With spring training just over a week away, there are plenty of All-Star caliber players left on the free agent market in the MLB. Here is a look at five potential late offseason signings in the MLB.
Five Potential Late-Offseason Signings in MLB
5) Jordan Montgomery: Los Angeles Angels, 3 Years, $57 Million
With Shohei Ohtani departing for the Dodgers, the Angels have a need for more arms in the rotation. While Zach Plesac will figure to be a low-risk, high-reward signing for the Angels, if they want to make a late offseason splash they could look to sign Jordan Montgomery.
There are reports that the Angels are interested (via John Heyman) and this is a marriage that would make perfect sense for both sides. In Los Angeles, Montgomery would slide into the top spot of the rotation and have a chance to continue to build his value as the top arm for the Angels.
Los Angeles, on the other hand, would be getting a valuable pitcher who played very well down the stretch with the Rangers on his way to a World Series title. Montgomery will bring veteran leadership and postseason experience to a team that has struggled in recent years due to injuries and a lack of execution.
If the Angels want to keep Mike Trout around for the length of his contract, it is vital that they continue to add talent and Montgomery would be a great start for the organization.
4) Jorge Soler: San Francisco Giants, 2 Years, $28 Million
Recent rumors have connected Jorge Soler to the Giants and this would be a great fit. San Francisco has missed out on multiple bats over the last few offseason including Aaron Judge, Carlos Correa, and Shohei Ohtani and they are in need of more firepower on offense.
Soler wouldn’t be the flashy bat that fans are clamoring for but he will provide much-needed power for a team that is looking to compete in a tough NL West division.
3) JD Martinez: Chicago Cubs, 1 Year, $15.5 Million
With uncertainty surrounding Cody Bellinger’s return, the Cubs could pivot to signing JD Martinez for a power boost in their lineup. He would be a cheaper option who could slide right into the middle of their order and produce right away.
With the hiring of Craig Counsel and the signings of Dansby Swanson and Shōta Imanaga in the last two years, it’s clear the Cubs are looking to compete. Martinez can still play at an All-Star level as a Designated Hitter and look for the Cubs to potentially target him if Cody Bellinger does not return to the North Side.
2) Cody Bellinger: Toronto Blue Jays, 5 Years, $115 Million
After narrowly missing out on Shohei Ohtani earlier this offseason, the Blue Jays are in the market for another power bat for the middle of their order. Enter Cody Bellinger.
Bellinger had a bounceback 2023 campaign with the Cubs, hitting .307 to go along with 26 home runs and 97 RBI’s. He started to look like the player who won MVP in 2019 and was a big reason why the Cubs were in contention for the majority of the season.
Bellinger would fit in nicely as a designated hitter who can also play outfield alongside stars such as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Bo Bichette, and George Springer for this Blue Jays club that will look to compete with the Yankees and the Orioles in the AL East.
The Yankees got better by acquiring Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo, while the Orioles improved by trading for Corbin Burnes. If the Blue Jays want to get even with these two teams, Bellinger would be a wise late-offseason addition.
1). Blake Snell: Los Angeles Angels, 5 Years, $145 Million
While it is not likely that the Angels will get both Montgomery and Snell, he could be a nice addition if they do not land Montgomery. Snell, the reigning Cy Young award winner, will command a huge payday as a team’s number-one option. The Angels have money to spend and Snell would likely attract future free-agent talent if he is locked up long-term.
If the Angels want to end their playoff drought, Snell would be a big help and would instantly boost the team’s chances at a potential wild card berth in a loaded American League.
Baseball is almost back and the market is slow right now. Look for the hot stove to heat up with the top free agents coming off the board rapidly in the coming weeks.
Main Image: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
