The Major League Baseball (MLB) offseason is in full swing, with teams across the league considering their options for the 2023-24 season. Among the most notable developments is the New York Yankees' consideration of a reunion with right-handed pitcher Frankie Montas. Montas, who was acquired from the Athletics at the 2022 trade deadline, has been limited due to shoulder injuries over the last season and a half. He pitched just 39.2 innings over eight starts after being acquired in 2022, and only one game in 2023 after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his shoulder. Despite these injury concerns, the Yankees are reportedly considering bringing him back for the upcoming season.
In addition to Montas, several other key players are now free agents, including Chapman from the Blue Jays, Gibson from Baltimore, Diekman and Stephenson from the Rays, and Kluber from Boston. These players' performances in the previous seasons will likely play a significant role in their potential signings and departures.
The top free agent of the season is two-way star Shohei Ohtani, who many predict will become the first $500 million player in North American professional sports history. Despite a torn UCL that required a second elbow surgery, Ohtani is highly sought after. The Dodgers are considered favorites to sign him, according to ESPN's Buster Olney. Other notable free agents include Josh Hader, Sonny Gray, Mike Montgomery, J.D. Martinez, Matt Chapman, Jorge Soler, Eduardo Rodriguez, Jung Hoo Lee, Yuli Gurriel, Shōta Imanaga, Kiké Hernández, Rhys Hoskins, and Lucas Giolito.
The Yankees are also seen as a leading contender for Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The Cincinnati Reds' second baseman Jonathan India is another popular name among executives at the General Managers Meetings. The Braves are exercising its $20 million option on the right-handed starter, Charlie Morton. As the offseason progresses, teams will continue to make moves to strengthen their rosters for the 2024 World Series title contention.