|
There will be one fewer superstar available in free agency next offseason after Manny Machado reportedly agreed to a massive new deal with the San Diego Padres.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the two sides are finalizing an 11-year, $350 million deal. Dennis Lin and Britt Ghiroli of The Athletic reported the new deal features no opt-outs and a full no-trade clause.
It’s a major turnaround just over a week after Machado indicated he would opt out after the season and become a free agent.
“So far this year, I’m a Padre, but who knows next year,” Machado told reporters earlier this month. “Obviously, the team knows where I stand, my situation, with the opt-out coming. I think I’ve expressed that I will be opting out after this year, but my focus is not about 2024.”
Those looking to add a game-changer for next year, including potential landing spots like the San Francisco Giants, New York Mets and New York Yankees, will likely need to look elsewhere. There are a few big names available, but there might be limited depth for teams seeking a star in free agency.
Top 2024 Free Agents
Shohei Ohtani, SP/DH
Any list discussing upcoming free agency should start with Shohei Ohtani, who is both the best pitcher and the best hitter available.
The 28-year-old won the MVP in 2021 when he totaled 46 home runs and 100 RBI to go with his 3.18 ERA in 23 starts. He remained an elite hitter in 2022, totaling 34 home runs and a .273 average, while he was even better as a pitcher with a 2.33 ERA and a league-best 11.9 strikeouts per nine innings.
He finished second in MVP voting and fourth in Cy Young voting.
If he produces similar numbers in 2023, Ohtani could earn an unprecedented contract in free agency as teams try to account for his production in multiple phases of the game.