Time to warm up those hands. MLB Hot Stove SZN is here for the offseason after the Texas Rangers won their first World Series as a franchise.
It’s obvious who the top name is, and that will be the focus for contenders: Signing Shohei Ohtani, who underwent Tommy John surgery, but who could continue to be the two-way threat he’s been so far in his professional career as a pitcher and slugger.
Beyond Ohtani? There are a bunch of intriguing names who we’ll list below who could help teams right away. Let’s dive in to the biggest free-agent names out there now that it’s the offseason:
1
SP/DH Shohei Ohtani
You know what he can do on both the mound and at the plate. Though he won’t pitch in 2024, you can expect him to make a HUGE amount of money with the hope that he’ll return to that form by 2025. Even then, as a slugger, he’s one of the league’s best.
2
Yoshinobu Yamamoto
You should get to know him immediately. He’s an Orix Buffaloes superstar pitcher in Japan, one who could be a top-of-the-rotation star.
3
SP Blake Snell
Snell may win the NL Cy Young after an incredible year for the Padres, which could earn him a bunch of cash.
4
SP Jordan Montgomery
He’s not the biggest star, but no matter. He’s consistent, and that counts for a lot when it comes to pitching.
5
OF/1B Cody Bellinger
He bounced back big time after winning MVP a few years ago, faltering in Los Angeles, and booming again in Chicago.
6
SP Aaron Nola
We know he can pitch well … sometimes. But the risk could come with reward after an up-and-down year in Philly.
7
SP Sonny Gray
Gray has looked REALLY good in recent years despite struggles in the middle of his career. A veteran arm who could be a big middle-of-the-rotation help
8
RP Josh Hader
Need a lights-out closer? Here you go.
9
3B Matt Chapman
Dude can rake and field, and at third base, that means he’s going to see a big contract (and deserve it!).
10
SP Marcus Stroman
He was a little bit all over the place and injured last year, but he could be better than you think next season.
11
DH Jorge Soler
Dude can hit home runs. That’s a good thing to pay for.
12
OF Jung Hoo Lee
The KBO star looked really good in the World Baseball Classic.
13
SP Eduardo Rodriguez
Don’t forget about him. He pitched well last year and could be a No. 3 starter type for a contender.
14
OF Teoscar Hernandez
We know he can drive in runs, so there’s plenty of value there.
15
1B Rhys Hoskins
The slugger can hit dingers, and as long as his recovery from a torn ACL went well, he’ll get paid.
16
3B Jeimer Candelario
A solid year and the need for talent at the hot corner means he’ll be in demand.
17
SP Lucas Giolito
A rough 2023 for the starter means he could be a change-of-scenery signing with the hope he regains some of his old form.
18
DH J.D. Martinez
He’s ageless and keeps hitting!
19
SP Seth Lugo
A sub-4.00 ERA last year shows he can be a good arm in the middle of a rotation.
20
SP Michael Wacha
He’s bounced back from a few bad years and won 14 games for the Padres last year.
