MLB

MLB Offseason Round-Up: First Big Free Agent Domino Falls

Published

5 months ago

November 20, 2023

The free agent market has been slow to develop this MLB offseason, but the first big free agent is coming off the board.

The top of the market is loaded with frontline starting pitchers, and Aaron Nola is among the best of the best. The right-hander is returning to the Philadelphia Phillies on a seven-year deal worth $172 million, the team announced.

Nola has spent his entire career with the Phillies after they selected him with the seventh pick in the 2014 MLB draft. He’s spent nine seasons with the Phillies and for his career, he’s posted a 90-71 record with a 3.72 ERA.

The 30-year-old was an All-Star in 2018 and has finished in the top 10 of the Cy Young voting on three occasions — 2018, 2020 and 2022.

Perhaps Nola’s agreement could break the ice in what has been a frozen free agent frenzy between now and Thanksgiving on Thursday.

Dodgers Interested Dylan Cease

While there are plenty of starting pitchers available in free agency, there are even more available via trades this MLB offseason.

One of the top arms who has been speculated as a trade candidate is Chicago White Sox right-hander Dylan Cease. According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, The Los Angeles Dodgers are interested in a trade for Cease.

Cease, who turns 28 years old next month, led the American League with 33 starts this past season. In total, he went 7-9 with a 4.58 ERA. It was a step back from an excellent 2022 season that resulted in a second-place finish in the American League Cy Young voting. That season, Cease 14-8 with a sparkling 2.20 ERA in 32 starts.