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MLB

Top MLB free agents in this offseason and where would they end up

After the World Series ended, with Houston Astros winning the championship, all Major League Baseball focus shifted to the players’ free agency market.

Update:
CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 16: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees advances to third base against the Cleveland Guardians during the sixth inning in game four of the American League Division Series at Progressive Field on October 16, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio.   Dylan Buell/Getty Images/AFP
Dylan BuellAFP

Players and teams across the league will have to consider their options and decisions in the upcoming days. Soon, the market will open, and players will be free to bargain the best deal for their grind. Years have passed since we had such an exciting offer of high-class players, from future Coopertown sluggers and athletic and skillful shortstops to exciting Japanese hybrid players. One thing is for sure; the managers won’t lack variety to choose from.

Aaron Judge and Jacob deGrom, both players for the New York teams, are the most resonating names that we could hear in the late-season free-agency discussions.

Aaron Judge, New York Yankees

Apart from being one of the best batters the game ever saw, Judge also showed he is a fearless gambler. He showed his betting skills when he rejected a seven-year extension offer worth $213.5 million at the beginning of the season. Aaron Judge is also 31 and had his fair share of injuries during his career, but after this history-making year, he now has the negotiation leverage.

Probable teams: New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants

Jacob deGrom, New York Mets

He’s been one of the best pitchers in the sport since he debuted in 2014, storing two Cy Young Awards and four All-Star Games appearances along the way. deGrom missed more than a calendar year because of elbow inflammation and a stress reaction in his shoulder. Still, before returning to the field, he made it explicit that he would exit his remaining contract and try the market. Injuries have limited deGrom to 26 starts over the last two seasons; he’s 36, and the pitchers usually do not manage to stay healthier as they age. There are probably teams who will intend to bring this class-act pitcher, but it could be a remorseful decision if his body shows signs of deterioration early in the season.

Possible teams: New York Mets, Texas Rangers, San Francisco Giants.

Other noteworthy free agents

Other respected players that we should have on our most-desirable free agent list are Los Angeles Dodgers’ shortstop Trea Turner, Minnesota Twins shortstop Carlos Corea, and Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts. The oldest on the list and the most prominent for his recent World Series win is Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander, who turned 40 this year but is still looking for professional engagement.