Where Blue Jays, Giants Can Turn in Free Agency After Whiffing on Shohei Ohtani

Author:
Tom Dierberger
Publish date:
Dec 9, 2023

In this story:

Shohei Ohtani is a Dodger.

The two-way superstar announced on Instagram that he will sign a record-breaking 10-year, $700 million contract with Los Angeles.

While the news has the Dodgers picturing their next decade filled with World Series titles, it leaves other Ohtani finalists like the Angels, Blue Jays and Giants scrambling to address their needs in free agency.

So, now that the Ohtani domino has fallen, who’s next?

RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto

Yoshinobu Yamamoto reacts after a pitch during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games. — Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitches at the World Baseball Classic.
Yukihito Taguchi/USA TODAY Sports

Arguably the most intriguing arm left on the open market, Yamamoto was posted by the Orix Buffaloes of the Japanese Pacific League this offseason. In 24 appearances last year, Yamamoto logged a 17–6 record, 1.16 ERA and 9.3 K/9 while winning Japan’s version of the Cy Young award.

He could be baseball’s next game-changing ace.

LHP Blake Snell

Speaking of aces, Snell enters free agency after winning his second career Cy Young award, registering a league-best 2.25 ERA and 5.8 H/9 in 32 starts for the Padres.

At 31 years old, this is likely Snell’s last chance to land a long-term, lucrative contract in free agency. Expect him to take advantage.

OF/1B Cody Bellinger

Chicago Cubs center fielder Cody Bellinger (24) flies out in the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. — Cody Bellinger watches a ball off his bat.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Bellinger finally overcame his three-year post-MVP hangover by hitting .307/.356/.525 with 26 home runs in 130 games with the Cubs last season.

Bellinger, 28, can play first base and the outfield, making him an intriguing option for teams who prefer versatile players. Hello, Giants? Whoever gives him a long-term deal, however, is betting on Bellinger’s 2023 season being more than a one-year mirage.

3B Matt Chapman

Chapman is still one of the best defensive third basemen in baseball, even if his bat has declined in recent years. Over two seasons in Toronto, Chapman batted .240/.330/.424 and smacked 27 homers in 2022 and 17 in ‘23.

DH Jorge Soler

Sure, Soler can’t pitch like Ohtani, but he can certainly crush some baseballs at the dish. The 31-year-old mashed 36 homers in 137 games for the Marlins last season and was named an All-Star for the first time in his career.