The MLB free agency season is upon us, and the spotlight shines brightly on Shohei Ohtani, who has emerged as the crown jewel of this year’s class. The 29-year-old sensation, known for his dual prowess as a pitcher and designated hitter, is poised to make history with a contract expected to exceed a whopping $500 million over a 10 to 12-year term.
Ohtani’s Unique All-Around Talent
Shohei Ohtani spent six remarkable seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, establishing himself as one of the most versatile and exceptional players in the major leagues. He’s not just a top-tier pitcher but also one of the most dominant hitters. However, a recent surgery to repair a torn UCL in his right elbow will limit his role to designated hitter duties in 2024. Nevertheless, this setback isn’t expected to deter teams from offering him an extraordinary contract, potentially making him the highest-paid player in baseball history.
The Japanese Contenders: Ohtani and Yamamoto
While Ohtani rightfully commands the headlines, another talented Japanese player, right-handed starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto, is also generating significant interest. Yamamoto, at 24, boasts an impressive track record, with a remarkable 1.16 earned-run average over 179 innings during his last season in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). He offers a unique challenge with posting fees linked to his contract, further adding intrigue to his potential MLB move.
Starting Pitchers Dominating the Field
Pitching reigns supreme in this year’s free agency market. Starting pitchers take the spotlight, with Blake Snell and Aaron Nola leading the way. Snell, fresh off an impressive season with the San Diego Padres, is widely considered a Cy Young Award contender, while Nola’s consistency has been a hallmark of the Philadelphia Phillies’ rotation. However, questions linger as they navigate their futures.
Other Key Players in the Mix
As the market extends beyond pitchers, several intriguing position players vie for lucrative contracts. Here are some notable free agents and their key attributes:
| Player | Age | Position(s) | 2023 WAR | Career WAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cody Bellinger | 28 | OF/1B | 4.4 | 22.1 |
| Clayton Kershaw | 34 | LHP | 3.7 | 79.9 |
| Eduardo Rodriguez | 30 | LHP | 3.5 | 17.6 |
| Sonny Gray | 34 | RHP | 5.3 | 30 |
| Marcus Stroman | 32 | RHP | 1.6 | 21.7 |
| Josh Hader | 29 | LHP | 2.4 | 11.7 |
| Matt Chapman | 30 | 3B | 4.4 | 31.2 |
| Shota Imanaga | 30 | LHP | N/A | N/A |
| Lee Jung-Hoo | 25 | OF | N/A | N/A |
| Jeimer Candelario | 30 | 1B/3B | 3.1 | 10.4 |
| Michael Wacha | 32 | RHP | 2.4 | 13.0 |
| Seth Lugo | 34 | RHP | 1.8 | 10.5 |
| Lucas Giolito | 29 | RHP | 1.6 | 12.4 |
| Rhys Hoskins | 30 | 1B/LF | N/A | 11.1 |
| Jorge Soler | 31 | DH/OF | 1.8 | 5.9 |
| Teoscar Hernandez | 31 | DH/OF | 2.1 | 12.8 |
| Jordan Hicks | 27 | RHP | 0.8 | 1.6 |
| Lourdes Gurriel Jr. | 30 | OF | 3.0 | 10.8 |
| Justin Turner | 39 | DH/1B/3B | 2.1 | 36.5 |
| J.D. Martinez | 36 | DH | 1.9 | 30 |
| Mitch Garver | 32 | DH/C | 2.1 | 9.8 |
| Jason Heyward | 34 | OF | 1.9 | 40.7 |
| Kenta Maeda | 34 | RHP | 1.1 | 8.6 |
| Jack Flaherty | 28 | RHP | 0.8 | 10.1 |
| Robert Stephenson | 30 | RHP | 1.1 | 0.8 |
| Mike Clevinger | 33 | RHP | 3.3 | 17.5 |
| Hyun-jin Ryu | 36 | LHP | 0.4 | 20.1 |
Each of these players brings a unique set of skills and experiences to the table, making the 2024 MLB free agency one of the most exciting in recent memory.
The Road Ahead
As the offseason unfolds, teams and fans alike will eagerly anticipate the decisions made by these top free agents. The contracts they sign will undoubtedly reshape the landscape of Major League Baseball. Stay tuned for updates as the signings roll in, and we witness the next chapter of baseball history.
MLB free agency: Shohei Ohtani is the top player available. Here are the rest, and the offseason promises to be a thrilling ride for fans and teams alike.
Unveiling the Themed Questions of MLB Free Agency 2023-’24
Who Are the Top MLB Free Agents in 2024?
In the 2024 MLB free-agent market, several standout hitters are capturing the spotlight. These are the top 30 ranked free-agent hitters:
- Shohei Ohtani (29): Impressive .304/.412/.654 slash line, 184 OPS+, and 44 home runs.
- Cody Bellinger (28): Notable .307/.356/.525 batting line, 133 OPS+, and 26 homers.
- Matt Chapman (31): Solid .240/.330/.424, 108 OPS+, and 17 home runs.
- Jung-Hoo Lee (25): (Details pending)
- Jorge Soler (32): (Details pending)
- JD Martinez (36): (Details pending)
- Teoscar Hernandez (31): (Details pending)
- Jeimer Candelario (30): (Details pending)
These free agents are poised to reshape the landscape of MLB in 2024. Stay tuned for more updates on their signings and the impact they’ll have on their respective teams.
Here are the Top 2024 MLB Free Agents by Position
The 2024 MLB free agency class is brimming with talent, and some notable names are set to make a significant impact. Leading the charge are key players such as:
- Shohei Ohtani: This dual-threat star is creating a buzz with his exceptional performance.
- Blake Snell: A strong contender for the Cy Young Award, he’s in high demand after his impressive season.
- Cody Bellinger: A proven power hitter who’s ready to make an impact.
These are just a few of the top potential MLB free agents in 2023-24, and they’re sure to attract substantial attention from teams seeking to bolster their rosters for the upcoming season.
Who is the Best Starting Pitcher in MLB Free Agency 2023-’24?
In the 2023-’24 MLB free agency market, the spotlight shines on Yoshinobu Yamamoto, widely regarded as the premier starting pitcher available. MLB teams have been captivated by this Japanese phenom, meticulously scouting him for years. His remarkable talent has attracted attention from every corner of baseball, with over 20 teams sending representatives to witness his standout performance, including a memorable no-hitter on September 9.
How Much Does an MLB Free Agency Offer Cost?
The cost of an MLB free agency offer varies from year to year. Major League Baseball typically announces the cost of a qualifying offer for each offseason. In 2019, the price was set at $17.8 million. However, it’s important to note that this figure can fluctuate due to factors like changes in MLB revenue, as seen when it increased in 2020 and then decreased in 2021 in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic’s significant impact.
How do I know if a player has a seasonal age 2024?
You can easily determine a player’s 2024 seasonal age by looking at the information provided in parentheses next to their name. For more updates on the latest trending topics in Major League Baseball, sign up for our daily Morning Lineup. If you found this information helpful, don’t forget to check out our detailed position-by-position breakdown of the 2023-24 free-agent class.
Who will be a free agent in 2024 MLB?
The list of potential free agents in the 2024 MLB season is evolving. Here’s a glimpse at some notable players:
- Cody Bellinger (CF): Keep an eye on him, and he’s subject to a Qualifying Offer (QO).
- Justin Turner (3B): A seasoned third baseman with a wealth of experience.
- Evan Longoria (3B): Another third baseman who brings his skills to the table.
- Brandon Crawford (SS): A talented shortstop with years of play under his belt.
Stay tuned as the free-agent landscape unfolds, and more players become available for the 2024 MLB season.
