Looking at our top three ranked MLB free agent pitchers remaining
The Atlanta Braves, unsurprisingly, have not sought any high-profile free agents.
At the outset of the offseason, we published our 2023 MLB free agency rankings. Here’s an updated look at the top three pitchers who are still on the market.
RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Japan
According to the latest rumors, Yamamoto is interested in joining the New York Yankees or the New York Mets.
Here’s a little background on the young pitcher:
Yamamoto, 25, is arguably the best pitcher on the planet who has yet to play in Major League Baseball. Last season, he earned the NPB’s equivalent of both the Cy Young and MVP awards. He’s a five-time All-Star, a three-time ERA champion, and a two-time Triple Crown winner. Masahiro Tanaka signed for 5 years and $155 million from Japan in 2014, and that record is going to be broken.
LHP Blake Snell, Padres
The Seattle Mariners are thought to be the team to beat for our sixth-ranked free agent entering the offseason, but several teams are interested in the two-time Cy Young champion.
Here’s our bio on Snell (written before he won the Cy Young award):
Snell might win the NL Cy Young Award this season, which would boost his free agent case, but he’s not a lock to be a top-tier pitching option. He leads baseball in ERA (2.25), ERA+ (182), walks (99), and walk rate (5.8). The 30-year-old’s projected ERA (3.77) and Fielding Independent Pitching (3.44) were both much higher than his ERA, implying that regression is unavoidable.
LHP Jordan Montgomery, Cardinals/Rangers
There is reportedly a strong effort from the Texas Rangers to secure a deal with Montgomery, and the Yankees are considering a reunion with him as a backup plan if they are unable to sign Yamomoto.
Here’s an overview of Montgomery:
The Yankees traded Montgomery at the 2022 deadline, expressing doubt about his ability to contribute to the playoff rotation. However, he has performed exceptionally well in the postseason for the undefeated Texas Rangers. In his first three starts, he has delivered two scoreless outings, holding the Rays and Astros without runs over 13.1 innings. He allowed only eleven hits and one walk while recording eleven strikeouts. If Montgomery continues this impressive performance throughout the postseason, especially if Texas reaches the World Series, he could position himself as one of the top two or three sought-after free agents this offseason, potentially securing a lucrative contract.