MLB Free Agents 2024: Latest Rumors and Predictions Amid World Series Bracket

MLB Free Agents 2024: Latest Rumors and Predictions Amid World Series Bracket0 of 3

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In what is already expected to be one of the hottest free-agency periods in recent memory, MLB has two incoming arms from Japan that could prove to be hot commodities among contending teams looking for that one pitcher to put them over the top and cash their ticket to the World Series.

Tomoyuki Sugano and Shinnosuke Ogasawara join shortstop Willy Adames as potential jewels of the upcoming free agency period as front offices around the league set their sights on improving rosters and bolstering lineups.

Where might those three land when all is said and done? Find out with these early previews and predictions.

Willy Adames1 of 3

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Willy Adames is one of the best shortstops in baseball and is expected to command a payday in free agency that reflects as much.

The New York Post’s Jon Heyman reported that Adames has been a target of the Braves, Dodgers, and Giants.

Furthermore, he noted that the Brewers recognize he is likely out of their price range.

Adames cranked 32 home runs, tallied 112 RBI, and established a slash line of .331/.462/.794 in 2024 with a WAR of 3.1, so it is not surprising to see three teams already targeting the Brewers’ clubhouse leader.

Add to that the fact that he is an upgrade at the position for all three teams, and it makes even more sense for them to set their sights on him.

The team to watch, as usual, is Los Angeles.

Typically, when the Dodgers see someone they want, they get them. Just ask Shohei Ohtani, for whom the team backed up the money trucks and dumped as much as it would take to get him to sign with the franchise.

With the No. 1 seed in the National League moving Mookie Betts back out to right field, the team needs an everyday shortstop it can count on to perform. Adames is that guy.

The Giants, under new president of baseball operations Buster Posey, will likely push to bring him in, and the Braves could bolster their roster significantly if they were able to get a deal done. But anytime the Dodgers’ name comes up in contention for one of the big free agents of any offseason, it is difficult to bet against them.

Prediction: Adames signs a hefty contract with the Dodgers

Tomoyuki Sugano2 of 3

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No matter how many bats a team acquires, pitching will always be the difference between being a good team and winning the World Series.

Contenders will have their shot at acquiring a right-handed thrower this offseason with the potential to put them over the top and in the hunt for the top prize in baseball, as ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that Tomoyuki Sugano is headed to MLB.

Sugano was one of Japan’s finest pitchers in 2024, going 15-3 in 24 appearances with an ERA of 1.67, a 0.945 WHIP, and a 6.94 strikeouts-to-walk ratio.

He was very good for the Yomiuri Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball and will look to continue his career in the Majors as an international free agent.

There will be plenty of teams ready to bid on the 34-year-old, including the Boston Red Sox, San Francisco Giants, St. Louis Cardinals, and Chicago Cubs, who could all use starting pitcher help. The New York Mets, depending on what the organization does with Luis Severino and Sean Manaea this offseason, could be in contention, too.

While it remains to be seen if Sugano can be a true ace in MLB, his numbers suggest that he can. The only question surrounding him is his age and whether his arm will hold up in a league where MPH is key.

Do not discount those pesky Dodgers, whose greatest weakness has been and continues to be starting pitching.

Prediction: The Mets sign Sugano to bolster their starting rotation

Shinnosuke Ogasawara3 of 3

At just 26 years old, Shinnosuke Ogasawara has the raw tools and potential to be a starter at the MLB level and is ready to bring his talents stateside to prove as much.

Yahoo Sports Japan reported that Ogasawara requested the Chunichi Dragons apply for the posting system. “If approved, the Chunichi Dragons will apply to MLB and proceed with negotiations through bidding,” the report states.

Ogasawara has played professionally for nine years in Japan with an ERA of 3.66 across all levels, a WHIP of 1.286 and a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 2.40. He has just one winning season as a starter, and the back of his baseball card tells the story of a sometimes inconsistent thrower, but the lefty has the velocity that Major League clubs love.

More importantly, he can eat up innings having thrown 144.3 this past season.

He is a project for teams and would benefit from going to an organization that is in need of a starter and has a history of developing young arms. Atlanta is a team that comes to mind. That Spencer Strider will still be recovering from Tommy John surgery—and Max Fried is likely to depart in free agency—makes a potential union that much more intriguing.

The Dodgers and Yankees are always players, as are the Mets, but a team like Minnesota or St. Louis could benefit from having a young, electric arm in the rotation, too. The Giants would be an interesting fit, too, and may just be the team that comes through as the organization looks to make a splash and renew their fans’ faith in the front office.

Prediction: The Giants make a play for, and sign, Ogasawara