As the echoes of the last cheers of the World Series fade away, it’s time to shift our focus to Major League Baseball’s (MLB) upcoming free agency period. It’s a time when dreams are kindled, rosters are reconstructed, and players find new homes. In this annual shuffle, some players could be the missing puzzle pieces that turn hopeful teams into champions.
In this article, we’ll be taking a deep dive into the top three free agents for the 2024 season, offering predictions for their contracts, and discussing the teams where their talents would shine the brightest.
Shohei Ohtani
There’s no bigger free agent name out there than Shohei Ohtani, one of the best all-around players in the game. In 2023, the Angles star posted an awe-inspiring 10.0 WAR, proving his remarkable talent. With a .304/.412/.654 slash line, an AL-best 44 home runs, and a major league-leading slugging percentage and OPS, Ohtani had a batting performance for the ages. On the pitching side, he demonstrated his elite abilities with a 10-5 record and a 3.14 ERA in 23 starts.
But here’s the catch – Ohtani recently underwent right elbow surgery, which means we won’t see him pitching in 2024. However, his agent assured teams he’ll be ready to swing the bat by Opening Day.
Now, onto the big question – the contract. We’re expecting a price tag between $400 million and $600 million. Yes, you read that right. With his unique dual-threat capabilities, Ohtani is, quite simply, a unicorn. The contract complexities are likely to include incentives, salary escalators, and opt-outs, given his injury status. But one thing is certain: Ohtani is about to become the highest-paid player in baseball history.
In terms of the best fit for Ohtani, the Red Sox, Rangers, Phillies, Mariners, Mets, Padres, Giants, Dodgers, Cubs, Yankees, and Blue Jays all could show significant interest. But only time will reveal where this superstar will land. We predict a ten-year contract, clocking in at $477 million. With incentives and escalators, the deal could well exceed half a billion dollars.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto
Yoshinobu Yamamoto, a right-handed pitcher who’s been making some serious waves on the other side of the globe, is next on our list. Having just wrapped up an outstanding season with the Orix Buffaloes in the Japan Pacific League and gotten permission from his team to transfer, this 25-year-old ace has got the kind of stat line that makes Major League scouts drool. He’s chalked up 16 wins against just six losses in 23 starts, with a stunningly low ERA of 1.21 – a career-best in a full season.
Yamamoto brings to the table a five-pitch mix led by a mid-to-high 90s fastball, a devastating split-finger, and a plus curveball. With a knack for pitching that involves smart addition and subtraction, he has exceptional command both in and out of the strike zone. He’s no stranger to accolades, having won the pitching triple crown in Japan not once but twice in the last two seasons.
So, which MLB teams would be the best fit for Yamamoto? The Cardinals, Mets, Dodgers, Giants, Phillies, Rangers, Yankees, Red Sox, and Cubs all seem like viable destinations. As for the contract, we’re looking at a likely seven-year deal with a ballpark figure of around $211 million. Yamamoto is a special talent, and he’s about to be rewarded accordingly.
Jordan Montgomery
Representing the left-handed pitchers on our list is Jordan Montgomery, a dependable and consistent force on the mound who helped the Texas Rangers win the World Series. The 30-year-old southpaw, standing at 6’6″ and weighing 228 pounds, enjoyed another solid season in 2023. Splitting the year between the Rangers and Cardinals, he amassed a 4.1 WAR, establishing his value in the rotation. Over his career, he’s notched a 38-34 record with an impressive 3.68 ERA, demonstrating his ability to keep runs off the board.
In 2023, Montgomery took the mound for 32 starts and posted a commendable 3.20 ERA. His mid-season shift to Texas at the trade deadline didn’t hinder his performance at all; in fact, he thrived, going 4-2 with a 2.79 ERA in 11 starts. Highlights include a dominating performance in the American League Championship Series, where he went 2-0 with a 1.29 ERA, thereby solidifying his standing in the free agency market.
Montgomery’s changeup and curveball have proven to be potent weapons, holding opposing batters to a .239 and .191 average, respectively. His increased value has led some teams to rank him above Blake Snell despite Snell being lined up for the National League Cy Young Award this year.
Now, the big question – where does Montgomery fit best? Potential destinations that come to mind are the Cardinals, Giants, Rangers, Yankees, Dodgers, Phillies, and Orioles. As for the contract, we’re predicting a five-year deal worth $127 million. With his performance and the market demand for high-quality left-handed pitchers, Montgomery is set to land a significant payday this offseason.
Final Thoughts
This year’s free agency period promises to be an intriguing one, with a diverse and talent-packed pool of players available. There will also be some blockbuster trades in the cards; Tyler Glasnow from the Tampa Bay Rays could be one of those superstar pitchers being moved. The potential landing spots for these athletes can significantly alter the MLB landscape for the upcoming seasons. For all the bettors out there looking at FanDuel MLB odds, these moves could also shift the betting lines in a big way.
Ultimately, the success of these free agents will depend not just on their skill sets but also on the teams they choose to sign with and how well they adapt to their new environments. The clock is ticking, and the baseball world is waiting with bated breath. Let the free agency games begin!
