2. Beginning pitcher Blake Snell
It is unfathomable that 2023’s NL ERA (earned run common) chief may begin the 2024 season as a free agent, however that is the place issues stand halfway via February. Final season, Snell led the NL with a 2.25 ERA as he gained his second Cy Younger Award. He beforehand gained the award in 2018 as a member of the American League’s Tampa Bay Rays, making him one among seven pitchers in MLB historical past to win the Cy Younger in each leagues, becoming a member of Max Scherzer, Roy Halladay, Roger Clemens, Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez and Gaylord Perry.Â
Potential vacation spot: New York Yankees
The Yankees’ pitching depth took a success after they traded for Juan Soto in December, because the crew misplaced Michael King, Jhony Brito, Randy Vasquez and prospect Drew Thorpe. USA In the present day’s Bob Nightengale has reported Snell turned down a six-year, $150 million contract from the Bronx Bombers earlier this offseason as he sought an extended deal, however that supply is perhaps extra enticing at this late juncture, together with his market much less strong than anticipated.
3. Beginning pitcher Jordan Montgomery
A midseason addition for the Rangers eventually yr’s commerce deadline, Montgomery pitched in a number of key moments as Texas gained its first World Collection in franchise historical past. In six appearances through the 2023 postseason, Montgomery had a 2.90 ERA in 31 innings pitched, together with shutout appearances in Recreation 1 of each the ALDS and ALCS.
Potential vacation spot: San Francisco Giants
The Giants’ beginning pitchers ranked sixteenth in WAR (wins above alternative) (14.5) in 2023 whereas permitting the seventh-highest residence run fee on fly balls (13.2%). In the meantime, Montgomery allowed residence runs on fly balls on the lowest fee of his profession (9.3%) as he reached the very best velocity on his four-seamer (93.4 mph) in his profession.
4. Third baseman Matt Chapman
Since 2017, Chapman ranks eleventh amongst place gamers in WAR, together with his defensive prowess an integral a part of his recreation. Per Stathead, the four-time Gold Glove winner has the league’s second-highest defensive WAR (11.8) over the previous seven seasons.
Potential vacation spot: Toronto Blue Jays
Having spent the previous two seasons with the Blue Jays, a reunion may benefit either side. Toronto signed Justin Turner in free company and can be anticipated to depend on Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Santiago Espinal at third base. They may collectively match Chapman’s manufacturing on the plate, nevertheless it’s much less seemingly they’ll duplicate him on the sphere.
5. Designated hitter J.D. Martinez
Getting into his 14th season, Martinez nonetheless has loads to supply an MLB roster. Final season, he hit 33 residence runs for the Dodgers, his most since 2019 when he performed for the Purple Sox. He additionally had his highest fly ball (37 %) and hard-hit fee (54.9 %) of his profession.
Potential vacation spot: New York Mets
The Mets have been linked to Martinez this offseason with the crew in want of a top quality batter. Mark Vientos, who climbed the crew’s farm system and appeared in 81 video games over the previous two seasons, is a high candidate for the DH position. Whereas Vientos batted .290 with 40 residence runs in AAA from 2022-23, he has failed to hold that manufacturing into the large leagues, posting a .205 batting common with 10 residence runs in 254 at-bats. Â
