#25 Joc Pederson, OF/DH

Let’s get this list started with a 2022 San Francisco Giant. He signed a one year $6 million deal to prove himself and for the most part, he did just that with 23 home runs, a 1.3 WAR and an All Star selection despite a rough patch around July. Some cryptic posts tell me that Joc is very frustrated at missing out on the playoffs this year, something he is not used to. Also, he’ll be look for a bigger contract going forward and I have a feeling he’ll be heading to a team that looks like a sure-bet to make the playoffs in 2023. The Cleveland Guardians may be interested although he basically talked trash about them in this tweet. If he’s looking to go to a team on the rise in 2023 though, one fit might be the Seattle Mariners with Carlos Santana entering free agency. Pederson is quite a bit younger and seems like he’d be a nice fit so I got Joc staying on the west coast but signing with the Seattle Mariners to be their DH and 4th outfielder.

Prediction: Seattle Mariners

#24 Kenley Jansen, RP

The 35-year old Kenley Jansen may be a future Hall of Famer with 391 career saves and a 2.46 ERA. In 2022, his first year with a team other than the Dodgers, he saved 41 games and had a strong 3.31 ERA, which was a bit inflated after a few horrible appearances down the stretch. He struck out 85 in 64 innings, proving he’s still got it and several teams should show interest in the veteran reliever. Teams that should show interest include the Yankees, Mariners, Padres and Tigers. However, I will say that Jansen reunites with his old teammate Corey Seager, in Arlington, Texas as the Rangers, who need to improve the back end of their bullpen, will continue to try to build a championship team. Kenley Jansen signs with the Texas Rangers.

Prediction: Texas Rangers

#23 Aroldis Chapman, RP

Next up is Aroldis Chapman, the once dominant closer who will be 35 next year and ever since the crackdown on foreign substances, hasn’t been too effective. He had a 4.46 ERA this year with 9 saves and the lowest strikeout rate of his career. He was even left off the ALDS roster. I would assume he is not going to be coming back to the Yankees in 2023. He’s only in the top 25 because he’s Aroldis Champman, but there is a chance he doesn’t even play in 2023. I believe some team that needs bullpen help will at least give him a shot in Spring Training, however, and I’ll go with the Arizona Diamondbacks, who have signed veteran arms before such as Ian Kennedy, who had a solid first half for the D-Backs. They’ve also shown interest in Chapman in the past so I’ve got Chapman signing with Arizona.

Prediction: Arizona Diamondbacks

#22 Trey Mancini, 1B

Mancini, as I write this article, is having big problems hitting during the 2022 postseason, which won’t help his value during the off-season. He also struggled down the stretch with the Astros, hitting just .176. Nevertheless, he has been a consistent above average bat with power throughout his career and plays excellent defense at first base and can also play the outfield. I don’t think the Astros will bring him back, but he will garner plenty of interest from teams who need a first baseman. This could mean the San Francisco Giants could show interested, but I’ve got Mancini staying the American League and signing with a team who will be looking at first basemen this offseason and that team is the Cleveland Guardians.

Prediction: Cleveland Guardians

#21 Andrew Benintendi, OF

Next up is Andrew Benintendi, who didn’t make a huge impression with the Yankees, but is still a solid better-than-average big leaguer. He knows how to get on base, an asset that front offices appreciate more than ever right now, and he can also play solid defense. His power has never come around like teams had hoped, but he has 20 home run potential and is still just 28 years old. The Yankees should show some interest in bringing him back and he will also find potential suitors in the Rangers and Tigers. However, I’ll say he signs with a team hoping he can unlock his offensive potential in the thin air of Denver. Andrew Benintendi signs with the Rockies.

Prediction: Colorado Rockies

#20 J.D. Martinez, DH/OF

Despite some back issues, Martinez was able to play in 139 games in 2022 and had a solid on-base percentage of .341, but his power seems to have fallen off, with only 16 homers in 533 at bats. Still, he continues to demonstrate a beautiful swing, finding the gaps with 43 doubles and made the All Star Team. J.D. is probably the best available DH this off-season and with the DH now in the National League, several teams will be interested. He will likely sign a 2-year deal approaching $20 million per season. With the Red Sox trying to get younger and more athletic, I see him signing elsewhere. One team that is needing a more consistent DH is the New York Mets, who showed interested in Martinez as the trade deadline approached, but ended up getting Darin Ruf. Obviously, J.D. is the bigger star and probably has at least one or two more solid seasons left in his bat. I see this as a strong possibility and will predict that the New York Mets sign J.D. Martinez.

Prediction: New York Mets

#19 Mitch Haniger, OF

Next is up is a man who drove in 100 runs and crushed 39 home runs in 2021. Unfortunately, Mitch Haniger was unable to repeat that in 2022 due to ankle and back injuries and played in just 57 games. Still, he showed the power hasn’t gone anywhere and if he’s healthy in 2023, at 32 years old, there’s no reason he can’t have another big season. Several teams will be interested including the Brewers and Rangers. However, he has been a long time Mariner and provided plenty of leadership for the young up and coming team. Because of this, the Mariners should be interested in bringing back and there is a chance they offer him a qualifying offer and, if they do, he may accept. However, even if this doesn’t happen, I think there’s a strong chance the M’s bring back Haniger for 2023 and, I’ll predict he stays in Seattle.

Prediction: Seattle Mariners

#18 Josh Bell, 1B

Bell was having a fantastic season for the Nationals, hitting .301 with 14 homers when the Padres traded for him. Unfortunately, he struggled a bit with the Friars, hitting just .192, but Bell will still be one of the best available first baseman this off-season. He is a switch hitter with big power who plays below average but acceptable defense at first and has had some experience in the outfield as well. Of course, he would also DH from time to time. The Red Sox, Yankees and White Sox should be interested. However, given that Brandon Belt is likely retiring or heading elsewhere, I think the Giants will be heavily interested in a switch hitter with big power who has some versatility in the field. Without any obvious first basemen on the rise in the Giants farm system, I think this move would make sense and I’ve got the Giants signing Josh Bell.

Prediction: San Francisco Giants

#17 Tyler Anderson, SP

I never thought Tyler Anderson would make my Top 25 Free Agents List but here we are. Anderson was stellar for the 2022 Dodgers and went 15-5 with a 2.57 ERA, making the All Star Team. He was also dominant in his one postseason appearance, throwing 5 shutout innings against the Padres in the NLDS. Lots of teams will be interested, but if the Dodgers really want him back, I don’t see any other team outbidding them. The Padres will try as will the Cardinals and maybe even the Giants, who gave Anderson a shot in 2020. However, I think he’ll be back in blue for 23, either on a qualifying offer or on a fresh contract. I’ve got Tyler Anderson staying in Los Angeles.

Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers

#16 Koudai Senga, SP

The top international free agent entering the 2023 season is Japanese pitcher Koudai Senga. He brings serious heat and finished the 2022 season with a 11-6 record and 1.89 ERA. In his 11 year career in the NPB, he has 104-51 record with a 2.42 ERA and 1,486 strikeouts in 1,340 innings of work. There should be plenty of teams interested in Senga, who should fall into the #2 or #3 slot for most rotations. Teams interested could include the Cubs, Yankees and Red Sox. However, there’s one team that is still dedicated to winning a World Series and will be very active in free agency. They also have a veteran Japanese pitcher in their rotation to help Senga adapt to MLB and the United States quicker. His name is Yu Darvish and, of course, the team I’ve got signing Senga is the San Diego Padres.

Prediction: San Diego Padres

#15 Anthony Rizzo, 1B

Another available first baseman this off-season is Anthony Rizzo. Since I have the Giants landing Bell and the Guardians landing Mancini, I’ll take another team to sign Rizzo. He does have the option to opt-in for the 2023, but this seems highly unlikely. Nevertheless, the Yankees will still be interested in bringing the veteran back, who showed great leadership and amazing power with 32 home runs while playing elite defense. The four-time Gold Glove award winner will be testing the free agent market, however, and looking for perhaps his last big payday. It could be a 3-4 year deal around $18 million per season. The Astros, Brewers and Padres will likely show some interest, but at the end of the day, I don’t see him going anywhere else but back to the New York. Rizzo will remain a Yankee.

Prediction: New York Yankees

#14 Jose Abreu, 1B/DH

Next up, we have the always solid if not amazing Jose Abreu. The 2020 MVP and 2014 Rookie of the Year has spent his entire career with the White Sox and, if he hadn’t made his debut at the relatively late age of 27, he would probably already be considered a no-doubt Future Hall of Famer. Abreu almost never misses a game and can be relied on to hit close to if not over .300 with power. This last season, however, he only managed 15 home runs and 75 RBIs. He still hit over .300 with a .378 on-base-percentage, which makes him extremely valuable despite the drop in power. The White Sox do not seem interested in bringing him back, which means many teams will be in on Abreu. I’ve already got the Giants signing Bell, which would leave a hole at first base in San Diego. As a team dedicated to winning and signing whoever they have to, I see the Padres trying to do even better than Bell by signing an absolute stud in Jose Abreu. I’ve got Abreu going to San Diego.

Prediction: San Diego Padres

#13 Brandon Nimmo, OF

The former first round pick Brandon Nimmo has proven in 2022 that, when he can stay healthy, he is an above-average MLB player. He hit .274 in 2022 with a .367 on-base and 16 bombs while leading the league with 7 triples. He stayed relatively healthy, playing in 151 games and when you add in his amazing defensive ability, Nimmo is one of the most well-rounded players in the free agent market. One team that has shown some interest is the Colorado Rockies, but I’ve got the Rockies signing Benintendi instead after they realize the New York Mets are going to make Nimmo and offer he can’t refuse. I think he’s just too good of an overall player to let go elsewhere and I’ve got the Mets bringing him back on a 4-5 year deal.

Prediction: New York Mets

#12 Chris Bassitt, SP

Bassitt followed up his All Star 2021 campaign with the A’s by winning a career high 15 games in 2022 for the Mets. He had a 3.42 ERA and was the healthiest pitcher in the Mets rotation, becoming their only starter to qualify for the ERA title. He doesn’t have big strikeout stuff but gets the job done and is extremely consistent. Bassitt is expected to decline his option and explore free agency. The Mets will try hard to bring him back, but several teams will push hard for his services including the Rangers and Cardinals. I am going to say that a team from outside the USA will make a big push for him and end up getting him and that team, of course, is the Toronto Blue Jays who need some more depth in that rotation to try to go deeper in the playoffs in 2023. Chris Bassitt will sign with the Jays.

Prediction: Toronto Blue Jays

#11 Willson Contreras, C/DH

The best available catcher in the free agent market his long-time Chicago Cub Willson Contreras. He was a 2022 All Star, ending the season with 22 home runs and a .349 on-base percentage. He should be able to sign for around four years and $75 million, similar to the 2019 Yasmani Grandal deal with the White Sox. There have been reports that, despite not trading him at the deadline, the Cubs have no interest in bringing him back. Therefore, he’ll likely head to a team short on catchers for 2023. Such teams include the St. Louis Cardinals with the retirement of Yadier Molina and the Boston Red Sox, who don’t really have a clear option for 2023. The Mets, Padres and Twins may also show some interest. Ultimately, I’ll say he signs with the Cardinals, who will offer him the biggest contract, needing big offensive production and a solid name to replace the legend Molina. Contreras signs with the Cards.

Prediction: St. Louis Cardinals

#10 Clayton Kershaw, SP

The future Hall of Famer will likely hit 200 career wins in 2023, and every time I’ve predicted him to go elsewhere, he always ends up back in Los Angeles. So, without even getting into his stats and accomplishments, I’ll just say it – Clayton Kershaw is back with the Dodgers in 2023, perhaps on another one-year deal. He went 12-3 in 2022 with a 2.28 ERA, showing that, when he is healthy, he still elite. He struck out 9.8 batters per 9 and was selected to his 9th All Star Team. If he were to leave, there are many teams that would love to have him including his hometown Rangers among many other teams short on starting pitching, but at this point, I see him retiring as a Dodger.

Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers

#9 Edwin Diaz, RP

One of the premiere relief pitchers in the game is Edwin Diaz and in 2022, he earned himself a huge contract. Diaz had the lowest ERA of his career at an insane 1.31 with an even more insane 17.1 per 9 strikeout ratio. He had 118 strikeouts in just 62 innings of work, basically striking out 2 batters per inning. The Mets will undoubtedly prioritize bringing back Diaz, but he is also likely to not sign too quickly and explore his options. He could become the first reliever in history to sign a contract in the $100 million range, surpassing Aroldis Chapman’s record of $86 million. One team who will also be heavily interested is the Blue Jays, whose failing bullpen is the primary reason they couldn’t get past the Wild Card round. As a Giants fan, I’d be ecstatic to land Diaz to become the primary closer while Camilo Doval could be the setup man. The Mariners, Cubs and Rangers could also be dark horses to sign Diaz. Obviously, the big spenders like the Yankees and Dodgers are also serious threats to snag him. However, at the end of the day, I think the most likely suitor is the Mets, who will likely match any offer. If he does leave, I’ll say it’s do the Dodgers. But as for my official prediction, Diaz stays with the Mets.

Prediction: New York Mets

#8 Dansby Swanson, SS

Swanson came back to Atlanta in 2022 and played in all 162 games, smashing 25 home runs with a .277 batting average while securing his first Gold Glove. Where he goes will largely depend on the destinations of the other big 3 free agent shortstops – Correa, Turner and Bogaerts. Teams that will be looking to secure a shortstop for the 2023 season include the Twins, Red Sox, Mariners and, of course, the Braves. Recent reports say the Braves offered an extension of around $100 million, which of course was declined. As the longest tenured Brave, there is a chance the Braves bring him back. However, Swanson has proven that he is one of the best shortstops in the game and will demand a massive salary of well over $100 million – something similar to the 6-year $140 million Javy Baez deal. It could be as high as 7-years and $170 million. The Braves GM isn’t known for these types of massive free agent deals. If the Braves were willing to let Freddie Freeman get away, I can’t be surprised if the same thing happens to Swanson. Other teams that could show interest include the Angels, Dodgers, Cubs, Phillies and Cardinals. I’ll say that the St. Louis Cardinals, who are ready to move on from Paul DeJong, make a huge offer and end up landing Swanson.

Prediction: St. Louis Cardinals

#7 Xander Bogaerts, SS

In 2022, Xander made his 4th All Star Team while hitting .307 with 15 bombs. He will be another hot free agent shortstop several teams will be interested in after he exercises his opt-out, which he is expected to do. He will demand perhaps an even bigger contract than Swanson and, based on the 4-year $90 million extension reportedly already offered, the Red Sox may not be willing to pay enough to bring him back. The Red Sox still have some infield depth with Trevor Story able to move back to his natural shortstop position if need be in 2023. All the teams I mentioned that would be in on Swanson will likely also show interst in Xander Bogaerts. However, one team that may be particularly interested is the 2022 National League Champion Philadelphia Phillies, who are as of this recording down 2 games to 3 in the World Series. They are looking for an upgrade at shortstop after rookie Bryson Stott struggled somewhat with a .234 average and on-base percentage under .300. Their current President of Baseball Ops is former Red Sox GM Dave Dombrowski, who has a relationship with Bogaerts. I’ll say the Phils, looking to win it all in 2023, end up signing Bogaerts on a massive 6-7 year deal.

Prediction: Philadelphia Phillies

#6 Carlos Correa, SS

One of the most outside the box free agent predictions I ever made was Carlos Correa signing with Twins – and it actually happened. He played great for Minnesota, hitting .291 with a .366 on-base and 22 big flies. Correa will opt out and look for a huge deal around 10 years, similar to the Texas Rangers contract with Corey Seager. With this in mind, even the Giants could show interest with Brandon Crawford toward the end of his extension. The Twins, of course, will try to bring him back and so will all the teams I’ve talked about who are needing a shortstop going forward including the Red Sox if they don’t re-sign Bogaerts. The Mariners will make a big push for Correa, but I’m going to make a prediction even crazier than having the Twins sign Correa. This time, it’s the Los Angeles Angels who make the shocking 9-10 year deal and bring Correa to the West Coast to try to win a World Series in 2023. I got Correa signing with the Halos in ‘23.

Prediction: Los Angeles Angels

#5 Carlos Rodon, SP

The San Francisco Giants struck gold with the signing of Rodon, who struck out 33.4% of the batters he faced in 2022 with a 2.88 ERA. He only needed to prove he could stay healthy while putting up his normal impressive numbers. He did just that and will likely opt out of his deal and seek a massive contract. Every team looking to add an elite starter, which really should be all 30 teams, will be interested. Primary teams that have had some reported interest include the Giants, Angels, Cubs Cardinals and Yankees. He will sign a deal around 5 years and $145 million. The Giants could have traded him at the deadline but held on to him, with an obvious hope that they could bring him back in the off-season. The Rangers could make a surprise run at Rodon, but another team that desperately needs pitching is the St. Louis Cardinals, who showed big interest in Rodon during the season. Whether the Giants will outbid them or not may come down to how much money they plan to spend on other free agents who I’m about to talk about. Ultimately, I think the Giants will spend the money needed to bring him back and I’ll say he stays in the bay area, but if he leaves, I’d say he goes to St. Louis. Official prediction, however: Rodon stays in San Francsico.

Prediction: San Francisco Giants

#4 Justin Verlander, SP

One of the best pitchers in the last twenty years, Justin Verlander won a Cy Young in 2019, then had to have Tommy John surgery, missing nearly all of 2020 and 2021. Coming back in 2022 to the Astros in his late thirties, Verlander proved he is still one of the best, going 18-4 with a 1.75 ERA, setting himself up to win his third career Cy Young and creating a massive market for him in the off-season assuming he exercises his opt-out which is expected. The Yankees, Dodgers, Braves, Mets, Orioles and maybe even the Giants will make a run at Verlander. The Astros would love to have him back as well, but with several young pitchers in their system, they may not be willing to pay the huge asking price for a 2023 Justin Verlander. So, I will say he signs elsewhere. I believe it will be one of the big-market teams snagging up Verlander for his age 40 season and that team will be the New York Yankees, who will create an unstoppable 1-2 punch with Cole and Verlander at the top, followed by Nestor Cortes and Luis Severino.

Prediction: New York Yankees

#3 Trea Turner, SS

The final big shortstop on the list is Trea Turner, one of the most reliable shortstops in the game. He is a true 5-tool talent with blazing speed, amazing defense and power. He drove in 100 runs and crushed 21 bombs in 2022. He also stays healthy, playing in 160 games for the Dodgers and stepping up to the plate over 700 times. He will still only be 29 years old on Opening Day 2023 and will be heavily desired by many teams including the Phillies, Cardinals, Angels and Cubs. However, if the Dodgers want to keep some one, they keep some one. I’ve got them hanging onto Kershaw and Tyler Anderson and they’ll also pay to keep Trea Turner. He stays in LA.

Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers

#2 Jacob DeGrom, SP

There is only one issue with DeGrom and that is his injury history. When he’s healthy, however, DeGrom is simply the best. His strikeout per nine ratio was 14.3 in 2022, repeating the same ratio he had in ‘21. The 4-time All Star and 2-time Cy Young Award winner averaged nearly 100 MPH on his fastball even after coming off the injured list. One team that may show interest is the Braves, who Degrom rooted for growing up. Several teams will show interest since, due to his age and injuries, may get to sign him on a short term deal of 2 years or even 1 year with an opt in option for a second year. I’m going to say that a team that spent over half a billion dollars last offseason makes an insane offer to add some much needed pitching to their rotation and succeed – they will sign bullpen help and rotation help to make a serious run in ‘23 and that’s the Texas Rangers. I’ve got Degrom going there on a one-year deal with an opt-out for the 2nd year. Jacob Degrom is heading to the Rangers.

Prediction: Texas Rangers

#1 Aaron Judge, OF

The best player available this offseason will be one Aaron Judge. He set a single season American League home run record and made a serious run at the Triple Crown. Despite a history of injury issues, he’s been able to stay healthy for the past two years and the free agent frenzy is going to be absolutely insane. The San Francisco Giants have been identified multiple times as serious contenders for Judge. “Judge is at the top of the Giants list and they won’t be underbid,” one source told Randy Miller of NJ.com. “If they miss out, it won’t be because of money.” However, they won’t get him without a fight from the Yankees themselves along with teams like the Mets, Rangers and maybe even the Dodgers. Even if the Giants stick to what they’ve been reported as having said and do “whatever it takes” to get Judge, at the end of the day no team can force a player to sign with them. There is a possibility that Aaron Judge, who has never won a World Series, wants to sign with a team that at least made the playoffs in 2022. I’ve said before and it is still true that I won’t be shocked at all if the Dodgers swoop in and sign Judge. They can always move Mookie Betts to another outfield spot to make room for him. The Giants have been reported “favorites” many times before – going back to Bryce Harper and Giancarlo Stanton. I’ll be thrilled if it happens, but as a Giants fan, I’m not holding my breath. If he does leave the Yankees, I’ll say he signs with the Dodgers, but as for my official prediction – Aaron Judge stays put in the pinstripes.

Prediction: New York Yankees

Top 25 MLB 2023 FREE AGENT Predictions

Erik Reyes