MLB Free Agents 2023: Rumors and Predictions for Top Available Players
Shohei Ohtani remains at the forefront of offseason speculation amid free agency rumors and reports, and understandably so.
The highest-profile free agent, perhaps in the history of Major League Baseball, is set to sign a potentially historic contract and several World Series contenders are still in the hunt for the two-way player.
Find out the latest on the reigning American League MVP, as well as other top free agents and predictions for each, with this collection of insider reports.
The Latest on Ohtani
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The long awaited decision of two-time unanimous MVP Shohei Ohtani may be drawing near.
MLB Network's Jon Morosi reported that "Ohtani is expected to decide on his free-agent destination before the end of the weekend."
Where is signs is still a question carefully guarded by the All-Star.
The New York Post's Jon Heyman reported, "It isn't known what other teams Ohtani may have singled out for preference, but the clubhouse source added that Ohtani specifically said he couldn't see himself playing in New York, which is also what he told the Yankees six years ago before signing with the Angels," seemingly eliminating the Bronx Bombers and the across-city Mets from the equation.
Heyman also revealed that Ohtani has had conversations with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays, and San Francisco Giants. He added, "a clubhouse source told The Post Ohtani told him during the season that he liked the idea of going to at least the Dodgers or Jays if he left the Angels."
USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported that the Chicago Cubs, "optimism of landing Shohei Ohtani has now significantly waned, one high-ranking executive said," while also referencing the same potential suitors.
Nightengale's report did not sit well with Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer, who exchanged "stern words" according to ESPN's Jesse Rogers.
Ohtani has demanded secrecy and privacy in his meetings with teams, warning that any news that got out could adversely affect a team's ability to sign him. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that the team had met with the star free agent, creating buzz and controversy.
Even with that said, the defending NL West champs have been the one team linked to Ohtani from the moment it was apparent that he would be testing free agent. Perhaps it is because of their winning setup, maybe it has to do with their location on the West Coast, but the team has been consistently mentioned as a team that could potentially land Ohtani.
The Dodgers need pitching and although Ohtani will not benefit them on the mound until at least 2025 following arm surgery, he is expected to hit again in 2024. Adding his 44 home runs, 95 RBI, and 20 stolen bases to a lineup that includes Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts, both coming off of one of the best seasons of their careers, as well as heavy hitter Max Muncy, makes for one of the more impressive offensive arsenals in the game.
More importantly, it would almost instantly make them the favorite to represent the National League in the World Series, let alone a playoff contender. Ohtani has yet to play on either of those stages in his brilliant career.
The allure of playoff baseball may very well be the difference maker.
Prediction: Ohtani signs a massive deal with the Dodgers and continues his career in Los Angeles
Seven Suitors for Yoshinobu Yamamoto
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Beyond Ohtani, 25-year-old Japanese sensation Yoshinobu Yamamoto figures to be the most coveted free agent in the sport this offseason.
The righty starred for Japan in the World Baseball Classic and, with the Orix Buffaloes, compiled an ERA of 1.16 and averaged 9.3 strikeouts per nine innings according to Baseball Reference. He was brilliant and the fact that he is as young as he is makes him even more coveted by teams in need of starting pitching.
The Athletic's Will Sammon reported, there are currently seven realistic suitors for Yamamoto: the New York Mets and Yankees, San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays, and two unidentified clubs.
The Giants, Jays, and Dodgers are all in on Ohtani, too, which means the team that fails to land him will likely make a big-money offer to his WBC teammate.
The Giants, in particular, have been ardent in their pursuit of Yamamoto, with club president Farhan Zaidi personally traveling to Japan to scout him.
He is not the only team official to make a long trip to talk to the prospective Major Leaguer.
Sammon reported that Mets owner Steve Cohen traveled to Japan to meet with Yamamoto amid reports of his team's interest.
Yamamoto's WBC teammate, Kodai Senga, signed with New York last offseason and earned Rookie of the Year consideration for his contributions. Senga previously expressed interest in selling Yamamoto on the organization, if need be, Mike Puma of the New York Post wrote.
Considering the Mets' starters beyond Senga include Luis Severino, José Quintana, David Peterson, Tylor Megill, and José Butto, the team is desperately in need of starting pitching.
The sell by Cohen, the team's desire to compete in the NL after a dismal 2023, and Yamamoto's relationship with Senga should make the difference.
Prediction: Yamamoto signs with the Mets
Mariners a Potential Suitor for Cody Bellinger?
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Cody Bellinger enjoyed a career renaissance of sorts with the Chicago Cubs in 2023, hitting .307/.356/.525 with 26 home runs and earning Comeback Player of the Year honors in the National League.
After a return to form, it only makes sense that teams in need of offense would look to acquire the former MVP.
One such team is the Seattle Mariners. Morosi reported, "The Mariners are considering Cody Bellinger among their free-agent options."
The Mariners dealt left fielder Jarred Kelenic to the Atlanta Braves, creating a need for more offense. Kelenic drove in 49 runs and hit 11 homers in a bounce-back season but Bellinger's output was exponentially better.
Seattle is not the only team interested in adding Bellinger.
The Giants and Jays, both of whom are in on Ohtani, are likely to pursue the outfielder/first baseman if they do not land the MVP.
The Yankees were previously in the mix but the addition of Juan Soto Wednesday essentially eliminated them from the sweepstakes.
The Mariners, Giants, and Blue Jays are all teams one or two pieces away from being legitimate contenders.
Seattle has the best young player in the game in Julio Rodriguez, making it a mighty attractive destination.
A return to the Cubs should not be out of the question.
Prediction: Seattle lands Bellinger, but not without stiff competition from offense-hungry teams
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