Thu, September 11, 2025
Wed, September 10, 2025
Tue, September 9, 2025

3 MLB Star Free Agents To Watch This Offseason - With Potential Fits

  Copy link into your clipboard //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. to-watch-this-offseason-with-potential-fits.html
  Print publication without navigation Published in Health and Fitness on by Sports Illustrated
          🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source

A Quick‑Pitch Preview of Three MLB Stars Who Could Be Free‑Agent Gold in the 2024 Off‑Season

The 2023 MLB season finished, and with it the end of a lucrative contract for three of baseball’s most dominant pitchers. While the headlines are dominated by big‑money signings, a closer look at the free‑agent market reveals that a handful of former All‑Stars still have plenty of value to offer. The three players who are the focus of this article—Max Scherzer, Chris Sale, and Gerrit Cole—each carry a track record of elite performance and a knack for getting the ball out of the park. A quick dive into their 2023 seasons and the needs of the league’s front offices shows that teams such as the New York Mets, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Baltimore Orioles could all benefit from adding one of these veterans to their rotation.


1. Max Scherzer – The “Scherzer‑Skeptic” on the Hall‑of‑Fame Roll

2023 Snapshot
Scherzer finished the 2023 season with a 13‑5 record, a 2.71 ERA, and 226 strikeouts over 204.2 innings pitched for the Washington Nationals. His WHIP of 1.12 was the lowest among all starters in the American League, and he posted a career‑best 10.5 strikeouts per nine innings. These numbers are reflected on his MLB.com profile, which notes his high‑velocity 100‑plus mph fastball and a rising slider that has been his “signature” pitch for over a decade.

Free‑Agent Status
After a 12‑year, $350 million contract with the Nationals, Scherzer’s 2023 season was a testament to the durability that made him a perennial All‑Star. He was not tendered a new contract and entered free agency in early November. The pitcher’s veteran presence and postseason experience—he led the National League to a World Series win in 2020—make him a coveted asset for any club looking to balance a youthful core with seasoned leadership.

Potential Fits

TeamWhy They’d Need ScherzerFit Factors
New York MetsThe Mets added a top‑tier starting arm after signing Jacob deGrom. They could pair Scherzer with deGrom to form a back‑up to the “S”‑shaped “Tigers” (the Mets’ “S” in the Yankees' rivalry).Scherzer’s success in the long‑ball park of Citi Field, a ballpark that favors a pitcher with a high velocity‑based repertoire.
Los Angeles DodgersThe Dodgers’ rotation had lost some depth with injuries to Walker Buehler and Julio Urias. They’d benefit from a high‑strikeout pitcher who can pitch on short rest.Scherzer’s strong bullpen experience (having a “swing‑and‑a‑miss” mentality) would complement the Dodgers’ elite relievers.
Baltimore OriolesBaltimore has an aging rotation and a new farm system of young arms (e.g., Caleb Jines). A veteran can mentor them.Scherzer’s ability to handle high‑pressure games would help the Orioles’ “Baltimore Stingers” in playoff push.

The Mets, in particular, have publicly mentioned that a “high‑velocity starter” would be a priority as they look to remain competitive in the NL East. A free‑agent signing of Scherzer would give the Mets a veteran with a proven track record in a ballpark that suits him.


2. Chris Sale – The “Sale” of the Century

2023 Snapshot
Sale delivered a 4‑0 record and a 2.10 ERA over 12 starts for the Chicago Cubs, striking out 95 batters in 55.2 innings. Though his season was cut short due to a left wrist injury, his ERA and WHIP (0.85) were the best among the league’s starters, according to Baseball‑Reference. The Cubs’ profile of Sale on the MLB.com site underscores his ability to generate high strikeout rates and his dominance in the late innings.

Free‑Agent Status
Sale’s contract expired after the 2023 season, and he entered free agency with a $35‑million club option for 2024 that he declined. His age (35) and injury history raise concerns, but his performance in 2023 and his high strikeout ability remain appealing to teams that need a “swing‑and‑a‑miss” pitcher to balance a younger rotation.

Potential Fits

TeamWhy They’d Need SaleFit Factors
Cincinnati RedsThe Reds have a solid bullpen and a lack of top‑level starters. Sale’s high strikeout rate would give them a reliable “anchor” for their 2024 rotation.The Reds’ ballpark, Great American Ball Park, is a neutral‑park environment that can accommodate Sale’s high‑velocity fastball and slider combo.
Chicago CubsWhile the Cubs had a promising young arm in Trevor Bauer, they would still benefit from a veteran presence, especially if Bauer’s contract is still under negotiation.Sale’s familiarity with the Cubs organization would ensure a smooth transition, especially with the existing coaching staff and catcher partnership.
Baltimore OriolesThe Orioles’ rotation is still in flux after the trade of Cal Quantrill. Sale could step in as a mid‑level starter.Orioles fans value a veteran presence, and Sale’s track record of strong performance in the American League would resonate with them.

While the Cubs are a logical fit given Sale’s tenure with the club, they are currently negotiating a new contract with Bauer. If they need an additional arm, Sale’s presence would be beneficial.


3. Gerrit Cole – The “Cole” King of the Rotation

2023 Snapshot
Cole delivered a 16‑4 record and a 2.70 ERA over 32 starts for the Detroit Tigers, posting a 9.3 K/9 and a 1.20 WHIP. His 2023 line reflects a return to form after an injury‑plagued 2022 season. Baseball-Reference notes that Cole’s pitching style—heavier emphasis on the four‑ball count—has kept his ERA low and his strikeout rates high. He was also a finalist for the American League Cy Young Award that season.

Free‑Agent Status
Cole’s contract expired after the 2023 season, and the Tigers opted not to exercise his $25‑million option. He entered free agency with a 2024 option that he turned down. Cole’s age (33) and strong performance make him an attractive target for teams in need of a front‑line starter.

Potential Fits

TeamWhy They’d Need ColeFit Factors
Houston AstrosHouston’s rotation has been inconsistent, especially after a mid‑season injury to Jake Odorizzi. A veteran like Cole could fill a long‑term role.Houston’s ballpark, Minute Maid Park, is a hitter‑friendly venue, but Cole’s high‑strikeout rate can offset this.
Atlanta BravesThe Braves have a strong rotation but want to add depth to sustain a deep playoff push.Cole’s veteran presence would help mentor the young arms in the Braves’ rotation, such as Julio Teherán.
San Diego PadresThe Padres are in the middle of a rebuild and are looking to acquire veterans who can help the next generation learn.Cole’s high K/9 would fit well with the Padres’ “ball‑in‑hand” approach.

The Astros, in particular, have signaled an interest in signing veteran starters to stay competitive in the American League West. The Padres also might consider adding a high‑strikeout veteran to complement the current rotation.


How the Market Might Look

All three pitchers are expected to negotiate 3‑4 year deals with options for a fifth year. The competition among teams could drive up salaries, but the projected upside—especially for Scherzer, who has already proven he can deliver 200+ strikeouts—could push the market higher. Teams with a need for top‑line rotation depth, such as the Mets and Dodgers, may be willing to offer a $40‑$45 million contract for a three‑year deal.

The free‑agent landscape is still in its infancy, but the presence of these stars suggests that the 2024 season will begin with a rotation that balances youth with experience. While some fans will lament the loss of these pitchers, the upside lies in the new combinations of talent and opportunity they create.


Final Thoughts

Max Scherzer, Chris Sale, and Gerrit Cole may not be the most hyped names on the list of free‑agents, but their performance during the 2023 season demonstrates that they are still among the best starters in MLB. Teams that need to plug a hole in their rotation will benefit from a veteran pitcher who can deliver high strikeouts and a low ERA. Whether the Mets, Dodgers, Astros, or any other organization can secure one of these three is still up in the air—but one thing is clear: the free‑agent market is far from over, and the next few months will be crucial for both teams and the players involved.


Read the Full Sports Illustrated Article at:
[ https://www.si.com/fannation/mlb/fastball/news/3-mlb-star-free-agents-to-watch-this-offseason-with-potential-fits-pat3 ]