Baseball is often unexpected but the most predictable part of the 2023 offseason is probably Shohei Ohtani. The entire league is following the two-way marvel’s free agency progress, waiting for MLB clubs to make offers that will break the bank. Shotime’s mind-blowing stats on the mound as well as the plate is what first drew in spectators. Many expected that the second UCL tear and subsequent elbow surgery would put a damper on things. But apparently not.

Ohtani likely won’t return to pitching until at least 2025. What will become of his hitting in 2024 is also unclear, though he will most likely take up a DH position by the beginning of the season. As expected, the Japanese slugger is the most hyped free agent MLB has ever seen.

Shotime’s Free Agency Shows Unprecedented Following

As soon as the World Series ended, eligible players became free agents the next day. Some teams have already started approaching potent players for the next season. Though there’s no shortage of talented names in the open free agency market, the most sought-after one is probably the 21st-century Babe Ruth. A recent MLB.com list shows him as the top contender this season.

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Indeed, the 29-year-old player can’t return to the mound immediately in 2024, but he will likely do it two years from now. It’s not enough for any team to leave a generational talent like Ohtani behind. Reports started with an easy $500 million price tag, even going as far as $600 million. But it could be that the injury will bring the league down a notch.

The two-way phenom is often compared to Aaron Judge, the New York Yankees captain who drew a hefty sum the previous season at nine years and $360 million. However, Shotime’s abilities are more potent as his brilliance in offense and defense speaks for itself, which is likely to see his contract surpass Judge’s. With around a dozen MLB teams chasing the player, the Japanese superstar is admittedly at the top of the list.

But what about the rest?

Who are the Other Valued Free Agents This Season That Clubs Are Eyeing?

When talking about new players, none can ignore another Japanese player who is yet to make his MLB debut. Yoshinobu Yamamoto is another free agent who can give Ohtani a run for his money. While the Bronx Bombers have been on the list for a long time, other franchises are also emerging as interested suitors.

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Next comes Cody Bellinger. Ever since he rejected a contract renewal with the Cubs, the slugger has become another sought-after name. Fans expect another big deal, maybe with teams like the Giants or Yankees. Not to be forgotten, Texas Rangers postseason superstar Jordan Montgomery, or Aaron Nola and Blake Snell.

The next few weeks are sure going to be interesting!

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