This year’s free agent class will undoubtedly be centered around one player, Shohei Ohtani. But who else is prime for a move? There are numerous skilled athletes set to explore opportunities in the open market. Check out my rankings for the top 10 free agents in the 2023-24 offseason.

1. Shohei Ohtani RHP/DH (age-29): Despite undergoing a second elbow surgery for a torn UCL, Ohtani stands out as this year’s top free agent. His offensive prowess, comparable to Aaron Judge, suggests a lucrative deal, especially given his younger age at free agency. Anticipation surrounds his return to pitching, likely by 2025. His return comes with potential for a deal surpassing Judge’s, albeit with adjusted guaranteed dollars due to the injury.

Potential fits: Angels, Dodgers, Mets

2. Yoshinobu Yamamoto RHP (age-25): The Orix Buffaloes will be placing Yamamoto on the market this offseason, introducing a compelling pitching talent to the free-agent scene. Over the last two years, the 25-year-old secured Pacific League MVP awards, Sawamura Awards (Japan’s equivalent of the Cy Young) and Triple Crown achievements for three consecutive years. Scouts are confident that Yamamoto has the potential to fit into a top position (No. 1 or 2) in a Major League rotation right away. I expect the Yankees to go all out for this one.

Potential fits: Yankees, Dodgers, Red Sox

3. Blake Snell LHP (age-31): Snell struggled early in the season, but from May 19 onwards, he transformed into arguably the MLB’s top pitcher. Snell boasted an impressive 13-3 record with a 1.20 ERA in his last 23 starts. The possibility of a second Cy Young Award adds to his already impressive accolades.

Potential fits: Cardinals, Dodgers, Padres

4. Cody Bellinger CF/ 1B (age-28): After a couple of underwhelming seasons in 2021 and 2022, the 2019 National League MVP had to settle for a one-year, $17.5 million “pillow contract” with the Cubs in the last season. Fortunately, Bellinger bounced back in Chicago, showcasing a .307/.356/.525 slash line, hitting 26 home runs, and driving in 97 RBIs across 130 games. With this strong performance, the 28-year-old is poised for a lucrative multi-year deal as he enters free agency once again.

Potential fits: Cubs, Giants, Yankees

5. Aaron Nola RHP (age-31): Nola showcased remarkable consistency and durability as a starter for the Phillies, maintaining a 3.23 ERA in 106 starts from 2017-20. Despite finishing fourth in the NL Cy Young race in 2022, his performances in 2021 and 2023 sparked questions about his future in his 30s. This season, Nola’s strikeout percentage hit its lowest point since 2016, though his impressive command kept his walk percentage strong. Not heavily reliant on velocity, he effectively utilized a 92-93 mph fastball. Nola enhanced his free agent résumé with a stellar postseason, going 3-0 with a 0.96 ERA in his first three starts but faced challenges in his final NL Championship Series outing, allowing four runs in 4 1/3 innings.

Potential fits: Cardinals, Giants, Phillies

6. Josh Hader LHP (age-30): There are other proven closers on the market this winter including David Robertson and Craig Kimbrel, but those two former All-Stars are on the wrong side of 35 and won’t be viewed as long-term options for a club seeking to stabilize the ninth inning. Hader, on the other hand, turns 30 in April and is arguably the best reliever in the game right now. The lefty posted a 1.28 ERA in 61 appearances in 2023, ranking in the 97th percentile or better in strikeout percentage, xBA, xERA and hard-hit percentage. Just last winter Edwin Díaz landed a record-setting five-year, $102 million deal. A figure Hader might approach — or even eclipse — as the best reliever available.

Potential fits: Angels, Phillies, Rangers

7. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. OF (age-30): In 2023, Gurriel earned his inaugural All-Star selection, achieving a personal best with 24 home runs and 82 RBIs, maintaining a .772 OPS. He was in the MLB top 25% for hard-hit and strikeout percentages, displaying solid defensive metrics. After aiding the D-backs in reaching the World Series during his debut year in Arizona, strong competition is expected for his talents in free-agency.

Potential fits: Braves, D-backs, Yankees

8. Sonny Gray RHP (age-34): Gray’s career has seen highs and lows, with notable achievements like Cy Young votes and All-Star appearances, alongside challenging seasons with higher ERAs. However, his recent two-year stint with the Twins has been impressive, boasting a 2.90 ERA in 303 2/3 innings since 2022. In 2023 alone, he made 32 starts with a 2.79 ERA over 184 innings, making him an attractive choice for teams in need of solid pitching as he approaches his age-34 season.

Potential fits: Braves, Cardinals, Twins

9. Jordan Montgomery LHP (age-30): Montgomery has been quietly impressive as a consistent starter in the Majors since 2021, achieving a 3.48 ERA in 94 starts across the Yankees, Cardinals, and Rangers. While Max Scherzer’s acquisition by Texas grabbed the trade deadline headlines, Montgomery stood out with the Rangers, boasting a 4-2 record and a 2.79 ERA in 11 regular-season starts. His postseason performance this month, going 3-1 with a 2.90 ERA in six games (five starts), may have further elevated his value. *Due to being traded during the year, Montgomery won’t be eligible for a qualifying offer after the season.

Potential fits: Cardinals, Cubs, Rangers

10. J.D. Martinez DH (age-36): Martinez has consistently earned All-Star status over the last five full seasons starting from 2018. At the age of 35 in 2023, JD had an impressive performance, hitting 33 home runs, achieving 101 RBIs, and maintaining an .893 OPS during his debut season with the Dodgers. He signed a one-year, $10 million deal last December, proving to be a valuable addition. For teams vying for Shohei Ohtani in the competition, Martinez could serve as a strategic alternative for the DH position if they miss out on the assumed AL Most Valuable Player.

Potential fits: Dodgers, Mets, Red Sox

By Vincent Quezada

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Statistics: MLB

Photo Credit: Fox Sports, MLB