As the season ended just a week ago, baseball fans are already eagerly anticipating the upcoming free agency period in Major League Baseball (MLB). Many are calling it one of the most highly anticipated free agency periods in the history of the sport. With so many big-name players becoming free agents this year, it's no wonder that fans are already buzzing with excitement and anticipation. It will be interesting to see where each player ends up and which teams come out on top. Here’s a breakdown of the Top 10 projected Free Agents.
Shohei Ohtani (Starting Pitcher/Designated Hitter)- It's no surprise that the reigning American League MVP and favorite to be named MVP for this season is the bright shining star in this free agency class. Despite his recent Tommy John surgery that will limit him to just hitting in the 2024 season, teams are still building proposals to pay him handsomely as both a pitcher and hitter. It's likely that the pitching aspect of all contracts will be heavily incentive-based, as teams will want to protect their investment and ensure that he can continue to perform at a high level on the mound.
Projection: Texas Rangers- 10 years 460 million
Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Starting Pitcher)- Some people may not see the value in the World Baseball Classic (WBC). Still, those people are likely the only ones who don't think that Yamamoto is going to get paid this offseason. He is a front-of-the-rotation type arm who shined during the WBC, as well as in his last season pitching in Japan where he went 16-6 in 23 starts with a 1.21 ERA. His arsenal features a mid-to-upper 90s fastball, a sweeper, and a curve, making him a formidable force on the mound. Yamamoto's Japanese club will be releasing the posting fee for him in the coming days, and many experts believe that he will set the market for pitchers this offseason.
Projection: New York Yankees- 7 years 211 million
Blake Snell (Starting Pitcher)- It's becoming clear that if you need starting pitching, this offseason is the time to cash in. One of the top pitchers on the market is Snell, who is coming off a potentially CY Young caliber season in San Diego. Over his last 23 starts for the Padres, Snell went 13-3 with a 1.20 ERA, proving himself to be one of the most effective left-handers in the game. He will look to solidify an already established rotation or become the ace to lead a younger rotation for a team in 2024.
Projection: St. Louis Cardinals- 5 years 126 million
Jordan Montgomery (Starting Pitcher)- Jordan Montgomery is coming off an impressive postseason run for the World Series champion Texas Rangers, and he's now looking to cash in on his success. He had a great season after being traded to Texas at this year's trade deadline, boasting a career record just above .500 and an ERA of 3.20. Montgomery adds a left-handed front-end pitcher to any rotation, making him an attractive option for teams in need of pitching. However, one factor to consider with Montgomery is his age, as he will be 31 at the start of the MLB season. Teams will likely look to offer him a shorter contract with more upfront money to offset long-term financial peril on an older pitcher.
Projection: Texas Rangers 4 years 100 million
Cody Bellinger (Outfielder)- Cody Bellinger's decision to bet on himself paid off in a big way. He signed a one-year deal with the Cubs and went on to have an incredible season, hitting .307/.356/.525 with 29 doubles, 26 home runs, 95 runs scored, and 97 RBIs while stealing 20 bases in 26 attempts. Bellinger provides a range of options to his new team, as he plays an excellent corner outfield but can also handle 1B duty as well. Still, on the right side of 30, he is expected to secure a hefty long-term deal.
Projection: New York Yankees 7 years 168 million
Josh Hader (Relief Pitcher)- Josh Hader is the first and only reliever on this list, and for good reason. He has been one of the most dominant relievers in recent years, compiling an impressive walk year with 33 saves and a 1.58 ERA. Hader has expressed that he wants to be paid as the top closer in the game, and his AAV could very well make him just that. However, at 29 years old, as I mentioned with Montgomery, they may opt for a shorter contract with more per year to protect both sides of the investment.
Projection: Philadelphia Phillies- 3 years 70 million
Matt Chapman (Third Base)- Matt Chapman has once again proven himself to be one of the best defensive third basemen in the game, earning another Gold Glove award this year. Coming off a successful season with the Toronto Blue Jays, Chapman enters free agency bringing a solid glove and a big bat to the table. While his power numbers have declined slightly (39 doubles, 17 home runs), he remains a consistent hitter. As one of the few third basemen in the market, there is expected to be a big push to acquire Chapman and his golden glove. It will be interesting to see where he lands and how he continues to perform in the years to come.
Projection: Toronto Blue Jays- 6 years 132 million
Aaron Nola (Starting Pitcher)- After a fantastic 2022 season, Nola experienced a regression in 2023 that left his team falling short of their World Series aspirations. However, he is still a strong strikeout pitcher, as seen in his fantastic postseason run this year. Nola can be a solid 2 or 3 starter, and his stamina and durability will add value to the contract he earns this offseason. It's worth noting that, like Montgomery, Nola will be over 30 for the 2024 season. Teams may look to offer him a shorter contract with more per year to protect against long-term financial risk.
Projection: Arizona Diamondbacks 5 years 110 million
J.D. Martinez (Designated Hitter)- JD Martinez has been one of the most consistent hitters of the last decade, and he continued his offensive output with the LA Dodgers, being one of four in that vaunted lineup to crack 100 RBI. At 35 years old, Martinez eclipsed 35 home runs and a .893 OPS, proving that he still has plenty of power left in his bat. Teams in the Ohtani sweepstakes may look to keep tabs on Martinez as a productive Plan B option.
Projection: NY Mets 2 years 18 million
Clayton Kershaw (Starting Pitcher)- Clayton Kershaw, aka "Mr. Dodger," is once again a free agent, and the trend of one-year deals continues. Kershaw continues to produce at a high level, and for a team with high World Series aspirations, he would be a solid addition to the 2 or 3 slot in their rotation. While his Hall of Fame career is coming to an inevitable end, his high rate of production keeps that end at bay.
Projection: LA Dodgers 1 year 22 million
There are a lot of notable free agents that will shape the landscape of the 2024 MLB season. The Texas Rangers are at the top of the Mountain and will now be the hunted instead of the Hunter. Who do you want to see your team sign?
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