Big offseasons moves continue to materialize as MLB free agents remain unsigned and trade possibilities are on the brink of unfolding. Pitchers Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Seth Lugo, and Chris Stratton along with other notable players are poised to make significant moves.
The top starting pitcher free agent has been attracting massive attention from multiple teams. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, 25, has a 1.16 ERA in 24 starts in Japan’s NPB last season. MLB teams like the Yankees, Mets, Giants, and even the Red Sox have expressed strong interests in signing him to a $300 plus million deal before his deadline – January 4 at 5 p.m. ET. However, it is uncertain if he will sign with a team before going back to Japan for the 2024 season if a deal isn’t reached.
Paul Goldschmidt, first baseman for the Cardinals has been relatively inconsistent after being crowned NL MVP in 2022. Goldschmidt’s five-year, $130 million deal will give him a contract extension in the upcoming season. The talks for a renegotiation could extend into the All-Star break or perhaps after the trade deadline before reaching a conclusion.
The Royals seem to be finalizing two promising pitcher deals. Seth Lugo is supposedly in the final stages of signing a three-year contract worth $45 million, while the Royals are also finalizing a deal for reliever Chris Stratton. They are also adding pitching depth with the signing of free agent pitcher Ben Lively.
Korean outfielder Jung Hoo Lee has reportedly agreed to a six-year, $113 million contract with the Giants while first baseman Rowdy Tellez has penned a deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates for a one-year contract.
As the MLB offseason continues to remain significant, an unusual amount of remaining unsigned top free agents makes for a thorough outlook on the league’s next big moves. Even with the notable names signing contracts, it seems we are on the brink of a massive shuffle in the MLB offseason that could unfold in the coming weeks.