As the chill of winter blankets the baseball field, the free agency market also experiences its cold front. But as we move past the holiday season and into the fresh promise of a new year, this freeze will likely thaw.
With about six weeks remaining until pitchers and catchers report to their respective camps in sunny Florida and Arizona, the clock is ticking for teams and unsigned players to make their moves.
The heat is slowly rising, and the coming weeks promise to be filled with negotiations, speculation, and anticipation. In this article, we look closer at the top free agents of 2023-24 and speculate where they could end up as the deadline looms.
Blake Snell, SP
Last season’s National League Cy Young Award winner, Blake Snell, is one of the most coveted free agents this year. His powerful arm and tactical brilliance on the mound have made him a hot prospect in the market.
The Los Angeles Angels, in particular, seem to be a perfect fit for Snell. Given the gap left by Shohei Ohtani’s departure, Snell could be a significant addition to the Angels’ rotation, which in its current state endured a combined 4.53 ERA over 111 starts in 2023. Although other affordable options are available, the franchise needs a substantial impact player to enhance their MLB playoff odds. The potential Snell-Angels alliance could be the much-needed big splash the team seeks.
Another team that has shown interest in Snell is the New York Yankees. After adding more offensive firepower in Juan Soto this offseason, the Yankees need to bolster their starting rotation to give them a serious shot at a World Series title. Adding Snell would reunite him with the American League East and give the Yankees a much-needed strong starter alongside Gerrit Cole.
Cody Bellinger, OF
Former MVP Cody Bellinger is another high-profile name in the 2023-24 free-agent market. With his proven track record and the ability to change the game with a single swing, Bellinger is on the radar of several teams this offseason.
However, the signs point towards a reunion with the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs, who have yet to make significant changes to their roster since signing manager Craig Counsell, could immensely benefit from Bellinger’s offensive prowess. Bellinger hit .307 with the Cubs last year, including 26 home runs and 97 RBIs, helping turn the team into a playoff contender.
Previously linked teams like the Yankees, Blue Jays, and Giants have shifted their focus to other players, thus clearing the path for the Cubs. Bellinger’s potential return to Chicago could boost the Cubs’ lineup, enhancing their competitive edge in the upcoming season.
Jordan Montgomery, SP
After helping the Texas Rangers clinch the World Series championship last year, Jordan Montgomery is back on the free agent market. The left-handed pitcher has proven his worth in the postseason, showcasing his domination in the American League Championship Series against the Astros.
The Yankees, who traded Montgomery to the Cardinals before he found success with the Rangers, might be considering a reunion. Given their recent miss in the Yoshinobu Yamamoto sweepstakes, the Yankees need a durable starting pitcher, and they have the money to bring in both Snell and Montgomery.
Montgomery could also return to the Rangers, keeping their starting rotation strong as they strive for a second straight World Series.
Josh Hader, RP
Josh Hader, the standout relief pitcher known for his high-velocity fastballs and sharp sliders, is a sought-after free agent this season. Last year, his reliable performances out of the bullpen led to several game-saving situations, making him an enticing prospect for teams needing to solidify their bullpen.
The Rangers could be an ideal landing spot for Hader. Despite winning the World Series last year, the Rangers had some evident bullpen concerns, with numerous blown saves during the regular season. A potential Hader-Rangers association could be a strategic move to strengthen their bullpen and minimize the risk of blown saves in the forthcoming season.
Hader’s experience and consistent performances could provide the stability the Rangers’ bullpen needs, increasing their chances of another successful season.
Conclusion
As the baseball free agency market heats up, the potential team-player unions discussed above represent intriguing prospects that could significantly impact the MLB landscape for the 2023-24 season.
A Blake Snell-Los Angeles Angels connection could significantly enhance the Angels’ rotation, while a Cody Bellinger-Chicago Cubs reunion could inject much-needed power into their lineup. Similarly, the New York Yankees could strengthen their starting pitch with Snell and Jordan Montgomery, and Josh Hader could provide the bullpen stability the Texas Rangers need.
As with any speculation, only time will tell where these talented players will land. Regardless, the coming weeks promise to be exciting as the teams and players maneuver to make the best deals possible before spring training.
