Top 10 free-agent position players available this MLB off-season
We’ve heard for months in regards to the 2023 MLB free-agent class, so it’s no large shock that the checklist of accessible place gamers is missing premium star energy, apart from one particular standout.
But whereas that’s true, it doesn’t imply there aren’t nonetheless gamers who may drastically enhance a contending membership’s lineup or defence.
With the World Series wrapped up, eligible gamers at the moment are technically free brokers. We’re getting into the Hot Stove section of the baseball calendar and to get you prepared, right here’s a take a look at Sportsnet’s rating of the highest 10 place gamers out there.
1. Shohei Ohtani
Age: 29
Position: Designated hitter and pitcher
2023 WAR (per FanGraphs): 9
The apparent headliner of this free-agent class, Ohtani will command a monster contract, presumably the most important in MLB historical past. Deservedly so. He gained’t pitch subsequent season as he recovers from proper elbow surgical procedure, so let’s put his future contributions on the mound apart for a second. He nonetheless provides a bat that may singlehandedly change the complexion of a lineup. The scary factor in regards to the 29-year-old is that he’s truly changing into a extra fearsome hitter as he grows older. Ohtani posted profession highs in practically each offensive class in 2023, together with batting common (.304), on-base proportion (.412), slugging (.654), OPS+(184) and complete bases (325). He clubbed 44 dwelling runs in 135 video games and was on observe to greatest his career-high of 46 earlier than that elbow harm ended his season. Scary stuff.
2. Cody Bellinger
Age: 28
Position: Centrefielder and first baseman
2023 fWAR: 4.1
Bellinger signed a one-year take care of the Cubs to rebuild his worth final season and did precisely what he got down to accomplish. He hits the market at 28 years outdated coming off his greatest season since 2019, when he took dwelling NL MVP honours. The crew that indicators the left-handed hitting slugger should hope they’re getting the Bellinger of 2023, who produced 4.1 fWAR. For context, over his earlier three seasons mixed, Bellinger totalled simply 2.2 fWAR. He trimmed his strikeout charge to a formidable 15.6 per cent this previous season, nevertheless his hard-hit proportion of 31.4 was the worst of his profession and ranked within the 10th percentile amongst main leaguers.
3. Matt Chapman
Age: 30
Position: Third baseman
2023 fWAR: 3.5
Chapman is usually a polarizing participant — simply ask most Blue Jays followers who noticed him over the previous two seasons. His elite defence at third is game-changing; he’s a savant with the glove, little doubt. However, when a crew indicators up for that talent, it’ll should reside with a bat that may be maddeningly streaky. Chapman was one in all baseball’s greatest hitters final April, posting a blinding 1.150 OPS. He continued to persistently make exhausting contact, however that didn’t cease him from cratering offensively after the primary month. Here’s a breakdown of his OPS the remainder of the season:
May — .585
June — .633
July — .908
August — .532
September/October — .633
4. Lourdes Gurriel Jr.
Age: 30
Position: Left-fielder
2023 fWAR: 2.1
Gurriel Jr. responded to an low season commerce from the Blue Jays by producing arguably his greatest season within the majors. The outfielder earned his first all-star choice and recorded profession highs in dwelling runs (24), doubles (35), hits (144) and video games performed (145). He additionally boosted his profile through the post-season as a key offensive contributor for the NL-champion Diamondbacks.
.acf-block-preview .br-related-links-wrapper {
show: grid;
grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
hole: 20px;
}
.acf-block-preview .br-related-links-wrapper a {
pointer-events: none;
cursor: default;
text-decoration: none;
colour: black;
}
5. Teoscar Hernandez
Age: 31
Position: Right-fielder
2023 fWAR: 1.8
The different outfielder traded by the Blue Jays final low season, Hernandez put collectively an influence laden marketing campaign of his personal. He cranked 26 dwelling runs and has now reached the 25-homer threshold in 4 of the previous 5 seasons — the one exception being the COVID-shortened 2020 marketing campaign. He stills hits the ball as exhausting as ever, with a barrel charge rating within the 88th percentile, however he did strike out a whopping 211 instances. Long lamented for his subpar outfield defence, Hernandez truly improved in 2023 by posting 0 Outs Above Average. That’s nothing particular, nevertheless it’s at the least price noting as an enchancment over his -4 OAA in 2022, and it’s the primary time in his profession he’s posted an OAA outdoors of the negatives.
6. Jorge Soler
Age: 31
Position: Right-fielder and designated hitter
2023 fWAR: 1.9
If a crew is trying to inject on the spot energy into its lineup, Soler could possibly be the goal. His 36 homers final season tied for eighth within the NL, and he paired that with a wonderful stroll charge of 11.4 per cent, simply above his profession norm. Soler performed proper discipline sparingly final season and largely occupied the designated hitter position. He crushed left-handers to the tune of a .277/.393/.688 line.
7. J.D. Martinez
Age: 36
Position: Designated hitter
2023 fWAR: 2.2
At this level in his profession, Martinez is strictly a delegated hitter. A signing crew might want to preserve that in thoughts as Martinez could possibly be a clog to the positional flexibility of a lineup. Having stated that, the 36-year-old is actually not over the hill. His 33 homers and .893 OPS final season had been his greatest marks since 2019.
8. Josh Bell
Age: 31
Position: First baseman
2023 fWAR: 0.4
Bell has performed for 4 groups over the previous two seasons and can presumably look to plant some roots together with his free company. You just about know what to anticipate from the primary baseman: Over his eight-season profession, Bell has produced a 162-game common of 25 homers, a .347 OBP and a 117 OPS+. Not mind-blowing numbers, however Bell’s productiveness may actually enhance an offence.
9. Jeimer Candelario
Age: 29
Position: First and third baseman
2023 fWAR: 3.3
Candelario posted a robust first half with the Nationals in 2023 and have become a sought-after nook infielder on the commerce deadline, when the Cubs to acquired him. The switch-hitter produced 3.3 fWAR final season, coupled with a career-best 22 homers. Peer again into his time with the Detroit Tigers and also you’ll discover that Candelario has been a productive participant for some time, regardless of flying effectively below the radar a lot of his profession.
10. Rhys Hoskins
Age: 30
Position: First baseman
2023 fWAR: N/A (Did not play)
Hoskins, a clubhouse chief for the Phillies since he broke into the majors in 2017, missed the whole 2023 marketing campaign after tearing the ACL in his left knee throughout spring coaching. The right-handed hitting first baseman owns a 126 wRC+ over his six seasons and has clubbed at the least 27 homers in 4 of the previous 5 campaigns.
Honourable mentions: Kevin Kiermaier, Whit Merrifield, Justin Turner, Michael A. Taylor and Mitch Garver.
