Top MLB free agents 2024: Yoshinobu Yamamoto headlines 2023-’24 MLB free agency rankings

Follow Us
By 
·Updated:

Aug 4, 2021; Yokohama, Japan; Team Japan pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (17) throws a pitch against Korea in a baseball semifinal match during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Yokohama Baseball Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

With the Major League Baseball offseason underway, it’s time to look ahead to the winter and the top MLB free agents in 2024. MLB free agency is one of the most exciting things about baseball and the current crop of free agents adds to the intrigue for the winter.

It will come as no surprise that Shohei Ohtani is the best player in 2023-’24 MLB free agency. He is the face of baseball with his popularity seemingly increasing by the year. Not only is he a marketable star who can bring in tens of millions of dollars for a team, but he is also a perennial MVP candidate who can help lead his team to the World Series.

Related: 2023-24 MLB offseason schedule

After Ohtani, the pool of top MLB free agents in 2024 drops off a bit. There is no Aaron Judge, Trea Turner or Xander Bogaerts to headline the list of everyday players. With Manny Machado signing an extension, the pool of free-agent hitters became even thinner.

Here are the top MLB free agents in 2024. Bookmark this page for additional updates and we’ll use it as our 2024 MLB free agency tracker.

Top MLB free agents 2023-’24: 10 best players available

1. Shohei Ohtani, designated hitter, Los Angeles Angels – Signed 10/700M deal with LAD

Shohei Ohtani, the most coveted player ever in MLB free agency, signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers Dodgers. The beauty of the deal for the Dodgers is that the deal is largely deferred, meaning Los Angeles will pay out most of the money after the contract expires. Ohtani did this to allow the Dodgers to spend even more on the roster over the next 10 seasons.

Recovering from elbow surgery, Ohtani won’t pitch for the Dodgers in 2024. However, the two-time AL MVP does add another elite bat to the lineup. Ohtani could return to the mound at Dodger Stadium in 2025. Even if he doesn’t return to form as a pitcher, Ohtani’s stardom and marketability easily makes this deal worth it for Los Angeles.

Also Read:
Highest paid MLB players 2023-’24: Shohei Ohtani obliterates MLB history with largest contract in American sports

2. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, starting pitcher, Orix Buffaloes (NPB)

Yoshinobu Yamamoto is the best start pitcher available in MLB free agency 2023-’24. MLB teams are enamored with the Japanese phenom, having scouted him for years. Every team in baseball has sent scouts to watch him at least once and there were more than 20 teams with representatives in attendance for his no-hitter on September 9. The New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees have already been tied to him heavily. Once he’s posted in December, expect the 25-year-old with a 97 mph fastball and three other plus pitches (cutter, curveball and splitter) to receive offers from more than a dozen teams.

Also Read:
Fastest players in MLB 2023: Fastest players in baseball, MLB steals leaders

3. Blake Snell, starting pitcher, San Diego Padres

Blake Snell needed a strong season to boost his earning power in MLB free agency and he delivered. In a season deserving of the NL Cy Young Award, Snell held opponents under a .200 batting average all year all with a strikeout rate of 30-pus percent for the sixth consecutive season. Durability and command (13.4 percent walk rate) are still big issues for Snell, but teams are desperate for a front-line starter. Turning 31 years old on December 4, Snell should land a four-year contract worth $25-plus million annually.
Also Read:
Cy Young Award race 2023: Evaluating top Cy Young candidates, past winners, latest odds

4. Matt Chapman, third baseman, Toronto Blue Jays

It’s been a season of peaks and valleys for Matt Chapman. He played like an MVP candidate in April (1.150 OPS) and July (.908 OPS), but had a sub-.650 OPS in May, June, August and September. The inconsistency at the plate will make it hard for Chapman to be an All-Star selection again, but he’s outstanding defensively at the hot corner. Outstanding defense at third base paired with an above-average bat makes Chapman a premium target for teams in need of a third baseman.

Related: MLB stadium rankings

5. Cody Bellinger, outfielder, Chicago Cubs

A change of scenery proved to be exactly what Cody Bellinger needed. The former NL MVP became a star at Wrigley Field, joining the 20-20 club and posting his best numbers since 2019. Not only did Bellinger hit for average and power this year, but he also cut his strikeout rate down by over 10 percent. Throw in his positional versatility and you’ve got a sought-after bat who should easily turn his one-year, $17.5 million contract this season into a huge payday this winter.

Related: Early ‘aggressive suitors’ for Cody Bellinger identified

6. Aaron Nola, starting pitcher, Philadelphia Phillies – Re-signed to $172M contract

The Philadelphia Phillies tried signing Aaron Nola to a contract extension in the spring and negotiations went nowhere. An All-MLB Second Team selection in 2022, the 30-year-old experienced some regression this season. While Nola’s Swinging Strike rate (11.5%) dropped a full point compared to last season, his overall command of the strike zone worsened. Inconsistency has been his thing for years. Nola posted a 3.28 ERA in 2020 (71.1 innings) a 4.63 ERA in 2021 (180.2 innings) and a 3.25 ERA in 2022. He’s a risky front-line starter, but there will be plenty of clubs with confidence they can get the best out of him.

Also Read:
Highest paid MLB players in 2023: MLB salaries by position, average MLB salary

7. Josh Hader, closer, San Diego Padres

Josh Hader did everything he needed to do this season to boost his next contract in MLB free agency. After posting a 5.22 ERA in 50 innings with the San Diego Padres and Milwaukee Brewers last year, Hader rebounded as one of the best closers in baseball. He held opponents to a .158 batting average, struck out over 38 percent of batters faced and converted a majority of his save opportunities. Hader is going to make sure the next team that signs him guarantees him the closer’s role, but he’s an impact player who should become the highest-paid reliever in 2024.

Related: Longest hitting streak in MLB history

8. Sonny Gray, starting pitcher, Minnesota Twins — Signed with Cardinals (3 years, $75 million)

Sonny Gray has delivered a fascinating career in the majors. After serving as the ace of the Oakland Athletics rotation (3.42 ERA), he was awful with the New York Yankees (4.51 ERA). Getting away from New York resurrected his career. Gray recorded a 3.49 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 366.2 innings (2019-’21) with the Cincinnati Reds and has been even better for the Minnesota Twins (2.94 ERA) in the last two seasons. While he’ll never be one of the most well-known starting pitchers in MLB, he’s a three-time All-Star with a proven track record.

9. Jordan Montgomery, starting pitcher, Texas Rangers

Getting traded to the Texas Rangers put a few million dollars more onto Jordan Montgomery’s asking price. Not only was Montgomery excellent late in the regular season with Texas, he also shined in October. MLB teams can often be guilty of recency bias and Montgomery’s success on the road to a World Series title will make him even more attractive to clubs. He’ll be. a nice No. 2 starter for whoever lands him.

Related: Longest home runs ever

10. Eduardo Rodriguez, starting pitcher, Detroit Tigers

On talent alone, Eduardo Rodriguez is one of the top MLB free agents in 2024. However, he’s also been off the mound at various points and caused some frustration for organizations. Rodriguez missed the 2020 season with myocarditis and then only covered 91 innings in 2022 due to time away for personal issues. This season, he pitched like a front-line starter but was sidelined by a pulley rupture on his left index finger and then blocked a trade to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The good far outweighs the bad, but teams might prefer a contract length of no more than three years.

Also Read:
Looking at the 10 most intriguing MLB free agents in this year’s class

MLB free agents 2023-’24: Rhys Hoskins, Marcus Stroman among options

11. Marcus Stroman, starting pitcher, Chicago Cubs

Since opting out of the 2020 MLB season, Marcus Stroman has been a stabilizing mid-rotation starter for the Chicago Cubs and New York Mets. From 2021-’21, Stroman compiled a 3.39 ERA with a 2.99 K-BB ratio and a 1.17 WHIP. However, he hasn’t pitched 140-plus innings in either of his last two seasons. Turning 33 years old in May, Stroman is likely headed for a two- or three-year contract as a No. 2 starter.

Related: Longest championship droughts

12. Jung-hoo Lee, outfielder, Kiwoom Heroes — Signed with Giants (6 years, $113 million)

Jung Hoo Lee is one of the best baseball players internationally and he could’ve proven it once again in 2023 if not for a season-ending ankle injury he suffered in July. Fortunately, Lee will be healthy in 2024 and the Korean star will be posted by the Kiwoom Heroes at just 25 years old. Lee offers an outstanding eye at the plate and is considered an above-average outfielder defensively. While he’ll likely be moved into the corner when he arrives in the majors, Lee profiles as an above-average everyday player with some All-Star potential.

Also Read:
What is the longest baseball game ever? MLB history, average MLB game length in 2023

13. Teoscar Hernandez, outfielder, Seattle Mariners

A two-time Silver Slugger Award winner and a 2021 All-Star selection, Teoscar Hernandez was unable to replicate the success he had in Toronto with the Seattle Mariners. He’ll also be turning 31 years old on Oct. 15 and is below-average defensively as an outfielder. While those are knocks on him, clubs will likely feel more confident in his bat after he posted a .900 OPS in the final two months of the regular season. It’s reminiscent of the player who had a .852 OPS from 2020-’22 in Toronto.

Related: Discover what happened to Roberto Clemente’s bat from the 3000th hit

14. Shota Imanga, starting pitcher, Japan

While Shota Imanaga might not be the best of the international MLB free agents in 2023-’24, he’s still one of the high-end starting pitchers hitting the market. The 5-foot-10 southpaw was dominant this season in Japan, posting a 2.66 ERA across 159 innings pitched. He posted an absurd 188-24 K-BB ratio, equaling a 1.4 BB/9 across nearly 160 innings of work. Having just turned 30 years old in September, Imanaga might get a four-year deal.

Also Read:
25 best baseball players of all time: Who is the best MLB player ever?

15. Rhys Hoskins, first baseman, Philadelphia Phillies

Rhys Hoskins’ production warrants consideration among the top MLB free agents in 2024. However, he’s a first baseman who doesn’t field the position well (4th percentile Outs Above Average). Whichever team signs the 30-year-old will be banking on 28-30 homers annually for the next three years, weighed down by below-average defense and declining value to analytically-motivated front offices.

Related: Top MLB salaries by position

Unfortunately for Hoskins, he never got the opportunity to improve his value in free agency. The Phillies’ first baseman suffered a torn ACL in spring training, sidelining him for the entire 2023 season. It will be interesting to see if Hoskins receives the qualifying offer next winter, which could provide him with an opportunity to replenish his value in 2024.

16. Lucas Giolito, starting pitcher, Cleveland Guardians

It’s been a tale of two seasons for Lucas Giolito. In 21 starts for the Chicago White Sox, he posted a respectable 3.79 ERA and held opponents to a .231 batting average with a 1.22 WHIP. In stints with the Los Angeles Angels and Cleveland Guardians, Giolito posted a 6.89 ERA with a 1.31 WHIP and an 8.8 percent walk rate. Buyer beware with the 29-year-old.

Related: Best MLB teams ever

17. Harrison Bader, outfielder, Cincinnati Reds

Harrison Bader likely made himself a few extra millions of dollars in MLB free agency thanks to a productive 2023 campaign. In addition to his defensive value (4 Defensive Runs Saved), Bader recorded his first season with 20 steals and lowered his strikeout rate by nearly 3 percent. He’s still a below-average player with the bat, but Bader’s value as a defender and base runner should net him a two-year contract.

Related: Best batting average of all time

18. Michael Lorenzen, starting pitcher, Philadelphia Phillies

Michael Lorenzen was sharp as a starting pitcher for the Detroit Tigers, registering a 3.58 ERA with a 1.10 WHIP and .257 batting average allowed. Once traded to Philadelphia, he started off hot (2 ER, 6 hits allowed in 17 innings pitched), before compiling an ERA above seven the rest of the way. A strong postseason would move Lorenzen up in our MLB free agency rankings, but his unique versatility as a reliever and starter still makes him valuable and he won’t cost a lot.

Related: What is a balk?

19. Kenta Maeda, starting pitcher, Minnesota Twins — Signed with Tigers (2 years, $24 million)

Turning 36 years old in April, Kenta Maeda is hurt by his age and a long history of injuries that includes Tommy John surgery in 2022. However, a 3.8$ ERA with a 1.15 WHIP and .233 batting average allowed since his final start in July demonstrates why Maeda might be one of the better value pitchers available this winter. He’ll likely have to settle for a one-year deal with a vesting option for 2025, but he’ll earn every dollar as long as he stays healthy.

Related: Most underrated players in American League

20. Whit Merrifield, infielder/outfielder, Toronto Blue Jays

He’s no longer playing at the All-Star level from his days with the Kansas City Royals, but Whit Merrifield proved to be very effective in 2023 with the Toronto Blue Jays. The combination of his positional versatility, postseason experience, clubhouse presence, speed (26 steals in 2023) and consistent run production will make him an attractive option on a two-year deal.

Top MLB free agents 2024: Best players available

21. J.D. Martinez, designated hitter, Los Angeles Dodgers

22. Lourdes Gurriel Jr, outfielder, Arizona Diamondbacks

23. Jeimer Candelario, third baseman, Chicago Cubs — Signed with Reds

24. Joc Pederson, outfielder, San Francisco Giants

25. Amed Rosario, infielder, Los Angeles Dodgers

26. Jorge Sokleler, designated hitter, Miami Marlins

27. Michael Conforto, outfielder, San Francisco Giants

28. Clayton Kershaw, pitcher, Los Angeles Dodgers

29. Tommy Pham, outfielder, Arizona Diamondbacks

30. Jack Flaherty, starting pitcher, Baltimore Orioles

2023-’24 MLB free agents by position

Here’s an overview of all the MLB free agents in 2024, taking a look at them position-by-position. Of note, the listed players in MLB free agency are not ranked in terms of value or preference. All contract info via Spotrac.

Also Read:
Longest MLB hitting streaks ever: 2024 to baseball history

Catcher

Related: MLB standings

First Base

Second Base

Related: Why MLB fans should be rooting for San Diego Padres’ success in 2023

Shortstop

Also Read:
What is the best MLB team of all time?

Third Base

Related: MLB scores

Outfield

Also Read:
Best batting average of all time: Top MLB hitters by career average, best in a season
Also Read:
Longest championship droughts and playoff droughts in NFL, NBA, MLB and pro sports

Starting Pitcher – Best pitchers in MLB free agency 2024

Also Read:
What is the fastest pitch ever? History of fastest pitches in MLB, fastest pitch in 2024
Also Read:
Dusty Baker on MLB’s new rule changes: ‘I’ve got to change somewhat how I manage’

Relief Pitcher

Also Read:
20 best baseball players of all time: Who is the best MLB player ever?

MLB free agency FAQ

MLB qualifying offer 2024

Major League Baseball set the QO offer for the 2023-’24 MLB free agency period for $20.35 million over one year. The price of the qualifying offer dropped to $17.8 million in 2019, climbed in 2020 and then dipped in 2021 after the COVID-19 pandemic greatly impacted MLB revenue.

Also Read:
Highest paid MLB players in 2023: MLB salaries by position, average MLB salary

MLB qualifying offers by year

What is a qualifying offer in MLB?

A qualifying offer is a one-year offer MLB teams make to impending free agents. If a player has previously been offered the qualifying offer in their career or they were traded mid-season before becoming an MLB free agent, they aren’t eligible for the qualifying offer. If the QO is rejected, the club can receive a compensatory draft pick for the loss of that player in MLB free agency.

The qualifying offer in MLB is based on the mean salary of the 125 highest-paid players in MLB.

Also Read:
MLB trade tracker: MLB trades today with grades and analysis

Who are the best MLB free agents in 2024?

Shohei Ohtani headlines the best MLB free agents available this winter. The two-way phenomenon may be one of the most coveted players ever in MLB free agency, because of his on-field talent and his marketability.

Is Juan Soto a free agent?

Juan Soto is not a free agent this year. Soto is under contract with the San Diego Padres for the 2024 season then becomes one of the top MLB free agents in 2024-’25.

Exit mobile version