1 Realistic Free-Agent Signing to Fix Every MLB Team's Biggest Roster Need
Major League Baseball's free-agent market is finally heating up, and all it took was the biggest sports contract in history to make it happen.
We won't be seeing any more of those this winter, but each team has at least one realistic signing it can still make.
Ahead is a team-by-team rundown of signings clubs can make that would address their biggest outstanding needs. These cover everything from potentially mere six-figure deals to ones worth easily in excess of nine figures.
The word "realistic" really can't be emphasized enough. If you're, say, a Pittsburgh Pirates fan expecting to see Blake Snell in the home whites at PNC Park in 2024, I just don't know what to tell you other than, "Nah."
We'll proceed in alphabetical order by city.
Arizona Diamondbacks: DH J.D. Martinez
1 of 30
Notable Additions: Signed LHP Eduardo Rodriguez; traded for 3B Eugenio Suárez
With Suárez and Rodriguez aboard, the Diamondbacks are already on track to celebrate this year's World Series run by raising their payroll for 2024.
Yet there's still room for another bat in the lineup, specifically of the right-handed variety at either designated hitter or in the outfield. Per Jon Heyman of the New York Post, old friend J.D. Martinez is a possibility for the former:
The six-time All-Star was only a Diamondback for half the 2017 season, but he sure made an impression in slugging 29 home runs. That ended up earning him a nine-figure deal, but this time around he should be available for a modest raise on the $10 million he made in 2023.
Atlanta: LHP Sean Manaea
2 of 30
Notable Additions: Signed HP Joe Jiménez, RHP Pierce Johnson, RHP Reynaldo López; traded for LHP Aaron Bummer, DH Matt Carpenter, INF David Fletcher, LF Jarred Kelenic
As busy as Atlanta has been, you can still look at their starting rotation and see a hole at the back end.
Before he signed with the Kansas City Royals, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reported that Seth Lugo interested Atlanta. He basically was in 2023 what Atlanta is hoping López could be in 2024, even if the catch is that Lugo was only good for one dominant turn through the order.
This was also the book on Sean Manaea this season, though signing him would have two advantages relative to Lugo. One, he's likely not going to fetch $45 million over three years. And two, he showed this year that he can function in a swingman role as needed.
Baltimore Orioles: RHP Michael Wacha
3 of 30
Notable Additions: Signed RHP Lucas Giolito
The Orioles' deal with Kimbrel will do as a temporary solution for the hole left in the back of their bullpen by Félix Bautista's Tommy John surgery.
Now they just need the "rotation upgrade" that general manager Mike Elias is known to be seeking. The club's wealth of young position players may make a trade (Dylan Cease, anyone?) a more practical move, but free agency has at least one good option for them.
This is Lucas Giolito. He was on track for a nine-figure deal once, but that went up and smoke amid back-to-back rough seasons in 2022 and 2023. He should be in the market for a "prove it" deal in the $15 million per year range, which should be in Baltimore's budget.
Boston Red Sox: RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto
4 of 30
Notable Additions: Signed RHP Cooper Criswell; traded for LF Tyler O'Neill
O'Neill is a nice defensive upgrade and a much-needed right-handed bat for the Red Sox, but they still need to take at least one big swing at upgrading their rotation.
How about the biggest possible swing? That would involve signing Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and the word from Jim Bowden of The Athletic is that they have a $300 million offer out to him:
If this is true, well, no notes. A 25-year-old pitcher with a sub-2.00 ERA for his career in Japan is just what Boston needs to fix up a rotation that's struggled over the last two seasons.
Chicago Cubs: 3B Matt Chapman
5 of 30
Notable Additions: None
The Cubs have been quiet so far this winter, though that's not for lack of trying. They were one of the last teams in the running for Shohei Ohtani before he picked the Dodgers.
Re-upping with Cody Bellinger is among Chicago's fallback options, and a good one, at that. But for my money—which, to be clear, is not the Cubs' money—they would be better off making good on their reported interest in Matt Chapman.
Chapman could end up costing about $100 million less than Bellinger, yet he could ensure that Bellinger isn't missed on the North Side. Beyond being a candidate for 20-plus home runs, the four-time Gold Glover would further enhance one of the league's best infields.
Chicago White Sox: INF/OF Whit Merrifield
6 of 30
Notable Additions: Signed RHP Erick Fedde; traded for INF Nicky Lopez, RHP Michael Soroka, C Max Stassi
With the amount of players he's brought in so far during his first winter on the job, you suddenly have to wonder if White Sox GM Chris Getz will trade Cease after all.
Either way, the next area he could look to address is right field. As in, the position where the White Sox finished with by far the lowest rWAR in the league at minus-2.4 in 2023.
Whit Merrifield has been of interest to the South Siders, and he'd come with the added benefit of not being strictly a right fielder. It's one of many positions he can play in a pinch, though second base (where the White Sox were also weak) is probably his best.
Cincinnati Reds: RHP Marcus Stroman
7 of 30
Notable Additions: Signed 3B Jeimer Candelario, C Luke Maile, RHP Nick Martinez, RHP Emilio Pagán
With the Reds having already spent $87 million on free agents, their projected payroll for 2024 is suddenly right about where it ended 2023. Perhaps they're done?
Perhaps not. After signing Martinez, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com wrote that the Reds were "still in the market for a frontline arm." If their previous interest in Sonny Gray is any indication, they may indeed be willing to aim high.
So, how about Marcus Stroman? He could run the Reds as much as $20 million per year in a multi-year deal, but he'd be a good fit if for no other reason than his ground ball style would play well at homer-friendly Great American Ball Park.
Cleveland Guardians: OF Tommy Pham
8 of 30
Notable Additions: Signed C Austin Hedges, RHP Ben Lively; Traded for RHP Scott Barlow
What the Guardians need more than anything is an impact bat, and ideally one that could slot into right field on a regular basis. The position produced just a .629 OPS and 10 homers this year.
Trouble is, the team's budget is on the small side. They're expected to run a similar payroll in 2024 that they did in 2023. And as of now, the two figures are closely aligned.
Yet is it too much to ask that they stretch to sign Tommy Pham? He might not command even an eight-figure salary in '24, and thus stands to be a discount source of power with a dash of leadership on the side.
Colorado Rockies: LHP James Paxton
9 of 30
Notable Additions: Traded for RHP Cal Quantrill
Not that it figures to do them much good on the heels of a 103-loss season, but Rockies general manager Bill Schmidt would like to deepen the club's pitching for 2024.
As always, the hard part will be convincing pitchers to come to Denver willingly. Coors Field isn't exactly a haven for hurlers, after all, though there might be a chance of adding a veteran who isn't ready to call it a career just yet.
On this front, James Paxton stands out as a potential fit for the Rockies because of how his high-velocity, low-spin fastball fits with their general philosophy. Actually signing him could be a reach but, hey, it's what I've got.
Detroit Tigers: INF/OF Isiah Kiner-Falefa
10 of 30
Notable Additions: Signed LHP Andrew Chafin, RHP Jack Flaherty, RHP Kenta Maeda; traded for LF Mark Canha
With Maeda and Flaherty in their rotation, Chafin in their bullpen and Canha in left field, the Tigers have already addressed their biggest needs.
Since Matt Vierling posted an .823 OPS as a third baseman this season, it may be a reach to call third base a true "need" for Detroit. But it wouldn't be the worst idea to add another option, particularly if said option comes with defensive versatility.
Welp, somebody said "defensive versatility." That means it's time to bring up Isiah Kiner-Falefa. And in all seriousness, his ability to play anywhere on the diamond on defense and to get the bat to the ball on offense would make him a nice fit for Detroit.
Houston Astros: RHP Robert Stephenson
11 of 30
Notable Additions: Signed C Victor Caratini
The Astros took care of the hole in their catching depth chart by signing Caratini. With Hector Neris, Phil Maton and Ryne Stanek having filed for free agency, all they need now is relievers.
Well, it might have to be just one reliever. Payroll is limited, you see, as the Astros are already projected to top what they spent in 2023 by $21 million. They're also slated to go over the $237 million luxury-tax threshold.
Still, Robert Stephenson is a possibility. He interests Houston, according to Chandler Rome of The Athletic. After breaking through with 60 strikeouts against only eight walks over 38.1 innings in the back half of 2023, he's the kind of guy who's right up the Astros' alley.
Kansas City Royals: RHP Zack Greinke
12 of 30
Notable Additions: Signed INF/OF Garrett Hampson, RHP Seth Lugo, OF Hunter Renfoe, LHP Will Smith, RHP Chris Stratton, RHP Michael Wacha; traded for RHP Kyle Wright
The Royals still seem a long way from contending after a 106-loss season, so you have to hand it to them for spending to make improvements anyway.
Alas, there might not be much left to spend. General manager J.J. Picollo has spoken of having "at least" a $30 million budget for new salaries, and the club's signings add up to $47 million. Another starter would be nice, but he'd have to be cheap.
As it happens, Jon Morosi of MLB.com reports that Zack Greinke is not yet ready to retire after all. If the Royals can bring back the 40-year-old hurler on a deal similar to the $8.5 million he made this year, they should.
Los Angeles Angels: LHP Blake Snell
13 of 30
Notable Additions: Signed RHP Adam Cimber, RHP Luis García, LHP Adam Kolarek
The Angels only won 73 games even with Shohei Ohtani this year, so anyone who's feeling down about their immediate future should know this: You're not wrong.
Yet the club's fate can only get better. All it would take is making good use of the whopping $62 million gap between what it spent in 2023 and what it projects to spend in 2024.
Which is to say the Angels darn well should follow up on their reported interest in two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell. Though he wouldn't solve everything, he would ensure the rotation's upside would remain on the high side.
Los Angeles Dodgers: RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto
14 of 30
Notable Additions: Signed RF Jason Heyward, RHP Joe Kelly, DH/RHP Shohei Ohtani; traded for RHP Tyler Glasnow, OF Manuel Margot
All the Dodgers have done this winter is sign maybe the most talented baseball player ever and trade for one of the nastiest pitchers alive. But it still doesn't feel good enough, does it?
The hype train won't really get up to full speed until they also sign Yamamoto. And per Heyman, he's within their sights and within their grasp:
The Dodgers pulled out literally all the stops in their meeting with Yamamoto, with Farbian Adaya and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reporting that Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman and Will Smith took part. Now all they have to do is make sure their offer is good enough, for which the deferrals in Ohtani's $700 million contract can only help.
Miami Marlins: SS Tim Anderson
15 of 30
Notable Additions: Traded for C Christian Bethancourt, INF/OF Vidal Bruján
What the Marlins need most is a power bat to fill the hole left by Soler's free agency. No lineup can easily lose 36 home runs, much less one that produced only 166 all year.
The Marlins' focus, however, is at shortstop. Bruján is in the mix alongside Jon Berti, Xavier Edwards and prospect Jacob Amaya to get reps in 2024, but it doesn't take a microscope to see an opening for another option.
Tim Anderson is right there, guys. The two-time All-Star and batting champ's stock plummeted in 2023, but one positive of that is that he should be attainable on a reasonable one-year deal meant to rebuild his value in 2024.
Milwaukee Brewers: 1B/3B Justin Turner
16 of 30
Notable Additions: Signed LHP Wade Miley, RHP Colin Rea, RHP Joe Ross; traded for 1B/OF Jake Bauers, RHP Taylor Clarke
Though Bauers is better than nothing, he alone isn't a fix for the poor production that the Brewers got from both corners of the infield this season.
Though he's more of a first base/DH type than a third baseman at this stage of his career, Justin Turner is nonetheless the best of a thin list of options for both spots. Even at the age of 38, he still posted an .800 OPS and 23 home runs in 2023.
Whether the Brewers can afford Turner is the question, though the answer should be yes. As of now, they're projected to spend $16 million less in 2024 than they did in 2023.
Minnesota Twins: INF/OF Enrique Hernández
17 of 30
Notable Additions: None
The Twins may have won the AL Central and their first playoff series in over two decades this year, but the payroll apparently must come down anyway.
Their lack of activity is thus less than surprising, though it can't last forever. Even if the Twins don't sign any arms to replace Gray and Maeda, they at least need a contingency plan for center field in case Byron Buxton's surgically repaired knee can't hack it out there anymore.
Enrique Hernández would be perfect. He's generally a good defender wherever he plays, but center field is one of his best spots. And after a down year in 2023, he can probably be had on a one-year deal in the seven-figure range.
New York Mets: RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto
18 of 30
Notable Additions: Signed RHP Austin Adams, RHP Jorge López, RHP Luis Severino, RHP Michael Tonkin, INF Joey Wendle
Even if the Mets don't run a $350 million payroll again in 2024, is it too much to ask that they use a fraction of Steve Cohen's billions on a new star?
The answer should be no, especially if the star is Yamamoto. The franchise is infatuated with him, as president of baseball operations David Stearns lauded him as a "potentially elite front-end starter" and owner Steve Cohen flew to Japan to meet him personally.
It's begun to feel as if the Mets have been nudged to the periphery of the Yamamoto race of late. But until the finish line arrives, let's just assume that any team can have him at the right price, them included.
New York Yankees: RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto
19 of 30
Notable Additions: Traded for LHP Victor González, CF Trent Grisham, RF Juan Soto, LF Alex Verdugo
Unless you skipped past the Dodgers slide, you'll know that Heyman reported that they and the Yankees are the "co-favorites" to land Yamamoto.
If it's a question of who needs the right-handed ace more, it's actually hard to make the case for the Yankees. Whereas there's some debate as to whether the Dodgers have a proper No. 1, the Yankees sure do in American League Cy Young Award winner Gerrit Cole.
The only thing better than going for the kill, though, is going for the overkill. Signing Yamamoto would vault the Yankees firmly into contention for the 2024 World Series, which is certainly where they belong after 14 straight years of misses.
Oakland Athletics: LHP Martín Pérez
20 of 30
Notable Additions: Signed RHP Trevor Gott, RHP Osvaldo Bido; traded for INF Abraham Toro
The A's? Doing something in free agency? Are we suddenly back in the 1990s?
In all seriousness, Martín Gallegos of MLB.com reported after the Winter Meetings that the A's want "a proven veteran-type starter." To wit, they had considered Marco Gonzales before he ended up with the Pittsburgh Pirates by way of two separate trades.
How about Martín Pérez? He was an All-Star in 2022 and he took part in the Texas Rangers' championship run this year even after he flamed out of the rotation. He'd at least be a good clubhouse presence on an affordable one-year deal.
Philadelphia Phillies: RHP Hector Neris
21 of 30
Notable Additions: Signed RHP Aaron Nola
The Phillies have been quiet since striking the first major move of the winter in the form of a seven-year, $175 million deal to bring back Nola. Maybe too quiet...
For instance, wouldn't it be cool if the club's meeting with Yamamoto actually led to something? If they were to put him together with Nola and Zack Wheeler, they would have themselves a Death Star of a rotation trio.
But if it's a question of what the Phillies actually need, a mere bullpen piece would suffice. And since Josh Hader is apparently not happening, they could do worse than bringing back Neris hot off his 1.71 ERA for Houston in 2023. He's likely in the market for a two-year deal in the $15-20 million range.
Pittsburgh Pirates: DH Andrew McCutchen
22 of 30
Notable Additions: Signed C Ali Sánchez, 1B Rowdy Tellez; traded for LHP Marco Gonzales, OF Edward Olivares
There isn't much doubt that the Pirates are going to bring back Andrew McCutchen to fill their DH spot once again. The only question is when it will happen.
Potentially very soon, as it happens. According to a Friday report from Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, talks between the Bucs and McCutchen "have heated up in recent days." A deal could be completed early this week.
The Pirates will still have needs to fill (i.e., starting pitching) after re-signing McCutchen, but there's no doubt that the 37-year-old's leadership means as much to them as his bat.
San Diego Padres: LHP Shōta Imanaga
23 of 30
Notable Additions: Traded for RHP Jhony Brito, RHP Enyel De Los Santos, C Kyle Higashioka, RHP Michael King, RHP Randy Vásquez
There's no way a team can trade Juan Soto and not feel a sting, but the Padres can feel reasonably good about their standing after doing so.
King was a nice pickup for their rotation, for one thing. Plus, they should have roughly $48 million to build out a pitching staff that's already lost Lugo and Martinez and which also stands to lose Snell and Hader.
The rotation should take precedence, and they might not do better than Japanese left-hander Shōta Imanaga as a mid-level arm to put behind Yu Darvish and Joe Musgrove. He may not be as hyped as Yamamoto, but the goods to survive in the majors are there.
San Francisco Giants: RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto
24 of 30
Notable Additions: Signed OF Jung Hoo Lee
Ohtani choosing the Dodgers was merely the latest Charlie Brown vs. Lucy and Football scenario the Giants have encountered in recent years, but at least they were quick to respond with a six-year, $113 million deal with Lee.
The Giants still need power in their lineup, but the thinking is rightfully that they'd be better served going all-in on pitching. To this end, they're in the same boat as the Red Sox in that they've reportedly offered Yamamoto a $300 million deal.
If the money doesn't sway Yamamoto, then perhaps the prospect of pitching at one of the most pitcher-friendly parks in Major League Baseball will.
Seattle Mariners: CF/1B Cody Bellinger
25 of 30
Notable Additions: Traded for RHP Jackson Koward, C Seby Zavala, INF Luis Urías
Sans Suárez, Kelenic and Teoscar Hernández, the Mariners are missing three hitters who combined for 59 of the team's 210 home runs this season.
The pressure is on president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto to do something about that, so it's a good thing he reportedly has his eye on Cody Bellinger:
Bellinger has creds as an All-Star, a Silver Slugger, a Gold Glover, a Rookie of the Year, an MVP and a World Series champion. And for all that's been written about his poor contact quality this year, his bat-to-ball skill is just what Seattle is looking for. A nine-figure deal with him would be well worth it.
St. Louis Cardinals: RHP Shintaro Fujinami
26 of 30
Notable Additions: Signed RHP Kyle Gibson, RHP Sonny Gray, RHP Lance Lynn; traded for RHP Nick Robertson
With Gray, Gibson and Lynn in place, the Cardinals have fulfilled their goal of adding three starting pitchers this winter.
As far as what's next, it wouldn't be an outrage if the answer proves to be nothing. Yet bullpen help could be on the way, and more likely via free agency than the trade market:
A reunion with Jordan Hicks would make some sense, but Shintaro Fujinami is a similar pitcher who can probably be had for a fraction of the cost. His control is less than good, but it got better as he was really letting it fly with the Orioles down the stretch of 2023.
Tampa Bay Rays: RHP Frankie Montas
27 of 30
Notable Additions: Signed RHP Chris Devenski; traded for OF Jonny Deluca, RHP Ryan Pepiot
The Rays cleared $33 million in salaries by trading Glasnow and Margot to the Dodgers, which isn't a small amount of money by their standards.
Trouble is, their payroll is still slated to increase by $18 million over what they spent in 2023. And what was a strong need for starters is now even stronger, leading to a question of who they might be able to afford.
Honestly, Frankie Montas isn't much more than a guess. But if he does fall in the Rays' price range, he's worth taking a chance on as a guy who was a reliable bat-misser before shoulder surgery sidelined him for almost all of this season.
Texas Rangers: LHP Josh Hader
28 of 30
Notable Additions: Signed RHP Tyler Mahle, RHP Kirby Yates
Now that Max Scherzer (back) is set to join Mahle and Jacob deGrom (Tommy John surgery) on the injured list to start 2024, shouldn't the Rangers be in the market for a starter?
Not necessarily. They still have Nathan Eovaldi, Jon Gray, Andrew Heaney and Dane Dunning, with Owen White and Cole Winn standing by to compete for the No. 5 spot. That should be enough to sustain the rotation until those three get healthy.
Meanwhile, the Rangers remain the most natural fit for Josh Hader after getting exactly 0.0 rWAR from their bullpen in 2023. While it could cost nine figures to sign the five-time All-Star closer, they should have that kind of money after winning their first championship.
Toronto Blue Jays: CF/1B Cody Bellinger
29 of 30
Notable Additions: None
Alas, Ohtani wasn't aboard that plane. And in 2024 and beyond, the only blue he'll be wearing is Dodger Blue.
There's nonetheless still time for the Blue Jays to pick themselves up off the mat, and they have the right idea in targeting Bellinger. According to Heyman, the Jays are "expected to be a player" for the erstwhile Dodger and Cub.
Though they'll still need at least two more bats after signing Bellinger, he'd fill a big need if they can get the job done. He's the left-handed hitter they sorely need alongside Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette, not to mention a replacement for Gold Glover Kevin Kiermaier.
Washington Nationals: 1B Carlos Santana
30 of 30
Notable Additions: Signed RHP Dylan Floro, INF Nick Senzel
The Nationals are going to give Senzel a shot at third base, but across the diamond from him is another need that has yet to be filled.
Though Joey Meneses can play first base, the Nationals want another option who could also promise to add some power to their lineup. Pickings are slim in this regard, but they might see if Carlos Santana is up for what would be his 15th season in the big leagues.
He showed he can still hit by posting a solid .747 OPS and 23 home runs last season. And given that journey started in Pittsburgh before ending in Milwaukee, he apparently doesn't mind selling himself as a potential piece of trade bait.
Stats courtesy of Baseball Reference, FanGraphs and Baseball Savant.
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