MLB Power Rankings: 15 best free agents next winter and who should steal them
By Tim Boyle
11) MLB Power Rankings: 2024 free agent Lucas Giolito
Don’t let the poor 2022 season have you thinking otherwise. Lucas Giolito was one of the American League’s best pitchers the three years prior. He’ll reach free agency after his age 28 campaign, putting him in the position to land a fat contract.
The San Diego Padres are the team that should go after him. They have a bunch of free agent starting pitchers of their own. It would be a natural transition for the Padres to replace one with a much younger arm. Expect Giolito’s price tag to increase if he does anything but stink up the joint for the Chicago White Sox this year.
10) MLB Power Rankings: 2024 free agent Marcus Stroman
The deal Marcus Stroman signed with the Chicago Cubs after the 2021 season has an opt out next winter. It’s hard to tell right now whether he’ll flex it or not. The contract is only one more season after 2023 at $21 million. One would think a multi-year deal will be on Stroman’s mind. Let’s say he does use it. Who should take him away?
Stroman’s willingness to go to the Cubs in a rebuild could make him a candidate to sign with the Baltimore Orioles. He’d join a team a little closer to winning after the 2023 season. One thing missing from their roster is a starting pitcher of Stroman’s caliber. First, we do need to see the Orioles go out and actually spend some significant money in free agency to believe they’d go in this direction.
9) MLB Power Rankings: 2024 free agent Matt Chapman
Matt Chapman has something to prove this season. He didn’t win a Gold Glove in 2022 with the Toronto Blue Jays. His offensive numbers, while slightly better than the year prior, weren’t quite what we know he can do. His elite glove and great power potential should still put him in line to receive a nice contract. There is one team that could make a lot of sense to swipe him away from the Blue Jays.
The New York Yankees will be able to move on from Josh Donaldson after the 2023 season. The third base vacancy can allow them to pivot toward Chapman. He’ll be the third best at the position available in free agency. Given how much the Yankees have already invested in other areas, coming up with the third-best is realistic.