17), 3x NL Strikeout leader (’11,’13,’15), 1x All-MLB Second Team (’20), Triple Crown (’11), No-Hitter (’14)
From: LA Dodgers | To: LA Dodgers | Contract: 2 years, $60m
Other Potential Options: San Diego, Texas, Houston
2023 Stats: 13-5, 2.46 ERA, 137 Ks, 1.06 WHIP
It is now the third straight year of Kershaw hitting free agency, and the previous two haven’t seemed to cause any real drama of him potentially leaving LA. He settled on 1-year deals both times, and now with him slated to miss the first few months of 2024, this may be the best time to move on if the team wants to. But I don’t think they do, and I think Kershaw and the Dodgers are looking to keep him in LA for the entirety of his career. This time I think he signs a 2-year deal, compensating for the time he will miss next year and for a much increased AAV due to the money they have coming off of the books. I also don’t anticipate the Dodgers making many SP moves besides Kershaw and Ohtani, whom will both be more of 2025 pieces. Gonsolin, May, Buehler, Miller, and Sheehan should hold down the rotation in 2024.
Blake Snell
SP | Age: 31 | Career: TB ’16-’20, SD ’21-’23
Achievements: 2x Cy Young (’18,’23), 1x All-Star, AL Wins leader (’18), 2x ERA leader (’18,’23)
From: San Diego | To: Philadelphia | Contract: 6 years, $171m ($28.5m Player Option for Year 5)
Other Potential Options: Seattle, LA Dodgers, Boston, Toronto
2023 Stats: 14-9, 2.25 ERA, 234 Ks, 1.19 WHIP
After securing his second Cy Young, Snell chose the perfect time to have a career year as he heads to free agency. The Padres don’t seem like they’ll put up much of a fight to retain him, after spending big on Darvish and Musgrove and focusing on Soto. The Mariners and Red Sox are two teams that I think are incredibly sneaky in his sweepstakes, as both have some money and are intriguing destinations where he could become the ace in Boston and join a stacked rotation in Seattle. But the Phillies will most likely either retain Nola or replace him, and in my opinion, they may choose to upgrade with Snell. Nola has had the more consistent career, but Snell brings them a new ace and upside they haven’t seen outside of Wheeler. Plus he’s a great security blanket if Wheeler walks in next year’s free agency.
Aaron Nola (WRITTEN BEFORE HE RE-SIGNED WITH PHILADELPHIA)
SP | Age: 30 | Career: PHI ’15-’23
Achievements: 1x All-Star
From: Philadelphia | To: St. Louis | Contract: 5 years, $130m
Other Notable Options: Philadelphia, NY Mets, NY Yankees, San Francisco, Boston
2023 Stats: 12-9, 4.46 ERA, 202 Ks, 1.15 WHIP
Since his call up in 2015, Aaron Nola has been the lynchpin of the Phillies rotation with overall consistent dominance. His numbers haven’t been as sexy over the past couple of seasons, but his strikeout rate is still high and his postseason numbers speak for themselves. He should demand an easy 5 or 6 year deal as he enters his age-30 season. The Phillies will look to bring him back, while the Mets, Yankees, and Giants all will be heavy shoppers for starting pitching help. But the Cardinals had one of the most disapointing seasons a year ago and need to land an ace this offseason. With Adam Wainwright retiring for good, they’ll need someone to join Miles Mikolas, Steven Matz, and Dakota Hudson in the top of the rotation. He’ll immediately join a storied franchise as their ace of the future.
Sonny Gray
SP | Age: 34 | Career: OAK ’13-’17, NYY ’17-’18, CIN ’19-’21, MIN ’22-’23
Achievements: 3x All-Star
From: Minnesota | To: Boston | Contract: 3 years, $61m
Other Notable Options: Minnesota, Cincinnati, LA Angels, Baltimore, NY Mets
2023 Stats: 8-8, 2.79 ERA, 183 Ks, 1.15 WHIP
Sonny Gray has had an absolute resurgence since leaving the Yankees in 2018, putting up stellar numbers for the Reds and Twins and landing as a finalist for the AL Cy Young this year. He has been through a lot and will enter his age-34 season, so a 3 year deal seems like it will be where he caps out at. The Twins and Reds would like him to rejoin, while the Angels and Orioles are wild cards to make a strong push for the veteran ace. But Boston is pretty close to being able to compete and need another good veteran in their rotation. Chris Sale, Brayan Bello, and Nick Pivetta should be the headliners early on with a handful of young talent fighting for the other rotation spots. Gray going here could make sense but may only happen if no one else is willing to exceed $20m AAV.
Jordan Montgomery
SP | Age: 31 | Career: NYY ’17-’22, STL ’22-’23, TEX ’23
Achievements: WS Champion (’23)
From: Texas | To: Texas | Contract: 5 years, $93m (2yrs/$37.2m Player Option for Years 4/5)
Other Notable Options: Atlanta, Philadelphia, Boston, LA Angels, Cincinnati
2023 Stats: 10-11, 3.20 ERA, 166 Ks, 1.19 WHIP
Montgomery had a superb year in 2023 as a key piece to the Rangers World Series run, setting himself up for a big pay day. He has quietly had a consistently solid career, going back to his days with the Yankees. As a lefty as well, he’ll probably get paid even more than he may deserve and teams with big needs of a lefty in the rotation will come calling. The Reds and Braves I think are sneaky teams that could be in the mix while the Red Sox, Phillies, and Angels are all in need of rotation help. I think the Rangers will eventually pay up and bring him back after their deep run. They have one year left with Max Scherzer and Jacob deGrom will miss most, if not all, of 2024 so there is plenty of room for the Rangers to build their rotation for the future.
Eduardo Rodríguez
SP | Age: 31 | Career: BOS ’15-’21, DET ’22-’23
Achievements: WS Champion (’18)
From: Detroit | To: NY Mets | Contract: 4 years, $90m ($22.5m Team Option for Year 4)
Other Potential Options: LA Dodgers, LA Angels, Boston, NY Yankees, Seattle
2023 Stats: 13-9, 3.30 ERA, 143 Ks, 1.15 WHIP
Rodriguez definitely lived up to his big contract in 2023, standing out as the Tigers clear ace while he decided to opt out for a new and fresh long-term deal. This time, he’ll look to sign with a contender and should be able to land a 4 or 5 year deal around $100m with some sort of option in it. The Dodgers pushed hard at the deadline to acquire E-Rod, but his no trade clause came in handy as he decided to finish the year in Detroit. They should be strong players for him, but I think he fits the Mets very well. I anticipate them to be all over the starting pitching market, with only two set starters for next year in Kodai Senga and Jose Quintana. Additions of Yamamoto and Rodriguez can propel them into one of the better rotations in the NL, and with how poorly 2023 has treated them, Mets fans would be ecstatic for those two signings.
Marcus Stroman
SP | Age: 32 | Career: TOR ’14-’19, NYM ’19-’21, CHC ’22-’23
Achievements: 2x All-Star, 1x Gold Glove
From: CHI Cubs | To: San Diego | Contract: 3 years, $68m
Other Potential Options: Boston, LA Dodgers, Cincinnati, St. Louis
2023 Stats: 10-9, 3.95 ERA, 119 Ks, 1.26 WHIP
Stroman decided to opt out of his $25m player option after talks between him and the Cubs on an extension never took off. Stro has been a very tough player to root for, with his constant comments off of the field and the fact he never gets along with the team he is on. I think opting out was purely a hatred thing, as it’s tough for me to imagine him getting more than $25m/year on the market. Regardless he should still get a multi-year deal and a few teams like the Reds, Red Sox, and Padres all could be interested. I think it would be a good pickup for the Padres who are most likely to lose both Snell and Wacha. He could be a solid third starter behind Darvish and Musgrove.
Wandy Peralta
RP | Age: 32 | Career: CIN ’16-’19, SF ’19-’21, NYY ’22-’23
From: NY Yankees | To: NY Yankees | Contract: 4 years, $34m (2yr/$18m Team Option for Years 3/4)
Other Potential Options: LA Dodgers, LA Angels, Boston, NY Mets
2023 Stats: 4 SVs, 2.83 ERA, 51 Ks, 1.22 WHIP
Peralta has become one of the best lefty relievers in the game and should command possibly the most attraction this offseason from any 7th/8th inning man. At only 32 he should be able to get a multi-year deal with options, somewhere in the $7m-$10m/year range. The Dodgers, Angels, and Mets all will be shopping the reliever market to try to add veterans. But with how flimsy their entire bullpen was, I don’t see the Yankees letting their best piece go. They could very well offer the most money to keep him and possibly even become their closer if Clay Holmes doesn’t work out.
Josh Hader
CP | Age: 30 | Career: MIL ’17-’22, SD ’22-’23
Achievements: 5x All-Star, 3x Reliever of the Year (’18,’19,’21), 2x All-MLB First (’19,’21), NL Saves leader (’20)
From: San Diego | To: Texas | Contract: 5 years, $117.5m
Other Potential Options: Arizona, Boston, Seattle, Minnesota
2023 Stats: 33 SVs, 1.28 ERA, 85 Ks, 1.10 WHIP
Hader has been arguably the game’s best closer since 2017 as he has posted a career 2.50 ERA while being halfway to the 300 Save Club at only 30-years-old. He’ll no doubt demand a huge contract this offseason, much in the same ballpark as we saw Edwin Diaz’s record breaking 5-year/$102m deal last offseason for a closer. He should pass that with ease, and in my opinion, will exceed $110m over 5-years. Almost everyone in the league will be looking at him, but the true players I think will be Arizona, Boston, and Texas. The Rangers are coming off of a World Series and not only seem to be a perfect fit, but are built to continue to become a powerhouse of the 2020’s. I think this and the money they can give him will lead Hader to join the Rangers.
Will Smith
CP | Age: 34 | Career: KC ’12-’13, MIL ’14-’16, SF ’16-’19, ATL ’20-’22, HOU ’22, TEX ’23
Achievements: 3x WS Champion (’21-’23), 1x All-Star
From: Texas | To: CHI Cubs | Contract: 2 years, $18m ($9m Team Option for Year 2)
Other Potential Options: Texas, Arizona, Philadelphia, NY Mets, LA Angels
2023 Stats: 22 SVs, 4.40 ERA, 55 Ks, 1.06 WHIP
Will Smith made an interesting MLB record, becoming the first player ever to win three straight World Series’ for three different teams. A feat that shows how much of a high demand he is for contenders, Smith can plug in at closer or set up man and be dominant. At 34 he should demand another 1 or 2 year deal to be someone’s closer or at the very least battling for the spot. The Rangers could bring him back, and the D-Backs, Phillies, and Angels all have closer openings. But the Cubs, and brand new manager Craig Counsell, are going to look to build a contender, and their bullpen full of young arms will need some veteran additions. I can see the Cubs landing him on a team friendly contract to try to extend his MLB record to 4 straight with 4 teams.
Craig Kimbrel
CP | Age: 36 | Career: ATL ’10-’14, SD ’15, BOS ’16-’18, CHC ’19-’21, CWS ’21, LAD ’22, PHI ’23
Achievements: WS Champion (’18), 2x Reliever of the Year (’14,’17), NL Rookie of the Year (’11), 9x All-Star, 4x NL Saves leader (’11-’14)
From: Philadelphia | To: Philadelphia | Contract: 1 year, $6m
Other Potential Options: Toronto, Houston, Miami, NY Yankees
2023 Stats: 23 SVs, 3.26 ERA, 94 Ks, 1.04 WHIP
Although his 3.26 ERA and 94 Ks look to be a solid season, Philly fans will be the first to tell you about how nerve wracking it was having Kimbrel close out games. He is one of the best closers the game has ever seen, but his 30’s have been the epitome of inconsistency, with a good year always followed by a rough one. Still, he’s a good reliever and has so much playoff experience that contenders may look at him even for 7th or 8th inning roles. The Blue Jays and Astros could be interesting ones to look out for, as well as the Yankees. But he enjoyed his time in Philly and I think the constant bouncing around has gotten to the future HOF. If the Phillies come calling I think he’ll re-sign for cheap.
Aroldis Chapman
CP | Age: 36 | Career: CIN ’10-’15, NYY ’16/’17-’22, CHC ’16, KC ’23, TEX ’23
Achievements: 2x WS Champion (’16,’23), AL Reliever of the Year (’19), 7x All-Star, All-MLB Second Team (’19)
From: Texas | To: Houston | Contract: 1 year, $11m
Other Potential Options: Texas, Philadelphia, CHI Cubs
2023 Stats: 6 SVs, 3.09 ERA, 103 Ks, 1.25 WHIP
After being shunned off of the Yankees to end 2022, Chapman settled for a minors deal with Kansas City and picked right up on his dominance. He was another key reliever for Texas, winning his second career World Series. Still there will be some questions around his efficacy and if he’s still a closer, but a 1-year deal for solid money should be in play. The Rangers, Phillies, and Cubs are going to come knocking, but the Astros seem like a good fit for him to set up Ryan Pressly.
Liam Hendriks
CP | Age: 35 | Career: MIN ’11-’13, TOR ’14/’15, KC ’14, OAK ’16-’20, CWS ’21-’23
Achievements: 2x AL Reliever of the Year (’20,’21), 3x All-Star, 2x All-MLB First Team (’20,’21), All-MLB Second Team (’19), AL Comeback Player of the Year (’23), AL Saves leader (’21)
From: CHI White Sox | To: NY Yankees | Contract: 2 years, $14m ($9m Team Option for Year 2)
Other Potential Options: NY Mets, Seattle, CHI Cubs
2023 Stats: 5 IP, 5.40 ERA, 3 Ks, 1.00 WHIP
After battling all the way back through chemotherapy to beat cancer, Hendriks returned to the field just to be put back on the shelf with Tommy John Surgery. A truly heart-breaking series of events for a guy who worked so hard to get back, teams will look to sign him in order to stash him away for rehab in hopes of him pitching in 2025. He’ll have a variety of suitors including the Mariners (who previously did this same thing for Ken Giles), the Mets, and the Cubs. The Yankees though have a high payroll and will be in the market for cheap long-term help. Their bullpen is questionable and a small 2-year deal where Hendriks can rehab with the team for a season seems like a great fit. I’m not sure if the Yankees will do this, especially if they re-sign Wandy, but I think this would be a good opportunity for both teams.
Other Notable Free Agents:
Martín Maldonado
C | Age: 37 | Career: MIL ’11-’16, LAA ’17-’18, HOU ’18/’19-’23, KC ’19, CHC ’19
Achievements: WS Champion (’22), 1x Gold Glove
From: Houston | To: Houston | Contract: 1 year, $4.5m
2023 Stats: .191 AVG, 15 HR, 36 RBI, .606 OPS
Carlos Santana
1B/DH | Age: 38 | Career: CLE ’10-’17/’19-’20, PHI ’18, KC ’21-’22, SEA ’22, PIT ’23, MIL ’23
Achievements: 1x All-Star, 1x Silver Slugger
From: Milwaukee | To: Milwaukee | Contract: 2 years, $20m
2023 Stats: .240 AVG, 23 HR, 86 RBI, .747 OPS
Joey Votto
1B/DH | Age: 40 | Career: CIN ’07-’23
Achievements: NL MVP (’10), 6x All-Star, 1x Gold Glove
From: Cincinnati | To: Toronto | Contract: 1 year, $11m
2023 Stats: .202 AVG, 14 HR, 38 RBI, .747 OPS
Isiah Kiner-Falefa
Utility | Age: 29 | Career: TEX ’18-’21, NYY ’22-’23
Achievements: 1x Gold Glove
From: NY Yankees | To: Miami | Contract: 3 years, $52m
2023 Stats: .242 AVG, 6 HR, 37 RBI, 14 SB
Gio Urshela
Infielder | Age: 32 | Career: CLE ’15-’17, TOR ’18, NYY ’19-’21, MIN ’22, LAA ’23
From: LA Angels | To: Milwaukee | Contract: 2 years, $32m
2023 Stats: .299 AVG, 2 HR, 24 RBI, .703 OPS
Joey Wendle
Infielder | Age: 34 | Career: OAK ’16-’17, TB ’18-’21, MIA ’22-’23
Achievements: 1x All-Star
From: Miami | To: Pittsburgh | Contract: 1 year, $6.5m
2023 Stats: .212 AVG, 2 HR, 20 RBI, 7 SB
Joey Gallo
RF/1B | Age: 30 | Career: TEX ’15-’21, NYY ’21-’22, LAD ’22, MIN ’23
Achievements: 2x All-Star, 2x Gold Glove
From: Minnesota | To: Miami | Contract: 3 years, $26m ($10m Player Option for Year 3)
2023 Stats: .177 AVG, 21 HR, 40 RBI, .741 OPS
Michael Brantley
LF | Age: 37 | Career: CLE ’09-’18, HOU ’19-’23
Achievements: WS Champion (’22), 5x All-Star, 1x Silver Slugger
From: Houston | To: Baltimore | Contract: 1 year, $8m
2023 Stats: 15 GP, .278 AVG, 2 HR, 7 RBI
Garrett Cooper
RF/1B | Age: 33 | Career: NYY ’17, MIA ’18-’23, SD ’23
Achievements: 1x All-Star
From: San Diego | To: Cleveland | Contract: 2 years, $14m
2023 Stats: .251 AVG, 17 HR, 61 RBI, .724 OPS
Jesse Winker
LF/DH | Age: 30 | Career: CIN ’17-’21, SEA ’22, MIL ’23
Achievements: 1x All-Star
From: Milwaukee | To: Washington | Contract: 1 year, $5m
2023 Stats: .199 AVG, 1 HR, 23 RBI, .567 OPS
Andrew McCutchen
DH | Age: 37 | Career: PIT ’09-17/’23, SF ’18, NYY ’18, PHI ’19-’21, MIL ’22
Achievements: NL MVP (’13), 5x All-Star, 4x Silver Slugger, 1x Gold Glove
From: Pittsburgh | To: Pittsburgh | Contract: 1 year, $6m
2023 Stats: .256 AVG, 12 HR, 43 RBI, .776 OPS
Michael Lorenzen
SP | Age: 32 | Career: CIN ’15-’21, LAA ’22, DET ’23, PHI ’23
Achievements: 1x All-Star, No-Hitter (’23)
From: Philadelphia | To: Minnesota | Contract: 4 years, $46m ($12m Team Option for Year 4)
2023 Stats: 9-9, 4.18 ERA, 111 Ks, 1.21 WHIP
Jack Flaherty
SP | Age: 28 | Career: STL ’17-’23, BAL ’23
Achievements: All-MLB Second Team (’19)
From: Baltimore | To: NY Yankees | Contract: 3 years, $39m
2023 Stats: 8-9, 4.99 ERA, 148 Ks, 1.58 WHIP
Hyun-Jin Ryu
SP | Age: 37 | Career: LAD ’13-’19, TOR ’20-’23
Achievements: 1x All-Star, 2x All-MLB Second Team (’19,’20), MLB ERA leader (’19)
From: Toronto | To: Baltimore | Contract: 2 years, $30m
2023 Stats: 3-3, 3.46 ERA, 38 Ks, 1.29 WHIP
Michael Wacha
SP | Age: 32 | Career: STL ’13-’19, NYM ’20, TB ’21, BOS ’22, SD ’23
Achievements: 1x All-Star, NLCS MVP (’13)
From: San Diego | To: LA Angels | Contract: 3 years, $48m ($16m Team Option for Year 3)
2023 Stats: 14-4, 3.22 ERA, 124 Ks, 1.16 WHIP
Lucas Giolito
SP | Age: 29 | Career: WSH ’16, CWS ’17-’23, LAA ’23, CLE ’23
Achievements: 1x All-Star, No-Hitter (’20)
From: Cleveland | To: LA Dodgers | Contract: 1 year, $12m
2023 Stats: 8-15, 4.88 ERA, 204 Ks, 1.31 WHIP
Luis Severino
SP | Age: 30 | Career: NYY ’15-’23
Achievements: 2x All-Star
From: NY Yankees | To: Milwaukee | Contract: 1 year, $8.5m
2023 Stats: 4-8, 6.65 ERA, 79 Ks, 1.65 WHIP
Martín Pérez
SP | Age: 33 | Career: TEX ’12-’18/’22-’23, MIN ’19, BOS ’20-’21
Achievements: WS Champion (’23), 1x All-Star
From: Texas | To: San Diego | Contract: 2 years, $24m
2023 Stats: 10-4, 4.45 ERA, 93 Ks, 1.40 WHIP
Mike Clevinger
SP | Age: 33 | Career: CLE ’16-’20, SD ’20-’22, CWS ’23
From: CHI White Sox | To: Cincinnati | Contract: 1 year, $6m
2023 Stats: 9-9, 3.77 ERA, 110 Ks, 1.23 WHIP
Lance Lynn
SP | Age: 37 | Career: STL ’11-’17, MIN ’18, NYY ’18, TEX ’19-’20, CWS ’21-’23, LAD ’23
Achievements: WS Champion (’11), 2x All-Star
From: LA Dodgers | To: Texas | Contract: 1 year, $9m
2023 Stats: 13-11, 5.73 ERA, 191 Ks, 1.39 WHIP
Jordan Hicks
RP | Age: 27 | Career: STL ’18-’23, TOR ’23
From: Toronto | To: Detroit | Contract: 4 years, $52m ($13m Team Option for Year 4)
2023 Stats: 12 SVs, 3.29 ERA, 81 Ks, 1.36 WHIP
David Robertson
CP | Age: 39 | Career: NYY ’08-’14/’17-’18, CWS ’15-’17, PHI ’19, TB ’21, CHC ’22, PHI ’22, NYM ’23, MIA ’23
Achievements: WS Champion (’09), 1x All-Star
From: Miami | To: NY Mets | Contract: 1 year, $7.5m
2023 Stats: 18 SVs, 3.03 ERA, 78 Ks, 1.19 WHIP
Héctor Neris
RP | Age: 34 | Career: PHI ’14-’21, HOU ’22-’23
Achievements: WS Champion (’22)
From: Houston | To: Seattle | Contract: 2 years, $22m
2023 Stats: 2 SVs, 1.71 ERA, 77 Ks, 1.05 WHIP
Ryne Stanek
RP | Age: 32 | Career: TB ’17-’19, MIA ’19-’20, HOU ’21-’23
Achievements: WS Champion (’22)
From: Houston | To: Philadelphia | Contract: 3 years, $26m
2023 Stats: 50.2 IP, 4.09 ERA, 51 Ks, 1.24 WHIP
Brad Boxberger
RP | Age: 36 | Career: SD ’12-’13, TB ’14-’17, ARI ’18, KC ’19, MIA ’20, MIL ’21-’22, CHC ’23
Achievements: 1x All-Star, AL Saves leader (’15)
From: CHI Cubs | To: NY Mets | Contract: 2 years, $13m ($6.5m Team Option for Year 2)
2023 Stats: 2 SVs, 4.95 ERA, 17 Ks, 1.30 WHIP
Andrew Chafin
RP | Age: 33 | Career: ARI ’14-’20/’23, CHC ’20-’21, OAK ’21, DET ’22, MIL ’23
From: Milwaukee | To: Miami | Contract: 1 year, $6m
2023 Stats: 8 SVs, 4.73 ERA, 63 Ks, 1.42 WHIP
Reynaldo López
RP | Age: 30 | Career: WSH ’16, CWS ’17-’23, LAA ’23, CLE ’23
From: Cleveland | To: Minnesota | Contract: 3 years, $27m
2023 Stats: 6 SVs, 3.27 ERA, 83 Ks, 1.27 WHIP
Emilio Pagán
RP | Age: 33 | Career: SEA ’17, OAK ’18, TB ’19, SD ’20-’21, MIN ’22-’23
From: Minnesota | To: Kansas City | Contract: 2 years, $16m
2023 Stats: 1 SV, 2.99 ERA, 65 Ks, 0.95 WHIP
Sean Manaea
RP | Age: 32 | Career: OAK ’16-’21, SD ’22, SF ’23
Achievements: No-Hitter (’18)
From: San Francisco | To: Cincinnati | Contract: 1 year, $10m
2023 Stats: 1 SV, 4.44 ERA, 128 Ks, 1.24 WHIP
The Sports World According To Paul 