Are you a baseball fan who doesn’t support the Texas Rangers or the Arizona Diamondbacks? Well, the moment you’ve been waiting for since September-ish has finally arrived: Shohei Ohtani, a free agent, is up for grabs. Apart from Ohtani, several other players are also available.
The two-way superstar, soon to add his second AL MVP nod to his résumé, is one of Major League Baseball’s most anticipated free agents. Despite an elbow injury that will prevent him from pitching in 2024, expectations are high that he will sign the richest deal in MLB history, dominating the offseason with his gravitational presence.
In addition to Ohtani, there is a new Japanese talent to watch, a compelling class of starting pitchers headlined by Aaron Nola and Blake Snell, and a shortage of hitters for which baseball’s contenders will be competing in the months leading up to spring training.
Here are the top 25 MLB free agents of the 2023-24 class ranked in order of their (subjectively projected) immediate impact, along with key 2023 metrics and information.
Age, OPS+, ERA+, and WAR are some of the metrics used to evaluate the projections and impact for these free agents. The qualifying offer status also reflects a player’s potential to depart and earn their team a compensatory draft pick.
1. Shohei Ohtani, two-way player
– Age: 29
– OPS+: 184
– ERA+: 142
– WAR: 9.1
– Rejected qualifying offer
Why you want him: Ohtani has proven himself as a powerhouse both as a hitter and a starting pitcher. The team that lands Ohtani will have a chance to help him make his first playoff appearance, gain a legion of Ohtani-adoring fans, and potentially secure their place in the Hall of Fame.
What it will take to get him: Expect a bidding war starting around $500 million, considering Ohtani’s injury. The interested teams – Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers – may consider creative proposals to hedge against the risk of his injury.
2. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, starting pitcher
– Age: 25
– 1.21 ERA in Japan’s NPB
Why you want him: At only 25, Yamamoto is already among the most proven Japanese pitchers to transition to MLB. He’s a potential top-of-the-rotation arm and given his impressive track record in Japan’s NPB, he’s likely to spark a bidding war among major market teams.
What it will take to get him: Expected to exceed Masahiro Tanaka’s seven-year, $155 million deal with the Yankees.
3. Aaron Nola, starting pitcher
– Age: 31
– ERA+: 96
– WAR: 3.9
– Rejected qualifying offer
Why the Phillies wanted him: Nola is a durable, top-of-the-rotation arm with unshakeable consistency even amidst volatile pitching statistics. The Phillies’ reported signing to reacquire Nola reflects their win-now mentality.
The baseball world eagerly anticipates how these free agents will impact the upcoming season. Keep an eye out for the hottest stove discussions heating up soon.
David Rodriguez brings the excitement of Major League Baseball to readers. With a deep appreciation for America’s pastime, he covers the latest MLB news, scores, and player achievements, keeping fans up to date with their favorite teams and players.
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