MLB insider: 5 way-too-early predictions for the 2023 offseason

The 2022 offseason isn’t even over yet as players continue to sign with new teams. Here are 5 way-too-early predictions for the 2023 offseason.

The 2022 Major League Baseball offseason is essentially over, with all the big names finding new homes.

What might next offseason look like?

Shohei Ohtani, arguably baseball’s best player, will become a free agent and will garner massive interest. Manny Machado can opt out of the remaining five years, $150 million remaining on his contract with the San Diego Padres. And the starting pitcher market features arms such as Aaron Nola, Julio Urias, Lucas Giolito, Yu Darvish and Miles Mikolas, among others.

Here’s five way-too-early predictions for the 2023-2024 offseason.

MLB free agency: Shohei Ohtani rumors

Shohei Ohtani’s next contract starts with a 5. Is that bold? No? Well, it shouldn’t be.

Ohtani is in prime position to sign the most lucrative contract in American sports history. He will have no shortage of suitors — New York Mets? San Francisco Giants? Los Angeles Dodgers?  — who all aren’t afraid to spend significant money. After all, the Mets and Giants both agreed to $300+ million contracts with Carlos Correa before failing his physical. The Dodgers, meanwhile, were incredibly quiet this offseason as rival executives believe they’re primed to make a run at Ohtani.

The market for Ohtani figures to be bonkers. There’s no telling where he may end up, but one thing is certain: if he stays healthy, a contract that exceeds $500 million is not out of the question.