MLB

MLB Offseason Round-Up: Top Remaining Free Agent Predictions

Published

8 months ago

January 15, 2024

This is one in a series of daily articles highlighting the latest news and notes from the MLB offseason.

We’re a month away from pitchers and catchers reporting to spring training, and there are still plenty of free agents still on the board.

The next four weeks should be plenty active as teams look to fill out their rosters and free agents seek new homes.

Rumors of been circulating throughout the league on a number of key free agents still available. Let’s try and use what’s been said to find landing spots for the top options still available as the MLB offseason winds down.

LHP Blake Snell

Prediction: Los Angeles Angels

It’s been a rough offseason for the Angels, who notably lost two-way star Shohei Ohtani to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The only Angels’ moves of note have been bullpen additions. With owner Arte Moreno’s continual desire to win, why not give them the reigning National League Cy Young winner?

OF/1B Cody Bellinger

Prediction: Chicago Cubs

At the beginning of the offseason, I felt a reunion between the two sides seemed unlikely. But, here we are in the middle of January and a reunion, to me, feels like the most likely outcome. Bellinger and the Cubs were a perfect pair last year and I’m predicting the marriage continues.

LHP Jordan Montgomery

Prediction: Texas Rangers

Speaking of perfect pairs, the Rangers midseason acquisition of Montgomery helped lead Texas to a World Series championship. I know there have been questions of Rangers’ budget concerns, but this has been the most likely outcome all winter in my eyes.

3B Matt Chapman

Prediction: San Francisco Giants

I could see the Jays and Cubs in play here, but a deal with the Giants makes a lot of sense on paper. There is already a need, and Chapman played under new Giants manager Bob Melvin with the Oakland A’s.

LHP Josh Hader

Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers have already had a crazy offseason in which they’ve added several All-Stars. They might not be done. Los Angeles has recently been linked to Hader, and signing him would be a further indication they are all in (not that it’s needed).

OF/DH Jorge Soler

Prediction: New York Mets

It’s been a relatively quiet offseason for big-spending owner Steve Cohen and the Mets. While Soler might not be at the very top of the market, he would give the New York a fairly large splash and help fill out the lineup.

DH J.D. Martinez

Prediction: Toronto Blue Jays

I still feel like Toronto is seeking another bat for their lineup, and Martinez would certainly give them that. Several teams including the Giants, Mets and Angels could also make sense.

1B Rhys Hoskins

Prediction: Los Angeles Angels

The Angels have to do everything they can to replace Ohtani’s bat, at least as best as they can. A buy-lowish type move to land someone like Hoskins seems possible.