The offseason is here. After a historic World Series that saw the Texas Rangers win their very first championship, the 2023 MLB season has come to an end. Though the year may have ended, the baseball world has many things to look forward to. As of Thursday – Nov 2, all eligible players are now free agents. Many big stars like Shohei Ohtani are now looking for new contracts, and new teams to join. Even though the on-field season is over, records will still get broken in the winter.

Even with so many players in the pool, there are only a few who are receiving special attention. Most teams will target these diamonds of the crop. Here’s an analysis of some of the biggest stars entering free agency this year.

Top free agents of the 2023-24 offseason

1. Shohei Ohtani 

The Japanese Superstar is the hottest free agent in the MLB world right now. Coming off of a potential AL MVP-tier season, Shotime is the talk of the town. Currently dubbed as the “best” player in baseball, teams like the New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, Texas Rangers, and Boston Red Sox will be in the dogfight. Ohtani’s potential contract is currently expected to be worth a record $500 million, the largest contract in any American sport! The player’s off-field popularity makes him a valuable asset for any team.

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The highest free-agent contract record is set at $360 million. Yet Ohtani is easily going to surpass the numbers.

2. Yoshinobu Yamamoto

The 25-year-old Japanese sensation is entering the market as a free agent. The right-handed pitcher has had a remarkable year in Nippon Professional Baseball’s Orix Buffaloes with an ERA of just 1.16. The league, which is currently a bit starved for pitchers, is lining up for this potential long-term ace. Though the New York Mets are ahead in the race, the Yankees are also the ones being talked about. The contract is potentially going to be upwards of $200 million, which would be the highest signed by a Japanese pitcher.

3. Aaron Nola

The Philadelphia Phillies ace has entered free agency after an unusually below-average season. The player who for most of his tenure with the Phillies had been one of the best in the league had a little falloff in 2023. Although his postseason record was excellent, this may have dampened some of his high value. Still, the Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals, LA Dodgers, and a few more teams are after him. The potential value of the contract might touch $200 million at its highest but could be a bit lower thanks to lingering doubts over his long-term potential.

4. Cody Bellinger

The 2019 NL MVP Cody Bellinger had been silent for the last three years. 2023 proved to be a comeback of sorts for him as he batted a .307/.356/.525 for the Chicago Cubs. Still, is this enough for him to cover up his previous 3 bad years? The Cubs are unlikely to resign him as of now, so this makes the San Francisco Giants the chief candidate. He could sign a contract worth $168 million.

5. Blake Snell

Blake Snell had a terrific 2023 even though his team the San Diego Padres underperformed a bit. With him potentially looking to win his second Cy Young award,  his free agency becomes interesting. However, it is known that the San Diego Padres will probably not look to bring him back due to their already very high payroll. The player’s topsy-turvy performance in the past few years has led to some questions regarding his consistency. Still, he’s expected to sign a contract that will go to triple figures.

6. Jordan Montgomery

One of the biggest reasons for the Texas Rangers’ World Championship win this year, Jordan Montgomery will likely be looking at a big contract. The player has the interest of teams like the New York Mets, New York Yankees, and St. Louis Cardinals. The potential value of the contract can be above $130 million. Well, that’s not too shabby for a World Champion!

7. J.D. Martinez 

The 36-year-old Martinez hit 33 home runs in 2023. So the player might still have a lot of value to give to any team. Still, age might be an obstruction slowing him down. But for a hitter who has always brought new stuff to his game, he might do it again. The value of his contract might hover around $30-40  million.

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8. Clayton Kershaw

The Dodgers’ Pitcher is not the force he once was. Still, Kershaw had a good year with an ERA of 2.46. Although it ended on a tough note, the Dodgers might be interested in bringing him back. The other team looking at him is the Texas Rangers, especially as they might lose Montgomery this year. The potential value of the contract could be mid $15 to low $20 million.

9. Julio Urias

The player is most probably going to go unsigned due to the legal troubles he has found himself in.

Shohei Ohtani and other record free agents in the past few years

As Shohei Ohtani is about to sign a record deal for a free agent, it begs a question. Who has broken this record till now? Last year it was Aaron Judge who signed a contract worth $360 million with the New York Yankees. This made him the biggest free agent in MLB history. Before him, it was Bryce Harper who signed a $330 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2019.

Now Shohei Ohtani is ready to not only surpass these records but do so by a very high margin. The story of the off-season has just started. Where will Ohtani and the rest of the players go? Keep following to find out.

Watch the Story – Shohei Ohtani Fever Sweeps New York Yankees Amidst Uncertainties