Potential exits for the top five remaining MLB sensational aces after a shocking events that happened
Pitchers and catchers have reported to spring training for all 30 MLB teams, with full squads joining next week.
Despite the 2024 season about to kick into gear, several big-names remain on the open market as free agents. Here are five players you might be surprised to find are still available, but should find a home before Opening Day on Mar. 28.
1. Center fielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger
The 2019 NL MVP revived his career with the Chicago Cubs in 2023 after struggling during his final three seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers. From 2020-22, he appeared in 295 games and had a .203 batting average, tallying 209 hits (and 286 strikeouts) across 1,032 at-bats. Bellinger batted .307 in his first season with the Cubs, finishing 2023 with 153 hits and only 87 strikeouts.
Potential destination: Chicago Cubs
A return to the Cubbies makes sense. Bellinger would be a safer bet at center field than projected starter Pete Crow-Armstrong, an intriguing prospect with no hits in 14 career at-bats. Earlier this week, Crow-Armstrong welcomed the idea of Bellinger returning, saying, “If Cody comes back, that’s great. That gives us a better chance to win.”
2. Starting pitcher Blake Snell
It’s unfathomable that 2023’s NL ERA (earned run average) leader could start the 2024 season as a free agent, but that’s where things stand midway through February. Last season, Snell led the NL with a 2.25 ERA as he won his second Cy Young Award. He previously won the award in 2018 as a member of the American League’s Tampa Bay Rays, making him one of seven pitchers in MLB history to win the Cy Young in both leagues, joining Max Scherzer, Roy Halladay, Roger Clemens, Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez and Gaylord Perry.
Potential destination: New York Yankees
The Yankees’ pitching depth took a hit when they traded for Juan Soto in December, as the team lost Michael King, Jhony Brito, Randy Vasquez and prospect Drew Thorpe. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale has reported Snell turned down a six-year, $150 million contract from the Bronx Bombers earlier this offseason as he sought a longer deal, but that offer might be more attractive at this late juncture, with his market less robust than expected.
3. Starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery
A midseason addition for the Rangers at last year’s trade deadline, Montgomery pitched in several key moments as Texas won its first World Series in franchise history. In six appearances during the 2023 postseason, Montgomery had a 2.90 ERA in 31 innings pitched, including shutout appearances in Game 1 of both the ALDS and ALCS.
Potential destination: San Francisco Giants
The Giants’ starting pitchers ranked 16th in WAR (wins above replacement) (14.5) in 2023 while allowing the seventh-highest home run rate on fly balls (13.2%). Meanwhile, Montgomery allowed home runs on fly balls at the lowest rate of his career (9.3%) as he reached the highest velocity on his four-seamer (93.4 mph) in his career.
4. Third baseman Matt Chapman
Since 2017, Chapman ranks 11th among position players in WAR, with his defensive prowess an integral part of his game. Per Stathead, the four-time Gold Glove winner has the league’s second-highest defensive WAR (11.8) over the past seven seasons.
Potential destination: Toronto Blue Jays
Having spent the past two seasons with the Blue Jays, a reunion could benefit both sides. Toronto signed Justin Turner in free agency and is also expected to rely on Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Santiago Espinal at third base. They might collectively match Chapman’s production at the plate, but it’s less likely they can duplicate him on the field.
5. Designated hitter J.D. Martinez
Entering his 14th season, Martinez still has plenty to offer an MLB roster. Last season, he hit 33 home runs for the Dodgers, his most since 2019 when he played for the Red Sox. He also had his highest fly ball (37 percent) and hard-hit rate (54.9 percent) of his career.
Potential destination: New York Mets
The Mets have been linked to Martinez this offseason with the team in need of a quality batter. Mark Vientos, who climbed the team’s farm system and appeared in 81 games over the past two seasons, is a top candidate for the DH role. While Vientos batted .290 with 40 home runs in AAA from 2022-23, he has failed to carry that production into the big leagues, posting a .205 batting average with 10 home runs in 254 at-bats.
