The 2023-24 MLB free-agent class is thinner than the star-studded classes we've seen the past two years, though it does have an epic headliner in Los Angeles Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani.
Beyond him, the available talent was thinned significantly when Rafael Devers, Manny Machado and Yu Darvish all signed long-term extensions during the offseason, taking three stars off the board before they ever hit the open market.
That said, there are a handful of players who can set themselves up for a significant payday next winter, and ahead we've highlighted 10 guys who can secure the bag with a strong 2023 season.
Age, past production and comparable recent free agents were all considerations in compiling this list.
These Guys Have Already Secured Their Payday
Regardless of what happens during the 2023 season, aside from a significant injury, the following players have already assured themselves of a significant payday this coming offseason:
RHP/DH Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Angels
There's not much to say here that everyone does not already know. With a two-way skill set the likes of which the game has never seen and at 28 years old with plenty more years of prime production ahead, Ohtani is likely headed for a record-setting contract that could eclipse $500 million.
LHP Julio Urías, Los Angeles Dodgers
With a 2.52 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 381 strikeouts in 378.2 innings since the start of the 2021 season, Urías has established himself as one of the game's best pitchers, and he is still only 26 years old. Given his age and consistency since establishing himself as a rotation regular, he could make a run at the largest contract ever for a starting pitcher.
3B Matt Chapman, Toronto Blue Jays
With elite defense at third base and 30-homer power, Chapman has an extremely high value floor. The 29-year-old has tallied 24.6 WAR since his first full season in the majors in 2018, a total that ranks eighth among all position players during that stretch. He should have no problem securing a nine-figure payday.
RHP Aaron Nola, Philadelphia Phillies
Rocky start to the 2023 season aside, Nola has been a frontline starter in Philadelphia for years. The 29-year-old is playing out the final season of a team-friendly five-year, $56.75 million extension, and while he won't rival Urías for the biggest contract among starting pitchers, a five-year, $100 million deal might be his earning floor.
1. CF Harrison Bader, New York Yankees
First things first, Harrison Bader needs to get healthy and prove he can stay healthy for an extended period of time.
The 28-year-old played just 86 games last season while missing time to a forearm injury and fractured rib, and he has yet to make his 2023 season debut while nursing an oblique injury suffered during spring training.
Despite all of his injury woes, he has proven to be an impact player when healthy, winning a Gold Glove and tallying 3.8 WAR during the 2021 season.
There is always a market for capable center fielders, and Bader is one of the best in the game when everything is clicking.