2023-24 MLB free-agent signing tracker, grades

MLB free company is in full swing!

Two-way famous person Shohei Ohtani, who checked in as FOX Sports activities’ No. 1 free agent this offseason, was the highest prize in the marketplace earlier than saying that he is signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers for a file 10 years and $700 million, with $680 million deferred till the tip of the contract.

There are nonetheless a number of different star gamers, notable names and precious contributors on the open market. Here is a take a look at the notable strikes made to date this offseason, signing grades from the MLB on FOX employees, and the gamers nonetheless out there. 

Arizona Diamondbacks

LF Lourdes Gurriel Jr.

2023 stats: .261/.309/.463, 24 dwelling runs, 82 RBI, 108 OPS+
Reported phrases: Three years, $42 million
Earlier group: Diamondbacks

Having already added externally in a giant manner with the signing of Eduardo Rodríguez and the commerce acquisition of Eugenio Suárez, Arizona selected to run it again with a well-recognized face by re-signing Gurriel to occupy left discipline. In a shallow position-player market, Gurriel stood out as one of many extra dependable bets to supply at a league-average degree or higher on each side of the ball transferring ahead, leaving many to marvel if one other group may lure him away from the desert with a large supply.

Ultimately, Gurriel took a deal in keeping with expectations with a group he’s clearly comfy with, and it addresses one other apparent want for the Snakes as they appear to keep up momentum from their shock pennant run. Ought to Arizona proceed so as to add, bringing in the correct full-time DH would go a good distance towards deepening this lineup even additional. In a broader sense, let’s see if this Gurriel signing loosens up a position-player market that has been awfully quiet so far. — Jordan Shusterman (Grade: A-)

LHP Eduardo Rodríguez

2023 stats: 13-9, 3.30 ERA, 143 strikeouts, 1.153 WHIP, 152.2 IP
Reported phrases: 4 years, $80 million
Earlier group: Tigers

All all through their magical October jaunt, it was clear the Diamondbacks desperately wanted one other beginning pitcher. Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly have been leaned upon as anticipated and rookie Brandon Pfaadt emerged as a official possibility. However behind that trio was a carousel of nothingness — a hope, a prayer and a gaping gap. The Arizona bullpen carried out admirably, however was so clearly outmanned.

Enter Rodríguez, who opted out of the remaining three years and roughly $46 million on his take care of Detroit on the again of a powerful 2023 season. In 26 begins, the Venezuelan lefty delivered a 3.30 ERA and 152 2/3 innings. The underlying numbers counsel that ERA was a tad fortunate — E-Rod’s strikeout and batted ball numbers have been extra pedestrian than incredible — however the soon-to-be 31-year-old is the epitome of a mid-rotation arm.

For the Diamondbacks, this transfer was a no brainer. The remainder of their projected 2023 rotation — Gallen, Kelly, Pfaadt and Ryne Nelson — have been right-handers. Rodríguez offers that group a distinct look, a very key dynamic in a playoff collection. The signing is an indicator that Arizona intends on retaining the momentum from its phenomenal Nationwide League-winning season going. There have been rumors that the uncertainty surrounding the D-backs’ tv deal may restrict their potential to spend. These rumors have proved unfaithful, as this signing pushes the 2024 payroll roughly $10 million past final 12 months’s mark. Good for the D-backs, the snakes keep alive. — Jake Mintz (Grade: A-)

Atlanta Braves

LHP Chris Sale (extension)

2023 stats: 6-5, 4.30 ERA, 125 strikeouts, 1.130 WHIP, 102.2 innings pitched, 20 begins
Reported phrases: Two years, $38 million with $18 million membership possibility for 2026
Earlier group: Pink Sox

RHP Reynaldo López 

2023 stats: 3-7, 3.27 ERA, 83 strikeouts, 1.273 WHIP, 68 appearances, 66 innings 
Reported phrases: Three years, $30 million
Earlier group: Guardians

Just a few days after buying lefty groundball machine Aaron Bummer, Atlanta bolstered its bullpen additional with the signing of Bummer’s former White Sox teammate in López. López is a conventional late-inning flamethrower who’s coming off a profession 12 months racking up punchouts at a career-high 30% clip, which positioned him as one of many high relievers in the marketplace. Early experiences that the Braves are contemplating having López stretched out as a starter are curious to say the least, however securing a pitcher of his caliber this early within the offseason is a nifty transfer whatever the function he finally settles into. — Shusterman (Grade: A-)

INF David Fletcher and C Max Stassi

2023 stats: Fletcher .247/.302/.329, two dwelling runs, 12 RBIs, 72 OPS+; Stassi missed 2023 season due to a hip damage and private situation
Commerce return: first baseman Evan White and left-handed aid pitcher Tyler Thomas
Earlier group: Angels

Baltimore Orioles 

RHP Craig Kimbrel

2023 stats: 71 appearances, 23 saves, 3.26 ERA, 94 strikeouts, 1.043 WHIP, 69 innings
Reported phrases: One 12 months, $13 million
Earlier group: Phillies

The 36-year-old Kimbrel is arguably one of many 5 finest closers in baseball historical past. He is eighth on the all-time saves record with the second-highest strikeout price ever, although his effectiveness has understandably tailed off in his mid-30s.

At this level in his profession, Kimbrel is extra succesful than dominant. He was the Phillies’ ninth-inning possibility for a lot of final 12 months, however was by no means near being the membership’s only reliever. This previous October, he blew back-to-back video games within the NLCS in opposition to Arizona, as he appeared utterly rattled, overmatched and up the creek with out a paddle. Thus, he stays the first scapegoat in Philadelphia following its devastating playoff exit. The Metropolis of Brotherly Love is comfortable to see him gone.

However the Orioles, who agreed to a one-year take care of Kimbrel value $13 million, imagine that Kimbrel can nonetheless present worth throughout the common season. Baltimore can be with out Félix Bautista for all of 2024 after the shutdown nearer tore his UCL close to the tip of final season. Kimbrel won’t come near filling that void, however he does give skipper Brandon Hyde a comparatively dependable possibility in a hazy bullpen.

Kimbrel has an opportunity to be helpful, however is way from a lockdown ninth-inning playoff soul-snatcher. The second has gotten to the stocky flamethrower throughout the playoffs all through his spectacular profession, and there is not any actual motive to suppose that may change.

How this matches into Baltimore’s offseason as a complete is the extra attention-grabbing dynamic. The $13 million given to Kimbrel is the most important free-agent contact the Orioles have handed out because the four-year, $57 million deal they gave Alex Cobb in March 2018. If Kimbrel is the totality of the offseason, will probably be a disastrous winter. If Kimbrel is solely a supplementary characteristic of a grander, extra energetic technique, that is a distinct story. The ebbs and flows of an offseason are all about chronology. Kimbrel makes the Orioles higher than they have been yesterday however can not single-handedly make sure the O’s repeat their 101-win success of final 12 months. — Mintz (Grade: B-)

Boston Pink Sox

OF Tyler O’Neill 

2023 stats: .231/.321/.403, 9 dwelling runs, 21 RBIs, 94 OPS+
Commerce return: RHP Nick Robertson and Victor Santos
Earlier group: Cardinals

RHP Cooper Criswell
2023 stats: 10 appearances, 5.73 ERA, 33 IP, 27 strikeouts, 4 walks, 1.545 WHIP
Reported phrases: One 12 months, $1 million
Earlier group: Rays

RHP Lucas Giolito
2023 stats: 33 appearances, 4.88 ERA, 204 strikeouts, 1.313 WHIP, 184.1 innings
Reported phrases: Two years, $38.5 million
Earlier group: Guardians

Boston has not been shy about speaking their intentions to be aggressive this winter, however that is their first such transfer that has mirrored stated targets. After a seemingly distant end within the Yoshinobu Yamamoto sweepstakes, the Pink Sox have pivoted swiftly with this deal for Giolito. The straightforward model of the Giolito story: He adopted three straight seasons of receiving down-ballot Cy Younger votes with back-to-back campaigns with ERAs nearer to five, the latest of which featured critical struggles amid a extremely unusual sequence of midseason motion bouncing between three completely different dropping groups. What Giolito has sustained all through, nonetheless, is sturdiness and a proclivity to pile up strikeouts. Over the previous 5 seasons, the right-hander ranks sixth in begins, seventh in innings pitched and fourth in strikeouts amongst all big-league starters. 

Mixed along with his relative youth for a free-agent pitcher (he doesn’t flip 30 till subsequent July), Giolito affords Boston a mixture of upside and reliability that’s precisely what its rotation chock-full of query marks sorely wanted. With hitter-friendly Fenway Park his new dwelling, Giolito might want to iron out the problems that made him notably homer-prone lately. However with the motivation of an opt-out looming for Giolito to re-enter the market after a stronger season than the earlier two, each participant and group can be extremely motivated to make the correct tweaks to make sure they get the many of the large righty’s time in Boston. There’s extra work to be completed to get this roster to the purpose the place it may be thought-about viable postseason contenders, however it is a step in the correct course. — Shusterman (Grade: B)

Chicago Cubs

LHP Shōta Imanaga

2023 stats: 7-4, 2.80 ERA, 174 strikeouts, 1.054 WHIP, 148 innings
Reported phrases: 4 years, $53 million
Earlier group: Yokohama Bay Stars

[RELATED: Why Shōta Imanaga could be a major steal for the Cubs]

Chicago White Sox

RHP Erick Feede 

2023 stats (KBO): 20-6, 2.00 ERA, 209 strikeouts, 0.95 WHIP, 180.3 innings 
Reported phrases: Two years, $15 million
Earlier group: NC Dinos (Korean Baseball Group)

SS Paul DeJong 

2023 stats: .207 batting common, .258 on-base share, .355 slugging share, 14 dwelling runs, 38 RBIs, 4 stolen bases
Reported phrases: One-year deal
Earlier group: Cardinals

C Martín Maldonado

2023 stats: .191/.258/.348, 15 dwelling runs, 36 RBIs, 66 OPS+
Reported phrases: One-year deal plus group possibility
Earlier group: Astros

3B Michael Busch, RHP Yency Almonte

Busch stats: .167/.247/.292, 2 dwelling runs, 7 RBIs, 45 OPS+
Almonte stats: 49 appearances, 5.06 ERA, 48 IP, 49K, 1.396 WHIP
Commerce return: LHP Jackson Ferris, OF Zyhir Hope
Earlier group: Dodgers

Cincinnati Reds

3B/1B Jeimer Candelario

2023 stats: .251/.336/.471, 22 dwelling runs, 70 RBIs, 119 OPS+
Reported phrases: Three years, $45 million
Earlier group: Cubs

When canvassing Candelario’s market coming into the winter, the Reds didn’t precisely stand out as a group in want of one other infielder. However it is a prime instance of a group seeking to get higher in any significant manner and never worrying an excessive amount of about an apparent match. Candelario is an ideal high-floor addition that may discover ABs at each nook infield spots and DH and serves as precious insurance coverage within the lineup for any quantity of incoming regression from Cincinnati’s tremendously deep group of younger gamers. 

I perceive the idea that this transfer will result in a Jonathan India commerce, however I’m nonetheless not satisfied that’s GM Nick Krall’s most popular technique transferring ahead this offseason. Whereas it would look like a very crowded positional group, supervisor David Bell has confirmed adept at transferring guys round and establishing rotations that guarantee constant at-bats for extra than simply eight conventional starters. There’s rather a lot to love about this offensive group, however Cincinnati ought to stay aggressive in pursuing beginning pitching — extra probably through commerce than free company — in a continued effort to construct off a promising 2023. — Shusterman (Grade: B+)

RHP Nick Martinez

2023 stats: 6-4, 3.43 ERA, 106 strikeouts, 1.260 WHIP, 110 innings
Reported phrases: Two years, $26 million
Earlier group: Padres

By the tip of final season, the Reds’ pitching rotation was primarily Andrew Abbott, Brandon Williamson, me, you and Mr. Magoo. Accidents to arms like Nick Lodolo and Hunter Greene turned out to be the distinction between an October on the massive stage and an October on the seaside. Bear in mind, the Reds completed simply two video games behind the D-backs! 

A promising and controllable younger offensive core means Cincy’s entrance workplace can deal with buying extra confirmed arms this winter and Martinez is their first prize. The 33-year-old has had a captivating profession arc — from 18th-round decide to mediocre big-leaguer to dominant Japanese League soul-snatcher and again — and opted out of the ultimate two years of his Padres contract searching for an even bigger payday. That is precisely what he received. 

Martinez had two years and $16 million left on that deal, and final time I checked, 16 is a smaller quantity than 26. The Pads had him bouncing forwards and backwards between the bullpen and the rotation over the previous few years and there is not any doubt Martinez himself firmly believes he can begin. He’ll get that chance and the Reds will get a low-cost hurler who, with much less role-related yo-yoing, may emerge as a official mid-rotation man. — Mintz

RHP Emilio Pagán 

2023 stats: 5-2, 2.99 ERA, 65 strikeouts, 0.952 WHIP, 66 appearances (one begin), 69.1 innings 
Reported phrases: Two years, $16 million
Earlier group: Twins

Cleveland Guardians

Estevan Florial

2023 stats: .284/.380/.565, 28 dwelling runs, 78 RBIs, 25 stolen bases (in 101 Triple-A video games)
Commerce return: Cody Morris
Earlier group: Yankees

2023 stats:

Detroit Tigers

RHP Jack Flaherty

2023 stats: 8-9, 4.99 ERA, 148 strikeouts, 1.580 WHIP, 144.1 innings
Reported phrases: One 12 months, $14 million
Earlier group: Orioles

RHP Kenta Maeda 

2023 stats: 6-8, 4.23 ERA, 117 strikeouts, 1.169 WHIP, 21 appearances (20 begins), 104.1 innings 
Reported groups: Two years, $24 million
Earlier group: Twins

Maeda’s return from Tommy John surgical procedure was derailed in April by a triceps pressure that put him again on the shelf for a month, however he was extremely dependable in his ultimate 17 outings for Minnesota after coming off the IL in late June (3.36 ERA, .680 OPS in opposition to). Maeda must be a wonderful veteran complement to an in any other case younger but promising Detroit rotation led by lefty Tarik Skubal. That is precisely the sort of floor-raising transfer the Tigers must be pursuing aggressively this winter, even when the soon-to-be 36-year-old Maeda does not supply the identical sort of upside he as soon as did. — Shusterman (Grade: A-)

Houston Astros

LHP Josh Hader

2023 stats: 1.28 ERA, 33 saves, 85 strikeouts, 56.1 innings
Reported phrases: 5 years, $95 million
Earlier group: Padres

C Victor Caratini

2023 stats: .259/.327/.383, seven dwelling runs, 25 RBIs, 95 OPS+
Reported phrases: Two years, $12 million
Earlier group: Brewers

Kansas Metropolis Royals

RHP Michael Wacha
2023 stats: 14-4, 3.22 ERA, 124 strikeouts, 1.16 WHIP, 134.1 innings
Reported phrases: Two years, $32 million
Earlier group: Padres

How about Kansas Metropolis? It appears one other 100-loss season (106, to be precise) was sufficient of a breaking level to spur some legitimately aggressive maneuvering this scorching range season. Wacha — together with outfielder Hunter Renfroe, who additionally agreed to phrases with Okay.C., brings the membership’s assured commitments to free brokers this winter to over $100 million. That is greater than each group apart from the Dodgers (duh), the Phillies and the Giants. This isn’t only a sturdy effort towards re-establishing a reliable on-field product, but additionally a wager that with the correct assortment of veterans and steps ahead from youthful gamers, it’s not totally inconceivable {that a} group just like the Royals may really keep within the combine within the notoriously weak American League Central. 

As for Wacha, this can remarkably be his sixth completely different group in six seasons, a surprising quantity of motion juxtaposed with the steadiness he skilled early in his profession. Occasional accidents have restricted his contributions at his varied stops, however when it comes to efficiency, Wacha’s been regular as a mid-rotation starter and now follows his 2023 Padres teammate Seth Lugo to a younger Royals group in dire want of some veteran stability on the pitching employees. It’s a pleasant duo to herald for Kansas Metropolis, and for Wacha, a completely wholesome season pitching in spacious Kauffman Stadium may prime him for a good greater payday through opt-out subsequent winter. — Shusterman (Grade: B+)

OF Hunter Renfroe
2023 mixed stats: .233/.297/.416, 20 dwelling runs, 60 RBIs, 91 OPS+
Reported phrases: Two years, $13 million
Earlier group: Reds

RHP Seth Lugo

2023 stats: 8-7, 3.57 ERA, 240 strikeouts, 1.203 WHIP, 146.1 innings
Reported phrases: Three years, $45 million
Earlier group: Padres

Past the revelation that’s Cole Ragans, Kansas Metropolis’s pitching employees in 2023 ranged from disappointing to downright disastrous in each the rotation and the bullpen. The offense was actually unhealthy, but it surely was the widespread ineffectiveness on the mound that torpedoed the Royals to 106 losses, as they took a regarding step within the improper course amid their prolonged rebuild. 

Although his monitor file as a starter consists of simply this previous season, Lugo impressed me sufficient to rank him atop the third tier of free-agent beginning pitchers alongside new AL Central foe Kenta Maeda. Together with the additions of veteran relievers Will Smith and Chris Stratton, it’s good to see Okay.C. put assets towards fortifying such a weak a part of the roster. — Shusterman

LHP Will Smith

2023 stats: 60 appearances, 4.40 ERA, 55 strikeouts, 1.064 WHIP, 57.1 innings
Reported phrases: One 12 months, $5 million
Earlier group: Rangers

Los Angeles Angels

RHP Robert Stephenson

2023 stats: 60 appearances, 3.10 ERA, 77 strikeouts, 0.879 WHIP, 52.1 innings
Reported phrases: Three years, $33 million
Earlier group: Rays

In comparison with the Astros including Josh Hader to a bullpen that already featured Ryan Pressly and Bryan Abreu, this transfer is much more simple. Exterior of nearer Carlos Estévez — who light laborious within the second half, posting a 6.59 ERA following a 1.80 mark earlier than the All-Star break — this Anaheim bullpen unit featured a number of query marks and undefined roles. Stephenson, one in every of baseball’s finest relievers after becoming a member of the Rays midseason in 2023, ought to give new supervisor Ron Washington a legitimately elite choice to name on in a setup function or maybe even because the nearer ought to Estévez pattern within the improper course early within the 12 months. It’s going to be an uphill battle for the Angels it doesn’t matter what, as they enter the post-Ohtani period, however there’s nonetheless sufficient good gamers on this roster value constructing round to push for a wild-card spot, and additions like Stephenson signify such intentions. I’d like to see them add one other veteran reliever or two to fortify this bullpen even additional — for Wash’s sake! — Shusterman (Grade: B)

Los Angeles Dodgers

RHP/DH Shohei Ohtani

2023 stats: .304/.412/.654, 44 dwelling runs, 95 RBIs, 3.14 ERA, 167 strikeouts and 55 walks throughout 132.0 innings
Reported phrases: Ten years, $700 million
Earlier group: Angels 

RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto

2023 stats: 17-6, 1.42 ERA, 176 strikeouts, 0.860 WHIP, 171 innings pitched
Reported phrases: 12 years, $325 million 
Earlier group: Orix Buffaloes (Nippon Skilled Baseball)

RHP Tyler Glasnow

2023 stats: 10-7, 3.53 ERA, 162 strikeouts, 1.083 WHIP, 120 innings
Reported phrases: 5 years, $135 million
Earlier group: Rays

Already owed $25 million for 2024, this provides 4 years and $110 million to Glasnow’s contract that may take him by means of his age-34 season in 2027. Essentially the most primary query to ask when a participant indicators an extension like that is, would Glasnow do higher than 4/110 on the open market subsequent winter? That’s extremely depending on how he pitches in 2024, after all, but it surely’s an particularly intriguing proposition for a pitcher in Glasnow who has been so good when out there however merely not on the mound practically as a lot because the front-end arms he is usually in comparison with. Ought to he clear 150 innings for the primary time in his profession subsequent 12 months and preserve an identical or higher degree of efficiency than he’s proven in comparatively shorter spurts so far, a $27 million AAV (common annual worth) may find yourself seeming a tad mild. However contemplating the chance baked in, this seems to be an affordable compromise on each side. And for Glasnow, there are far worse locations and groups to decide to than the Dodgers for pretty apparent causes, no matter how a lot cash he might need left on the desk pending his future efficiency. 

For the Dodgers, touchdown Glasnow improves the group now, whereas extending him helps make clear their rotation outlook additional down the road. Referring to a pitcher who carries substantial sturdiness query marks of his personal as insurance coverage is admittedly considerably counterintuitive, however securing Glasnow for a number of years past 2024 may show particularly prudent with Walker Buehler slated to hit free company after this upcoming season and even Dustin Could on monitor to hit the open market after 2025. Having dealt away a probable rotation candidate in Ryan Pepiot to land Glasnow, the Dodgers are nonetheless motivated so as to add one other arm this winter to fortify their rotation for each the quick and long run. — Shusterman

Reported phrases: Tampa Bay will ship RHP Glasnow and OF Manuel Margot (.264/.310/.376, 4 dwelling runs, 38 RBIs, 91 OPS+) to Los Angeles in alternate for RHP Pepiot (2.14 ERA, 0.762 WHIP, 42 innings) and OF Jonny Deluca. 

Within the aftermath of Ohtani’s unprecedented contract, the Dodgers wanted to search out methods to improve their rotation. They did not wait lengthy. Glasnow gives as a lot upside as any pitcher out there, although given their abundance of arms all through the farm system, it was a little bit of a shock to see them add one member to the beginning rotation solely to lose one other. Pepiot is underneath group management for an additional 5 years, so it is smart that the Dodgers would need assurance from Glasnow that this partnership will final past 2023 for them to maneuver ahead. 

When wholesome, few can miss bats the best way Glasnow does. The primary a part of that sentence, nonetheless, is doing lots of work. Glasnow threw 120 innings final 12 months, and that represented a profession excessive for the eight-year veteran who has struggled to stay on the sector however thrived when out there. Spencer Strider was the one starter in baseball final 12 months (min. 100 innings pitched) with a better strikeout price than Glasnow, who instantly upgrades the highest finish of a Dodgers rotation that features little or no confirmed manufacturing. Margot offers the Dodgers nook outfield depth that additionally they wanted, although it would not be a shock to see them attempt to bolster the outfield even additional. 

Glasnow replaces a younger starter in Pepiot who dealt along with his personal damage historical past. Pepiot was anticipated to crack the Dodgers’ Opening Day rotation final season earlier than an indirect damage sidelined him for the season’s first half. He appeared terrific in his return. The questions surrounding Pepiot after his debut season in 2022 have been much less about his stuff and extra about his command. In eight appearances final season, Pepiot posted a 2.14 ERA whereas reducing his stroll price from 16.9% down to three.1%. — Rowan Kavner (Dodgers’ Grade: A-; Rays’ Grade: B+

Los Angeles will ship LHP Victor Gonzalez and 2B/3B Jorbit Vivas for SS prospect Trey Sweeney
Gonzalez’s 2023 stats: 34 appearances, 3-3, 4.01 ERA, 30 strikeouts, 1.099 WHIP, 33.2 innings pitched
Vivas’ 2023 stats: .269/.381/.407 slash line, 13 dwelling runs, 63 RBIs (Double-A and Triple-A)
Sweeney’s 2023 stats: .252/.367/.411 slash line, 13 dwelling runs, 49 RBIs (Double-A)

OF Jason Heyward 

2023 stats: .269/.340/.473 slash line, 15 dwelling runs, 40 RBIs, two stolen bases, 117 OPS+
Reported phrases: One-year deal
Earlier group: Dodgers

OF Teoscar Hernández

2023 stats: .287/.305/.435, 26 dwelling runs, 93 RBI, 106 OPS+
Reported phrases: One-year, $23.5 million
Earlier group: Mariners

The Dodgers needed one other right-handed nook outfield bat to fight lefties. After already committing greater than $1 billion to free brokers this offseason, they determined to get the perfect one nonetheless out there. Hernández doesn’t match the mildew of most Dodgers hitters. He chases, strikes out at a excessive clip and does not stroll a lot, however he additionally sports activities a profession .887 OPS in opposition to lefties. Even in a down 12 months offensively final season in Seattle, he mashed left-handers (.817), launched 26 homers and hit barely above league common. He’s completely able to beginning in opposition to right-handers, too. 

If Hernández extra intently resembles his last few years in Toronto, the Dodgers could have added an All-Star-level impression bat to a lineup that already consists of one of many high trios in baseball historical past. If he does not, he nonetheless removes a number of the short-term uncertainty within the nook outfield subsequent season with Mookie Betts now primarily taking part in second base. Pushing even additional past the luxurious tax, the Dodgers continued demonstrating to Shohei Ohtani that the cash they saved on his deferred contract can be put to make use of — and to the remainder of the baseball world that they are the group to beat. — Kavner (Grade: A)

Prospects LHP Jackson Ferris, OF Zyhir Hope

Commerce return: 3B Michael Busch, RHP Yency Almonte
Earlier group: Cubs

LHP James Paxton

2023 stats: 7-5, 4.50 ERA, 101 strikeouts, 1.313 WHIP, 96.0 innings
Reported phrases: One 12 months, $11 million
Earlier group: Pink Sox

Milwaukee Brewers

LHP Wade Miley

2023 stats: 9-4, 3.14 ERA, 79 strikeouts, 1.139 WHIP, 120.1 innings
Reported phrases: One 12 months, $8.5 million

Minnesota Twins

RHP Josh Staumont

2023 stats: 0-0, 5.40 ERA, 24 strikeouts, 1.450 WHIP, 20.0 innings
Reported phrases: One-year deal

New York Yankees

RHP Marcus Stroman

2023 stats: 10-9, 3.95 ERA, 1.259 WHIP, 119 strikeouts, 136.2 innings pitched, 27 video games
Reported phrases: Two years, $37 million with third-year vesting possibility
Earlier group: Cubs

It was unacceptable for the Yankees to face pat with their rotation after dropping out on Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Nobody anticipated normal supervisor Brian Cashman to start the 12 months with Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, Nestor Cortes and Clarke Schmidt as his solely starters. 

So, in that sense, it is affordable that the Yankees received Marcus Stroman to fill an apparent want within the beginning rotation. He ought to slot in properly as a No. 3-4 starter who has a historical past of manufacturing high quality begins and staying on the mound. However the Yankees are going for it — World Sequence or bust — in 2024, due largely to the truth that they will solely rely on having Juan Soto of their lineup for one season. To maximise their probability of attending to the Fall Traditional for the primary time since 2009, Cashman and firm ought to try to safe yet one more arm, whether or not that is Blake Snell or Jordan Montgomery, to strengthen that rotation and create extra depth in case of damage. 

There are nonetheless too many query marks inside that beginning 5 for the Yankees to really feel assured about their well being and longevity this upcoming season. There may be an excessive amount of on the road to cease including arms now, notably when high gamers, together with Corbin Burnes and Dylan Stop, are nonetheless seemingly out there by means of trades. Stroman is a stable addition, however he is not the ultimate reply. The Yankees must preserve going. —Deesha Thosar (Grade: B)

RHP Cody Morris

2023 stats: 2-1, 3.23 ERA, 1.256 WHIP, 45 strikeouts, 39 innings pitched, 21 video games (time break up between Double-A, Triple-A and majors)
Commerce return: Estevan Florial
Earlier group: Guardians

OF Juan Soto

2023 stats: .275/.410/.519, 35 dwelling runs, 109 RBIs, 158 OPS+
Commerce return: RHPs Michael King and Jhony Brito, minor-league RHPs Drew Thorpe and Randy Vásquez, C Kyle Higashioka to Padres. The Yankees are additionally getting OF Trent Grisham within the deal.
Earlier group: Padres

[Related: Juan Soto trade analysis: Are the aggressive Yankees back? What’s next for Padres?; Why the Yankees still have work to do after trading for Juan Soto]

OF Alex Verdugo

2023 stats: .264/.324/.421 slash line, 13 dwelling runs, 54 RBIs, 100 OPS+
Commerce return: RHPs Richard Fitts, Greg Weissert and Nicholas Judice
Earlier group: Pink Sox 

[Related: Yankees fill void with Alex Verdugo trade; Red Sox gain flexibility and promise]

New York Mets

CF Harrison Bader

2023 stats: .232/.274/.348, seven dwelling runs, 40 RBIs, 69 OPS+, 20 stolen bases
Reported phrases: One 12 months, $10.5 million
Earlier group: Reds

RHP Jorge López

2023 stats: 61 appearances, 5.95 ERA, 49 strikeouts, 1.508 WHIP, 59 innings
Reported phrases: One 12 months, $2 million
Earlier group: Orioles

RHP Luis Severino

2023 stats: 4-8, 6.65 ERA, 79 strikeouts, 1.646 WHIP, 19 appearances (18 begins), 89.1 innings
Reported phrases: One 12 months, $13 million
Earlier group: Yankees 

There is a lengthy winter forward that may assist totally crystalize the diploma to which the Mets intend to compete in 2024, however how they select to deal with the evident rotation wants will inform us rather a lot. Severino is an intriguing upside gamble that might pay dividends for the Mets no matter what course their 2024 goes. Perhaps the previous Yankee is a key member of a rebuilt rotation, perhaps he is a fantastic piece to flip for a prospect or two on the deadline. I would be extra involved about Severino’s latest struggles to remain on the sector greater than his atrocious 2023 stat line. He is nonetheless throwing laborious sufficient to rack up lots of whiffs with the correct tweaks to his arsenal, however none of it’l matter if he cannot keep on the mound. I would count on the subsequent arm New York acquires to be one with a good bit extra certainty of delivering 25-plus begins in 2024. — Shusterman (Grade: B)

Philadelphia Phillies

RHP Aaron Nola 

2023 stats: 12-9, 4.46 ERA, 202 strikeouts, 1.151 WHIP, 32 begins, 193.2 innings 
Reported phrases: Seven years, $172 million
Earlier group: Phillies

Cannot spell Aaron Nola with out three A’s. Nola and the Phillies have been canyons aside after they mentioned an extension in spring coaching, however compromise gained the day. Nola received the seventh 12 months he needed, whereas the Phillies stored the typical annual worth in an affordable vary. The Phillies wanted a pitcher and went with the one they knew intimately, one whose work ethic and make-up they love and one they imagine will age properly into his late thirties. — Mintz

Pittsburgh Pirates 

LHP Martín Pérez

2023 stats: 10-4, 4.45 ERA, 93 strikeouts, 1.405 WHIP, 141.2 innings pitched, 35 appearances (20 begins)
Reported phrases: One 12 months, $8 million
Earlier group: Rangers

OF Andrew McCutchen

2023 stats: .256/.378/.397, 12 dwelling runs, 43 RBI, 113 OPS+
Reported phrases: One 12 months, $5 million
Earlier group: Pirates

RHP Marco Gonzales

2023 stats (with Mariners): 4-1, 5.22 ERA, 34 strikeouts, 1.460 WHIP, 50 innings pitched
Commerce return: Money issues for Braves
Earlier group: Braves

LHP Aroldis Chapman

2023 stats: 6-5, 3.09 ERA, 103 strikeouts, 1.251 WHIP, 58.1 innings pitched
Reported phrases: One 12 months, $10.5 million
Earlier group: Rangers

San Diego Padres

LHP Yuki Matsui

Reported phrases: 5 years, $28 million

It was going to take extra than simply the Soto commerce haul to switch the mountain of innings which have waltzed out the door this winter, and including Matsui — No. 27 on my free-agent pitcher rankings — ought to assist in these efforts. Although simply 5-foot-8, Matsui has been one of the dominant relievers in Japan for practically a decade, piling up saves with a low-90s heater, gnarly splutter and, most significantly, distinctive command. 

Matsui tasks extra within the seventh or eighth inning in MLB than the nearer function he occupied in NPB, particularly with a wholesome Robert Suarez slated to headline the Padres’ bullpen. It’s uncommon to see relievers land three-, not to mention four-year offers in free company, however with Matsui coming into solely his age-28 season and the AAV at simply over $5 million per 12 months, this might show to be a completely affordable, if not straight up savvy funding. Search for San Diego to proceed to pursue pitching because the winter rolls on. — Shusterman (Grade: B+)

RHP Woo Suk Go

2023 stats: 3-8, 3.68 ERA, 59 strikeouts, 1.364 WHIP, 40.0 innings
Reported groups: Two years, $4.5 million
Earlier group: LG Twins (KBO)

San Francisco Giants  

LHP Robbie Ray

2023 stats: (made one begin earlier than having Tommy John surgical procedure)
Commerce return: OF Mitch Haniger, RHP Anthony DeSclafani
Earlier group: Mariners 

C Tom Murphy

2023 stats: .290/.335/.538, 8 HR, 17 RBI, 142 OPS+
Reported phrases: Two years, $8 million
Earlier group: Mariners

CF Jung Hoo Lee
2023 stats (KBO): .318/.406/.455, six dwelling runs, 45 RBIs, six stolen bases
Reported phrases: Six years, $113 million
Earlier group: Kiwoon Heroes (KBO)

I used to be about as bullish as may very well be on Lee as one in every of this winter’s most underrated free brokers, and even I’m pretty surprised by the scale of the deal he was in a position to safe right here. It’s no secret how aggressive the Giants have been in free company lately with out something within the type of star gamers to point out for it, so it was solely a matter of time earlier than they landed one in every of their high targets. 

Lee was reportedly excessive on their precedence record for some time and this vital dedication displays that. An $18 million common annual worth for a middle fielder with Lee’s precocious contact potential is totally affordable for a group with cash to spend like San Francisco, however it is a huge wager on Lee’s bat not solely translating to the majors however growing significant (or at the least respectable) energy. 

That was going to be a gradual course of as is, and now Lee can be tasked with succeeding in a ballpark in Oracle Park that has traditionally been somewhat unkind to left-handed hitters not named Barry Lamar Bonds. I’m nonetheless a giant believer in Lee and don’t wish to panic too laborious based mostly on the touchdown spot, however he can’t be the Giants’ solely main addition this winter in the event that they wish to push themselves again into the playoff image. For now, good on San Francisco for lastly reeling in a major expertise. — Shusterman (Grade: B-)

RHP Jordan Hicks

2023 stats: 3-9, 3.29 ERA, 81 strikeouts, 1.355 WHIP, 65.2 innings pitched, 62 appearances
Reported phrases: 4 years, $44 million
Earlier group: Blue Jays

Seattle Mariners

OF Luke Raley 

2023 stats: 249/.333/.490 slash line, 19 dwelling runs, 49 RBIs 
Commerce return: INF José Caballero
Earlier group: Rays

OF Mitch Haniger, RHP Anthony DeSclafani

Haniger’s 2023 stats: .209/.266/.365 slash line, six dwelling runs, 28 RBIs (performed in 61 video games) 
DeSclafani’s 2023 stats: 4-8, 4.88 ERA, 79 strikeouts, 1.254 WHIP, 99.2 IP
Commerce return: LHP Robbie Ray
Earlier group: Giants

C/DH Mitch Garver

2023 stats: .270/.370/.500, 19 HR, 50 RBI, 134 OPS+
Reported phrases: Two years, $24 million
Earlier group: Rangers

This might look even higher had it not required an unpleasant prelude of salary-dump swaps to clear sufficient payroll to spend even a modest quantity in free company. However credit score Seattle for leaping on one of many higher-upside hitters in an awfully shallow free-agent marketplace for bats. His contract seems to be a mirrored image of the market’s view of him as a main DH transferring ahead somewhat than a viable catcher, although it’s probably the Mariners are hoping that much less time behind the plate (if any) might help mitigate his different main pink flag involving inconsistent sturdiness. 

Garver seems slated to be the Mariners’ first full-time DH since Nelson Cruz. That plugs one huge gap, however their consideration should now flip to filling out a extremely questionable outfield surrounding famous person Julio Rodríguez in heart discipline. Their scrutinized (and nonetheless unclear) price range will probably affect whether or not their subsequent addition will come through commerce or free company. — Shusterman (Grade: B+)

St. Louis Cardinals

RHP Sonny Grey

2023 stats: 8-8, 2.79 ERA, 183 strikeouts, 1.147 WHIP, 32 begins, 184 innings 
Reported groups: Three years, $75 million
Earlier group: Twins

Contemporary off a runner-up end within the AL Cy Younger race, Grey lands a hefty multiyear take care of a group in critical want of top-end beginning pitching. The pre-Thanksgiving signings of Lance Lynn and Kyle Gibson make much more sense within the context of this Grey addition, because the Cardinals have swiftly added three veteran arms earlier than the calendar flipped to December. Grey is the important thing, although — a rotation stuffed with strictly innings-eaters of Lynn and Gibson’s ilk probably will not maintain up particularly properly come postseason time. There are parts of Grey’s sensational 2023 that can be robust to repeat — particularly his elite dwelling run suppression — however he is nonetheless somebody you’d really feel nice about giving the ball to in October. That caliber of pitcher did not exist on the Cardinals roster till this transfer. Now, the query is, will St. Louis pursue one other front-end starter through commerce, or does the main focus shift to the bullpen? — Shusterman

RHP Kyle Gibson

2023 stats: 15-9, 4.73 ERA, 157 strikeouts, 1.32 WHIP, 33 begins, 192.0 innings 
Reported phrases: One 12 months, $12 million
Earlier group: Orioles

RHP Lance Lynn

2023 stats: 13-11, 5.73 ERA, 191 strikeouts, 1.394 WHIP, 32 begins, 183.2 innings 
Reported phrases: One 12 months, $10 million
Earlier group: Dodgers

DH Matt Carpenter

2023 stats: .176/.322/.319, 5 dwelling runs, 31 RBIs, 81 OPS+
Reported phrases: One 12 months, 740K
Earlier group: San Diego Padres

Tampa Bay Rays

INF José Caballero

2023 stats: .221/.343/.320, 4 dwelling runs, 26 RBIs, 90 OPS+
Commerce return: OF Luke Raley
Earlier group: Mariners

Toronto Blue Jays

OF/INF Isiah Kiner-Falefa

2023 stats: .242/.306/.340, six homers, 37 RBIs, 78 OPS+, 14 stolen bases
Reported phrases: Two years, $15 million
Earlier group: Yankees

OF Kevin Kiermaier

2023 stats: .265/.322/.419, eight dwelling runs, 36 RBIs, 104 OPS+, 14 stolen bases, Gold Glove winner
Reported phrases: One 12 months, $10 million

It’s laborious to not love Kiermaier, a grasp of his craft as a defender in heart discipline whose bat skilled one thing of a resurgence in his first 12 months north of the border at age 33 after practically a decade as a divisional foe in Tampa Bay. However whereas there’s no such factor as a nasty one-year deal, this reunion — mixed with the two-year deal given to utilityman Isiah Kiner-Falefa — does little to deal with Toronto’s evident want for a extra dependable supply of offensive firepower. There’s nothing improper with bringing Kiermaier again, per se, however the manufacturing vacated by fellow free brokers Matt Chapman and Brandon Belt would look like much more pressing areas to deal with because the winter rolls alongside. 

I don’t sense that Kiermaier’s return utterly guidelines out a run at Cody Bellinger, however the match would at the least appear considerably narrower. The Blue Jays’ offseason certainly isn’t completed, after all, however these first two strikes really feel like ones that ought to spherical out a winter of additives somewhat than kickstart at. With loads of exterior choices nonetheless out there, we’ll be affected person — however Toronto is one in every of a number of groups (Cubs, Giants, Pink Sox) feeling the warmth to make an actual splash after how its 2023 season ended. These strikes don’t ease that strain in any respect. — Shusterman (Grade: C+)

RHP Yariel Rodriguez

2022 stats: 6-2, 54.2 IP, 1.15 ERA, 0.92 WHIP (Japan Central League; did not pitch in 2023 to organize for MLB free company)
Reported phrases: 4 years, $32 million

I paired Rodríguez with Jordan Hicks as the ultimate two gamers on my high 30 free-agent rankings initially of the offseason with the logic being every may command sizable offers because of their high-powered arsenals and relative youth as 27-year-old free brokers. Certain sufficient, every week after Hicks secured a four-year pact from San Francisco — with the stunning information that he may compete for a rotation spot — Rodríguez landed a multiyear take care of the Blue Jays for an unsurprisingly smaller assure than Hicks, albeit nonetheless a large dedication to a pitcher whose subsequent pitch within the large leagues can be his first. Rodríguez’s pattern of success as a starter lately is proscribed to a handful of spectacular outings for Workforce Cuba in final 12 months’s World Baseball Traditional, however most evaluators challenge his vicious fastball-slider assault as profiling finest within the bullpen. 

The excellent news is that — in contrast to with Hicks’ intentions of beginning in San Francisco the place the rotation stays skinny — Toronto doesn’t want Rodriguez. With 4 rotation spots all however set in stone, a bounce-back candidate in Alek Manoah, and one in every of baseball’s high pitching prospects in Ricky Tiedemann knocking on the door, there’s a security internet within the occasion that Rodriguez reveals in spring he does certainly match higher in aid. Whereas Toronto nonetheless has ample work to do when it comes to enhancing its offense, Rodríguez represents an intriguing gamble on a pitcher with critical upside based mostly on his bodily potential, however far much less monitor file to point out for it than somebody like Hicks or different veteran arms we’ve seen in MLB for years. — Shusterman (Grade B+)

Texas Rangers 

RHP Tyler Mahle
2023 stats: 1-2 (5 begins), 3.16 ERA, 25.2 IP, 28 strikeouts, 5 walks, 1.052 WHIP
Reported phrases: Two years, $22 million
Earlier group: Twins

Washington Nationals

OF Joey Gallo

2023 stats: .177/.301/.440, 21 dwelling runs, 40 RBIs, 101 OPS+
Reported phrases: One 12 months, $5 million with a further $1 million in bonuses
Earlier group: Twins

OF/3B Nick Senzel

2023 stats: .236/.297/.399, 13 dwelling runs, 42 RBIs, 85 OPS+, six stolen bases
Reported phrases: One 12 months, $2 million
Earlier group: Reds

Prime free brokers nonetheless out there:
Blake Snell 
Brandon Belt 
Clayton Kershaw 
Cody Bellinger 
J.D. Martinez 
Joc Pederson 
Jordan Montgomery 
Jorge Soler 
Justin Turner 
Marcus Stroman 
Matt Chapman 
Rhys Hoskins 
Yariel Rodríguez  

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