SUMMARY
- The Los Angeles Dodgers made significant moves in the off-season by signing Shohei Ohtani.
- The off-season saw notable pitching signings, including Marcus Stroman's return to the New York Yankees on a two-year contract.
The off-season was buzzing with excitement as everyone wondered where the amazing two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani would end up. The former Halo, now a Dodger, is officially off the free-agent market, having signed the richest deal in MLB history despite an elbow injury sidelining his pitching for 2024.
The Dodgers didn’t stop there – they also secured Ohtani’s World Baseball Classic teammate, the impressive pitcher Yoshinonu Yamamoto. Standing at 5 feet, 10 inches, Yamamoto is known for his powerful mid-90s fastball and devastating splitter, making him a valuable addition to the Dodgers‘ pitching lineup.
While the top prospects are currently off the market, there’s still a treasure trove of unsigned players waiting to make their mark. The off-season may have settled some high-profile deals, but the hunt for hidden gems continues. Let’s take a look.
The 2023-24 MLB free-agent class
Apart from Ohtani and Yamamoto, there’s an interesting group of starting pitchers to watch out for. On the flip side, the pool of available hitters is a bit thin, leading to a competitive scramble among baseball’s top teams in the months leading up to spring training.
In recent news, veteran righty Marcus Stroman grabbed attention by signing a two-year contract with the New York Yankees on January 11. This move marks Stroman’s return to the Yankees, where his experience and skills are sure to make an impact. Meanwhile, the Cubs, Stroman’s former team, made a noteworthy signing by bringing in Japanese lefty Shota Imanaga, adding an international flavor to their pitching lineup this month.
Numerous sought-after players are still available in the free-agent market. The list includes notable names across various positions, presenting a diverse pool of talent for teams to consider. The various athletes across various positions according to MLB Trade Rumors are as follows:
Among the catchers, experienced players like Curt Casali, Yasmani Grandal, Manny Piña, Gary Sanchez, and Mike Zunino are up for grabs. First basemen options range from Cody Bellinger to Brandon Belt. The shortstop position boasts a list of talents including Tim Anderson, Elvis Andrus, and Brandon Crawford.
Third basemen available include Matt Chapman, Josh Donaldson, and Evan Longoria. The left fielders’ category features Michael Brantley, Adam Duvall, and Joc Pederson. In center field, Cody Bellinger, Aaron Hicks, and Kyle Lewis. The right fielder list includes Brian Anderson, Joey Gallo, and Whit Merrifield. The designated hitter category presents an array of players, including J.D. Martinez, Carlos Santana, and Justin Turner along with many more players. With more player moves expected in the coming weeks, many free agents will find their team soon.