MLB Power Rankings: 15 best free agents next winter and who should steal them
By Tim Boyle
8) MLB Power Rankings: 2024 free agent Ian Happ
Signing Ian Happ to an extension is something Chicago Cubs fans have been waiting to see the team do with Ian Happ. A superb free agent for his bat and positional versatility, there are few teams that wouldn’t have a spot on their roster for Happ.
It’s the Atlanta Braves who should go after him most. As a left fielder but also someone they can use at second base or third base, Happ is a player capable of wearing many hats and playing even more positions. He’s coming off of an All-Star campaign in 2022. Unless the Cubs finally extend him, he’ll be a hot trade deadline candidate yet again this year. The Braves, looking to improve their left field situation, make a ton of sense already. He won’t break the bank and will fit in nicely with the rest of the roster.
7) MLB Power Rankings: 2024 free agent Yu Darvish
The free agent case for Yu Darvish will be an interesting one because of his age. He’s on the other side of 35, but did log 194.2 innings in 2022 to prove he has durability left. Darvish might end up as the next big pitcher to settle for short, high AAV contracts. Other than remaining with the San Diego Padres, where could he end up?
The Minnesota Twins are a bit of a mystery. They surprised everyone when they signed Carlos Correa last offseason and have been aggressive in at least targeting players. Outside of a massive rebuild after the 2023 season, look for them to seek out a pitcher like Darvish to maybe put them over the edge. They seem to have a will to spend money.
6) MLB Power Rankings: 2024 free agent Aaron Nola
Aaron Nola’s time with the Philadelphia Phillies may end after this upcoming season. A Cy Young candidate at times and a middle of the order arm in other years, extending him should be on the club’s offseason to-do list. With no sign of a longer deal about to get done, Nola may end up as a free agent. If this happens, there will be plenty of teams looking to sign him.
Nola would fit well in the Los Angeles Angels pitching staff. Because they will likely lose a big free agent of their own next offseason as well, there will be an opening in the rotation. The Angels look eager to remain competitive. This offseason was a chance for them to rebuild in a major way. Instead, they’re going for it. Good for them. Could Nola be next offseason’s big starting pitcher signing?