Predicting the Biggest 2024 MLB Free Agent Signings

One of the biggest reasons the Texas Rangers are playing in the 2023 World Series is because of their willingness to go out and acquire big-name free agents. Bringing in Marcus Semien and Corey Seager changed the trajectory of the franchise and is paying big dividends. Team outlooks can change drastically during the final months of the calendar year. This article takes a look at the 30 biggest free agent names and predicts where they will land for the 2024 season.

*Disclaimer: This article excludes players with options that are likely to be picked up. An example being Javier Baez, who will likely opt into his contract with the Tigers after a disappointing 2023 season.

Top Free Agents for the 2023-24 Off-Season

Top Free Agent Catchers

Mitch Garver

2023 Team: Texas Rangers

2024 Opening Day Age: 33

My Prediction: Boston Red Sox

Rest of the Staff’s Prediction: Dave F.- Miami Marlins

Fantasy Fallout: Garver wound up getting semi-consistent playing time by the end of the season, but a move to Boston would almost surely lock in a full-time role from the start. Garver has not played in 100 games since 2018 but has tremendous power. His high launch angle and pull percentage could play nicely with the shallow Green Monster in Fenway and Garver could be a draft-day steal in 2024 if this prediction comes true. I have Miami signing another catcher (up next), but could see Garver as a realistic option for them.

Gary Sanchez

2023 Team: San Diego Padres

2024 Opening Day Age: 31

My Prediction: Miami Marlins

Rest of the Staff’s Prediction: Dave F.- Boston Red Sox

Fantasy Fallout: There are only so many catchers that are going to be free agents this off-season. Sanchez comes with the name value that many others do not. He hit 19 home runs in just 75 games this season and could provide some offensive power to a position that Miami is desperately searching for production from. I do not think he will ever be a full-time starter but a move to a team like Miami could make him intriguing in deep leagues. Dave and I both apparently see two prime landing spots for catchers. We just appear to have them flipped in our predictions.

Top Free Agent Designated Hitters

Shohei Ohtani

2023 Team: Los Angeles Angels

2024 Opening Day Age: 29

My Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers

Rest of the Staff’s Prediction: Doug A.- New York Mets, Dave F.- Los Angeles Dodgers

Fantasy Fallout: Perhaps the biggest name on the free agent market gets a new home just 32 miles north. Ohtani will not be pitching in 2024, but his presence in the middle of the Dodgers’ lineup would give everybody around him a boost. Ohtani’s counting stats would arguably get better with a move. One underrated aspect of this move could be the ability for the Angels to play Mike Trout at DH. Health has been a major concern for Trout over the past few years and allowing him to DH could help him stay on the field and have more of a fantasy impact. The Mets are another team that does not shy away from spending money, but I am curious if Ohtani wants to trade the sunny west coast for a move to New York.

J.D. Martinez

2023 Team: Los Angeles Dodgers

2024 Opening Day Age: 36

My Prediction: Miami Marlins

Rest of the Staff’s Prediction: Doug A.- Chicago Cubs, Dave F.- San Francisco Giants

Fantasy Fallout: Miami’s run to the playoffs was exciting to witness, but that is not the only reason I am predicting he signs with here. Martinez is from Miami and with the years of his playing career dwindling lower, a homecoming of sorts to an up-and-coming contender would be an exciting storyline to follow. From a fantasy perspective, Dodger Stadium tied Cincinnati in 2023 as the best home run park for right-handed batters. In comparison, Miami ranked 28th. Martinez only hit one more home run at home than he did on the road last season, but this is still something to keep in mind regardless of his landing spot.

Top Free Agent First Basemen

Rhys Hoskins

2023 Team: Philadelphia Phillies

2024 Opening Day Age: 31

My Prediction: San Francisco Giants

Rest of the Staff’s Prediction: Dave F.- San Francisco Giants

Fantasy Fallout: This was sad to write, but it feels like Hoskins’ time in Philly has come to an end. If Hoskins does in fact leave Philadelphia, this makes it likely that the team will continue to roll with Bryce Harper as primarily a first baseman. I still think we get enough outfield time from him to gain fantasy eligibility, but this is something to monitor. As far as Hoskins, he has been significantly better against left-handed pitching than right-handed pitching throughout his career. He has also been substantially better at home than he has been away from Citizens Bank Park. A platoon could be possible and if he did in fact sign with San Francisco (a Sacramento native), he would move from the seventh most favorable home run park for righties to the fourth least favorable. Dave also sees a fit in San Francisco for Hoskins as we are putting all of our eggs into one basket here.

Brandon Belt

2023 Team: Toronto Blue Jays

2024 Opening Day Age: 35

My Prediction: Toronto Blue Jays

Rest of the Staff’s Prediction: Dave F.- Retire

Fantasy Fallout: 2023 marked another season in Belt’s career in which Belt performed well offensively, but was unable to stay healthy throughout the season. His 103 games played was the most since 2019 and makes his free agency outlook a bit shaky. He fit well in Toronto providing them with a left-handed bat to pair with Vladdy, Bichette, and Springer. I think he will land back there for 2024 on the strong side of a platoon again. His return could limit the room on Opening Day for prospects Damiano Palmegiani, Addison Barger, and Orelvis Martinez. Dave thinks that Belt could retire, but I find it difficult to see him hanging the cleats up after posting a 138 wRC+.

Top Free Agent Second Basemen

Whit Merrifield

2023 Team: Toronto Blue Jays

2024 Opening Day Age: 35

My Prediction: Cincinnati Reds

Rest of the Staff’s Prediction: Dave F.- Seattle Mariners

Fantasy Fallout: Merrifield holds an $18 million mutual option which I expect Toronto to decline. Davis Schneider showed enough to get a shot to prove himself as the primary second baseman and Merrifield’s offensive performance is not worthy of $18 million. The Reds have a full infield but are a team that is likely to seek veteran leadership. Merrifield can play second base to help give other bats a day off and shift to the outfield to be a right-handed bat to pair with Fraley, Friedl, and Benson. I would expect him to be in more of a utility role at this point in his career. Seattle would certainly be a better fantasy landing spot for Merrifield who would figure to maintain a starting role as the primary second baseman.

Top Free Agent Shortstops

Amed Rosario

2023 Team: Cleveland Guardians/Los Angeles Dodgers

2024 Opening Day Age: 28

My Prediction: Colorado Rockies

Rest of the Staff’s Prediction: Dave F.- Miami Marlins

Fantasy Fallout: The shortstop market has certainly thinned out after the past couple of seasons. Rosario is not the big name we are used to seeing headline the market and I am very curious to see where he lands. He was poor defensively and could shift to second base full-time. Rosario strikes me as somebody who could look to take a one-year prove-it kind of deal on a non-contender that can give him regular playing time. Colorado certainly fits this bill although he would have to battle Brendan Rodgers for playing time. If Rosario joins the Marlins, one would have to assume it would be in a platoon role which would cap his upside and be a much worse home ballpark than Colorado.

Top Free Agent Third Basemen

Matt Chapman

2023 Team: Toronto Blue Jays

2024 Opening Day Age: 30

My Prediction: Washington Nationals

Rest of the Staff’s Prediction: Dave F.- Milwaukee Brewers

Fantasy Fallout: After his fast start to 2023, Chapman seemed on his way to a massive payday. This changed during the back half of 2023 as he hit .206/.306/.379 from June forward. His fielding is still excellent and he might want to take a one-year prove-it deal to inflate his value. Washington did this with Jeimer Candelario last year and got a good haul this past deadline for him. They could look to do the same with Chapman since they do not have any prospects banging on the door at third base. The move to a non-contender would hurt his counting stat potential. Milwaukee would be a better lineup for Chapman to join and makes sense as a fit on the diamond. I wonder if Milwaukee makes a move like this if they decide to rebuild.

Jeimer Candelario

2023 Team: Washington Nationals/Chicago Cubs

2024 Opening Day Age: 30

My Prediction: New York Yankees

Rest of the Staff’s Prediction: Dave F.- Toronto Blue Jays

Fantasy Fallout: After last year’s one-year prove-it deal, Candelario will be wanting to cash in on his strong 2023 season. Although the Yankees appear to be rebuilding a bit, they always have money to spend. A glaring lineup hole at third base would be perfectly filled by Candelario who hit 16 of his 22 home runs as a lefty last year. If Candelario were to sign with New York this would hurt the outlook for Oswald Peraza who is trying to stick at the Major League level. Candelario joining Toronto would certainly hurt the outlook for some of the Blue Jays’ top prospects but would make that lineup even deeper. He would have a chance for great counting stats with the Jays.

Top Free Agent Outfielders

Cody Bellinger

2023 Team: Chicago Cubs

2024 Opening Day Age: 28

My Prediction: New York Mets

Rest of the Staff’s Prediction: Dave F.- New York Yankees

Fantasy Fallout: The odds of Bellinger opting into his contract with the Cubs are somewhere between slim and none. He is the best position player bat on the market this year and is coming off a monster season with an MVP award on his resume. The Mets are no strangers to spending money and will undoubtedly look to bounce back in 2024. Adding Bellinger to this lineup would be great not only for Bellinger himself but for players like Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso. This would be a slight downgrade in park factor, but would be a positive move overall. Bellinger’s left-handed swing in Yankee Stadium would be a fantasy manager’s dream. If he did sign with the Yankees this would likely take away the playing time Everson Pereira projects to have.

Jorge Soler

2023 Team: Miami Marlins

2024 Opening Day Age: 32

My Prediction: Seattle Mariners

Rest of the Staff’s Prediction: Dave F.- Houston Astros

Fantasy Fallout: This feels like a match made in heaven. The Mariners are looking for a right-handed thumper and Soler fits that bill. His power can play in any park and Seattle is a more favorable home stadium than Miami’s. Soler is not the best defensively, but Seattle has an opening at DH that will be perfect for him. He would get a boost with a move out of Miami with 40+ home run potential.

Lourdes Gurriel Jr.

2023 Team: Arizona Diamondbacks

2024 Opening Day Age: 30

My Prediction: Miami Marlins

Rest of the Staff’s Prediction: Dave F.- Detroit Tigers

Fantasy Fallout: Gurriel was a great fit in Arizona and could bring a nice boost of veteran leadership to Miami. His older brother played with Miami last season and now Lourdes has a chance to follow in his footsteps. Although I doubt Gurriel will be searching for a platoon role, he could see his playing time against right-handed pitching diminish after he hit just .247 against them. While Miami is not a great park to hit in, Detroit might be even worse. This fit makes sense from a real-life perspective, but would not be great for his fantasy value.

Joc Pederson

2023 Team: San Francisco Giants

2024 Opening Day Age: 31

My Prediction: San Diego Padres

Rest of the Staff’s Prediction: Dave F.- New York Yankees

Fantasy Fallout: The one glaring hole in San Diego’s lineup throughout the season was the DH. They tried to get every ounce of production that they could out of Matt Carpenter, but there was clearly nothing left. Pederson could come in and play the large side of that platoon while also spending time in the outfield when needed. If the rumors of the Padres trading Soto are true, they will need a left-handed bat in the middle of that order. Pederson could be the guy and he would get to stay in California (previously on the Dodgers and Giants). San Diego is not much better for left-handed power hitters than San Francisco is so there should not be much of a change there. Pederson’s swing would be as ideal in Yankee Stadium as Bellinger’s.

Tommy Pham

2023 Team: New York Mets/Arizona Diamondbacks

2024 Opening Day Age: 36

My Prediction: Cleveland Guardians

Rest of the Staff’s Prediction: Dave F.- Philadelphia Phillies

Fantasy Fallout: Pham is going to be 36 by the time the 2024 season rolls around, but he is still posting strong power and speed numbers. Cleveland is desperate for power from their outfield and with his age, Pham is unlikely to demand an overly lucrative contract. This deal would ensure Pham regular playing time and provide Cleveland with a relatively cheap offensive-minded outfielder. This feels like a win-win and likely removes Ramon Laureano from the projected starting lineup. I am not sure Pham makes a lot of sense for the Phillies, but landing here would be a great fit for his fantasy value if he was able to squeeze out regular playing time. This would almost certainly take away any shot of Johan Rojas starting.

Kevin Kiermaier

2023 Team: Toronto Blue Jays

2024 Opening Day Age: 33

My Prediction: Philadelphia Phillies

Rest of the Staff’s Prediction: Dave F.- Toronto Blue Jays

Fantasy Fallout: The Phillies made it clear throughout the 2023 Postseason that they were willing to sacrifice some offense to get Johan Rojas’ glove into the lineup in center field.  Rojas proceeded to hit .093 in the playoffs. While the team will want to continue giving Rojas at-bats he could move into more of a platoon role moving forward. Adding a left-handed bat that is as slick of a defender would make sense for Philly. Kiermaier fits that mold and could work nicely in a platoon. This would zap any fantasy value for Rojas next season. Kiermaier fit nicely in Toronto and the Jays resigning him would make a lot of sense for both sides.

Adam Duvall

2023 Team: Boston Red Sox

2024 Opening Day Age: 35

My Prediction: Los Angeles Angels

Rest of the Staff’s Prediction: Dave F.- Los Angeles Angels

Fantasy Fallout: The Angels seem to consistently prioritize signing veteran outfielders who have power. Duvall was still 16% better than the league average last season in Boston and could get a chance for regular playing time in Los Angeles. This could hurt Mickey Moniak’s playing time after he struggled for most of the second half. Dave agrees that the fit in Los Angeles just seems like a move the Angels will make. We will have to wait and see if we are correct on this one.

Teoscar Hernandez

2023 Team: Seattle Mariners

2024 Opening Day Age: 31

My Prediction: Minnesota Twins

Rest of the Staff’s Prediction: Dave F.- Colorado Rockies

Fantasy Fallout: Hernandez came on strong during the second half of 2023. He whiffs a lot and hits a lot of home runs which seems to be exactly the kind of player the Twins like. The middle of their lineup has been weak at times due to injuries and adding Hernandez would help sure up the outfield. A move like this for Minnesota could impact the playing time of Matt Wallner or Trevor Larnach. Dave mentioned to me just wanting Hernandez on Colorado more than him actually thinking it happens. Well, if Dave is right, this would be an amazing spot for Hernandez to hit.

Top Free Agent Starting Pitchers

Blake Snell

2023 Team: San Diego Padres

2024 Opening Day Age: 31

My Prediction: Chicago Cubs

Rest of the Staff’s Prediction: Dave F.- San Diego Padres

Fantasy Fallout: I was originally going to stick with Dave and say that Snell will stick with San Diego. Then, yesterday a report came out saying the Padres are strapped for cash. This feels like a sign that Snell is on his way out the door. Chicago came close to making the playoffs last year and will be eager to make them in 2024. Adding a front-of-the-rotation starter could really benefit them in this pursuit. This could hurt Jordan Wicks’ chances of cracking the rotation on Opening Day.

Aaron Nola

2023 Team: Philadelphia Phillies

2024 Opening Day Age: 30

My Prediction: St. Louis Cardinals

Rest of the Staff’s Prediction: Dave F.- Boston Red Sox

Fantasy Fallout: This one hurts to write more than Hoskins. Nola has been with Philly through the highs and lows and is the glue between two generations of Phillies’ baseball. Enough of my sob story though. Nola has never truly felt like a Philadelphia guy and his durability is going to get him paid. Joining a better fielding team in St. Louis with a better home ballpark, Nola could be even more valuable in 2024.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto

2023 Team: NPB

2024 Opening Day Age: 25

My Prediction: San Diego Padres

Rest of the Staff’s Prediction: Dave F.- New York Yankees

Fantasy Fallout: The rumors claim the Padres are likely to trade Juan Soto. However, with Tatis, Darvish, Musgrove, and Machado all on the books, I refuse to believe they are going to rebuild. Instead, signing another pitcher to support Darvish, Snell, and Musgrove would make the most sense. Yamamoto lands on the West Coast like so many overseas players seem to do and the Padres add a fun and exciting arm to their rotation. The Yankees are always in the mix for international free agents thanks to their global popularity. Yankee Stadium would not be as ideal as Petco Park, but makes sense for both sides.

Sonny Gray

2023 Team: Minnesota Twins

2024 Opening Day Age: 34

My Prediction: Arizona Diamondbacks

Rest of the Staff’s Prediction: Dave F.-Minnesota Twins

Fantasy Fallout: Sonny Gray is not the flashiest name which is why his 2023 season is being completely overlooked. He was excellent posting a 2.79 ERA over 184 innings pitched. Arizona could use some depth in their rotation behind Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly. Plus, after a surprising run to the World Series, the team will be eager to get back in 2024. Staying in Minnesota figures to be a positive for Gray’s fantasy value if that happens.

Clayton Kershaw

2023 Team: Los Angeles Dodgers

2024 Opening Day Age: 36

My Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers

Rest of the Staff’s Prediction: Dave F.- Los Angeles Dodgers

Fantasy Fallout: I do not think it is realistic for Kershaw to ever play on another team other than the Dodgers. If he was going to leave, he would have already. Kershaw will retire a Dodger and is still an intriguing fantasy asset when he is healthy on the mound. The issue is that he will never throw the same number of innings he once did.

Jordan Montgomery

2023 Team: St. Louis Cardinals/Texas Rangers

2024 Opening Day Age: 31

My Prediction: Baltimore Orioles

Rest of the Staff’s Prediction: Dave F.- Houston Astros

Fantasy Fallout: An excellent post-season run is going to land Montgomery with a big contract this off-season. The Orioles have a ton of offensive talent but need to fortify their pitching rotation. Landing Montgomery would be a big boost to the staff and give them a lefty to pair with Grayson Rodriguez, Kyle Bradish, and Dean Kremer. If Montgomery were to land in Houston, that would certainly be a positive for his win totals. Houston also has a strong track record of getting the most out of pitchers.

Hyun Jin Ryu

2023 Team: Toronto Blue Jays

2024 Opening Day Age: 37

My Prediction: Tampa Bay Rays

Rest of the Staff’s Prediction: Dave F.- Milwaukee Brewers

Fantasy Fallout: The Rays are constantly looking for bargains on the free agent market and might find one with the soon-to-be 37-year-old Ryu. Ryu looked solid across 52 innings this past season and has a strong track record of Major League success. The Rays have a lot of exciting arms on their roster, but health remains a concern for many. Ryu is in the same boat, but the more arms they have the better. Ryu landing in Milwaukee could also make sense to help fill the void left by Brandon Woodruff.

Tyler Mahle

2023 Team: Minnesota Twins

2024 Opening Day Age: 29

My Prediction: Philadelphia Phillies

Rest of the Staff’s Prediction: Dave F.- Minnesota Twins

Fantasy Fallout: Earlier on in this article, I predicted Aaron Nola will sign elsewhere this off-season. With Andrew Painter not ready for a debut yet, the Phillies will need to fortify the rotation behind Zack Wheeler and Ranger Suarez. Insert Mahle who struggled to stay healthy last season, but looked excellent in the 25 innings he pitched. A move to Citizens Bank Park would not be great for Mahle’s who has struggled to prevent the long-ball in the past. There are better landing spots for his fantasy value than this prediction.

Top Free Agent Relief Pitchers

Josh Hader

2023 Team: San Diego Padres

2024 Opening Day Age: 29

My Prediction: New York Yankees

Rest of the Staff’s Prediction: Dave F.- Los Angeles Dodgers

Fantasy Fallout: The Padres feel caught between going for broke again and selling off some big pieces. I do not imagine they will be the highest bidder for one of the most dominant closers in baseball. The Yankees did not have a true shutdown ninth-inning guy last season and could fix that by signing Hader. This would of course bump Clay Holmes out of his closer role. The move would also put Hader in a much more hitter-friendly ballpark which could result in more home runs which is something he has had trouble with at times in the past. Dave’s prediction of Los Angeles would be much more pitcher-friendly for Hader.

Aroldis Chapman

2023 Team: Kansas City Royals/Texas Rangers

2024 Opening Day Age: 36

My Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers

Rest of the Staff’s Prediction: Dave F.- Baltimore Orioles

Fantasy Fallout: The Dodgers feel like a team that routinely snatches up veteran relievers and sucks every last bit of juice out of them. The team lacked a high-leverage left-handed arm in 2023 and could fill that hole with Chapman. Evan Phillips would likely remain the primary closer, but Chapman could secure a handful of saves and lots of holds.

Craig Kimbrel

2023 Team: Philadelphia Phillies

2024 Opening Day Age: 35

My Prediction: Cincinnati Reds

Rest of the Staff’s Prediction: Dave F.- Miami Marlins

Fantasy Fallout: After how the postseason went for Kimbrel, it is hard to imagine he is back in Philadelphia. At this point, it remains unclear if he will even be the team’s preference at closer. I have him landing in Cincinnati which would hurt his fantasy value when it comes to saves. That said, the team needs bullpen help and veteran leadership. Kimbrel would provide both. If Kimbrel were to land in Miami, he would likely have the inside edge on the closer role which would hurt Tanner Scott’s fantasy value.

Jordan Hicks

2023 Team: St. Louis Cardinals/Toronto Blue Jays

2024 Opening Day Age: 27

My Prediction: Philadelphia Phillies

Rest of the Staff’s Prediction: Dave F.- Los Angeles Angels

Fantasy Fallout: The Phillies have followed a consistent mold when inserting guys into their bullpen: high velocity with nasty movement. This is exactly who Hicks is and with the loss of Kimbrel, Hicks could be a nice replacement. This is not the most ideal landing spot for his fantasy value as Jose Alvarado figures to be the primary closer, but Hicks could still pick up a handful of saves and a plethora of holds if this ends up occurring. Hicks should get a chance to close in Los Angeles if Dave’s prediction comes true.