Back in the day this time of the year was called “The Hot Stove’’ in Major League Baseball. It’s just after the World Series and just before the owner’s meetings.
It’s the time of the season where rumors run rampant on what players are going to be traded and where they are going to be traded and where the top free agents are going to land.
Throw some more wood on the fire, because here’s a consensus list of the top 10 free agents and where they may play in the 2024 season. Find odds for each free agent signing at BestGamblingSites.com
Shonei Ohtani, DH, SP
Last team: Angels
The Skinny: Even though he may not pitch in ’24, the favorite for AL MVP will be the most sought after free agent. A .964 OPS and a 26.5 WAR will do that for you.
Where he’ll Sign: Dodgers
Cody Bellinger, 1B, OF
Last team: Cubs
The Skinny: The one-time Dodgers star bet on himself with a one-year deal with the Cubs last year and hit the jackpot. He showed he’s back and now some team will show him the money.
Where he’ll sign: Cubs
Blake Snell, P
Last team: Padres
The Skinny: The former Cy Young winner could add another trophy this year. His 1.20 ERA over his last 20 starts is crazy impressive. The Padres, who overspent last year, got bargain in Snell. Now he’ll get paid.
Where he’ll sign: Yankees
Aaron Nola, P
Last team: Phillies
The Skinny: It was an up and down season for the Phils’ No. 2 starter. But 193 innings (second in the league) to go with the most games started and the third most strikeouts will get you paid.
Where he’ll sign: Phillies or Cubs
Jordan Montgomery, P
Last team: Rangers
The Skinny: He’s been traded twice in two years from the Yankees to the Cardinals to the Rangers and helped the latter win the World Series.
Where he’ll sign: Rangers
Matt Chapman, 3B
Last team: Blue Jays
The Skinny: He had a terrible second half of the season at the plate, batting just .205 after a torrid start. He is still one of the best fielding third baseman in the game.
Where he’ll sign: Diamondbacks
Josh Hader, RP
Last team (Padres)
The Skinny: The best closer on a market thin at the position will get a lot of offers and deservedly so. He’ll have choice to stay out west (Dodgers) or join the W.S. champs.
Where he’ll sign: Rangers
Sonny Gray, P
Last team (Twins)
The Skinny: He’s pitched well everywhere he’s been — Oakland, Cincinnati and Minnesota — except for New York. So don’t expect calls from the Yankees or Mets.
Where he’ll sign: Cardinals
Eduardo Rodriguez, P
Last team (Tigers)
The Skinny: He invoked his no-trade clause to nix a trade to the Dodgers, so he is more likely to accept a deal in a smaller market then some others. He’s a solid 2-3 starter with a god mix of fastball, cutter and change-up.
Where he’ll sign: Reds
Marcus Stroman, P
Last team: Cubs
The Skinny: A hip injury turned a great start to the season into a nightmare. He started just nine games after June 20 ad had a 9.00 ERA. But some team will hope he’s healthy and pay him like it.
Where he’ll sign: Dodgers
