MLB World Series odds rippled once Jacob deGrom, Trea Turner, and Justin Verlander switched teams this offseason. Aaron Judge flirted with the San Francisco Giants before opting to return to the New York Yankees. These players can shift their attention to training, but others still need a landing spot.
Here’s a look at five of the top MLB free agents still available on the market.
While many of the highest profile names have a new contract, there are still several difference makers awaiting new deals. MLB odds will surely shift once these players have one in hand.
Minnesota Twins shortstop Carlos Correa could be the next player to land a $300 million deal this offseason. The 28-year-old is a two-time All-Star and former Rookie of the Year with one Gold Glove to his name already. A career .279 hitter with 155 homers thus far, Correa should make a ton considering the money other shortstops have secured so far.
San Francisco Giants starter Carlos Rodon stands as the top MLB free agent pitcher on the market. The 30-year-old lefty is coming off back-to-back All-Star campaigns and led the league in strikeouts-per-nine-innings last year (12). He set a career-high with 237 strikeouts and has been linked to both the New York Yankees and St. Louis Cardinals in recent days. He’ll make a huge difference for any club at this point.
Atlanta Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson hit the market at the right time, considering the money being spent on the position these days. The 29-year-old former No. 1 overall pick is a one-time All-Star and helped the Braves win the 2021 World Series. He’s posted back-to-back 25 home run seasons while playing elite defense and will elevate any infield he’s a part of.
The top remaining right-handed starter among MLB free agents, Chris Bassitt declined his $19 million option with the New York Mets to hit the market. Following an All-Star campaign with the Oakland Athletics in 2021, Bassitt pitched well for the Mets in 2022 and remains a reliable innings eater. He’s made at least 25 starts in three of the last four seasons and would upgrade most starting rotations around the league at this point.
At 28 years old, Andrew Benintendi remains one of the youngest MLB free agents in this class. That, plus an All-Star appearance, a Gold Glove, and World Series experience, makes Benintendi a potential difference maker. A reliable bat with upside, Benintendi could end up with the Bronx Bombers once again, that is, if the Yankees don’t trade for Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds instead.
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