[ad_1]

Jordan Shusterman

FOX Sports MLB Analyst

Next winter will undoubtedly be all about Shohei Ohtani’s free agency, but it’s important to remember that only one team will ultimately sign him. Congrats in advance, however, the other 29 teams will need to look elsewhere if they intend to improve their rosters via free agency after this season.

On Tuesday, we examined an unusually shallow group of free-agent hitters slated to hit the market alongside Ohtani, especially following Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers’ recent extension. But for those interested, Overall Given the health of the free agent market next winter, there is good news. It’s just that Ohtani isn’t the only best pitcher. Compared to the hitters, this group has a lot more dreams, so keep up the good work.

The best starting pitchers to enter the free agent market after the 2023 season.

Ace

Nola has had a five-year run of durability and dominance, and despite seeming to be out of gas in the last few postseason starts, he delivered another impressive campaign. With another 200 innings of excellence, he could realistically be the next $200 million pitcher.

Urias, who famously made his debut at the age of 19, will become one of the youngest Premier Free Agent starters in history and will be very attractive to a wide range of teams. He’s had the best run-stopping record in recent seasons, even if he hasn’t taken as many hitters as he’d hoped from the number one starter.

sometimes ace

Catch these two on the right day and you’ll have a hard time identifying a more dominant arm in the sport. But even though he’s a few years older and the pure staff remains elite, his strike-throwing issues continue to anger. No, but he was one of the many casualties of the 2022 White Sox bad mood parade. By returning to his 2021 form, he could make a big change next winter.

Upside down with uncertainty

The breakout of Nestor Cortez and the recent acquisition of Carlos Rodon may have moved him down the Yankees’ rotation depth chart, but we can’t afford to lose sight of how good Severino was when he was healthy. Don’t be shocked if he goes out and makes 30 starts and talks much closer to the Nora/Urias tier.

Seeing how valuable Mare and Montas are at last year’s trading deadline, it’s no surprise that they could benefit if they stay healthy — Montas is at least the first in 2023 with shoulder inflammation. Expected to miss the month — and peak at right time to enter free agency.

Syndergaard is the furthest from his best results on the mound, but he’s willing to bet on the Dodgers to maximize Thor’s potential.

reliable veteran

This foursome is far less appealing than the predominantly hard-throw names above, but each demonstrates mid-rotation benefits that many candidates would be crazy to add to their rotation. The fact that these guys are so far down the list should underscore just how deep potential this pitching class has.

aging ace

With DarvishRHP, San Diego Padres (37)
clayton kershawLHP, Los Angeles Dodgers (36)

When it comes to talent, Darvish is high on this list, but it’s hard to predict how a pitcher will age into his late 30s, especially without knowing how he’s done this year. am. There’s a very good chance he’ll post another great season and sign a lesser version of what Max Scherzer got from the Mets, but things like setbacks on the field and troubles with injuries are more likely than Darvish. Basically the same goes for any pitcher on this list, but there is less room for error among older pitchers.

The same goes for Kershaw, and all has been said about Darvish, with the caveat that the southpaw has been in more trouble lately with injuries. It looks like he’s destined to choose between the Rangers for good. Frankly, he’s still great, but these factors make him difficult to line up with other available weapons.

injury wild card

Jack FlahertyRHP, St. Louis Cardinals (28)
Kenta MaedaRHP, Minnesota Twins (35)
Ryu Hyun JinLHPs, toronto blue jays (37)
James PaxtonLHP, Boston Red Sox (34)

Flaherty seemed to be ticketed to a bona fide ace after a breakout in 2019, but has struggled to stay on the mound ever since. Maeda, Ryu and Paxton were in various stages of recovery from Tommy John surgery and looked like the best pitchers in the league at various points in their careers. It is very difficult to predict whether it will work, but we must consider the upward potential and consider it as a possibility.

opt out

Max ScherzerRHP, New York Mets (39)
Ross StriplingRHP, San Francisco Giants (34)
Marcus StromanRHP, chicago cubs (33)
Sean ManairLHP, San Francisco Giants (32)
Andrew HeaneyLHP, Texas Rangers (33)

We should also mention the pitchers in this group who could choose to enter free agency contention if they perform reasonably well in 2023. It’s unlikely that all five of these pitchers will make that decision in the end, but there are some good pitchers out there in 2023, and if they choose to test the market again, this starting pitcher Class depth is further enhanced.

Jordan Shusterman is @Cespedes BBQ Baseball writer for FOX Sports. He’s been covering baseball all his life as an adult. MLB.com, DAZN, Ringer. He lives in the Eastern time zone and is a Mariners fan. I mean, he loves a good 10:00 p.m. first pitch. You can follow him on Twitter @j_shusterman_.

FOX Sports Top Stories: