With the World Series nearly wrapped up, it’s never too early to look at everyone’s favorite offseason topic — free agency. This year’s class is rather interesting, with a host of traditionally big names available. After carefully analyzing those who will be entering the market this winter, here are five of the better outfielder options available.
5. Tyler O’Neill
O’Neill seems like he’s been around for a long time. However, he’s only 29 years of age. He’s one of those cases where you can squint and see a guy who should be a perennial all-star. His body has sabotaged him at times which has led to him playing sparingly throughout his seven-year career. This past season with the Red Sox, he did club 31 HRs in only 113 games. In fact, the only two seasons he’s played at least 100 games have resulted in 30-homer years (the other being in 2021 when he hit 34 dingers). Couple in two Gold Gloves and O’Neill certainly has value. If you operate with a bit of a platoon situation — similar to what the Dodgers do — O’Neill could be a very attractive commodity.
4. Cody Bellinger
Bellinger is another guy snake-bit by various injuries. He came out the gate with the Dodgers like a house on fire. He won the Rookie of the Year Award at age 21. Two years later, he was the league MVP after hitting 47 HRs, driving in 115 RBIs, batting .305, and winning a Gold Glove. After an ill-fated celebration with former teammate Enrique Hernandez in which he accidentally popped his shoulder out of joint, his career has taken a weird tumble.
The Dodgers eventually let him go after three straight years hitting below .240. He signed with the Cubs and magically hit .307 despite the fact his power numbers are nowhere close to what they had been in the past. Bellinger still plays above-average defense at multiple spots, and he has seemed to stabilize his swing after two years in Chicago. At only 29 years of age, he will draw some considerable interest based on his postseason experience as well as his positional versatility.
3. Teoscar Hernandez
The 32-year-old is coming off the best season of his career. He hit a career-high 33 HRs this season to go along with 99 RBIs and a solid .272 average. Hernandez for good measure made his second All-Star appearance and won the Home Run Derby. His impact on the Dodgers cannot be overstated enough. He’s brought some real joy and energy to the clubhouse, and he’s one of the most liked players on the team. It will be interesting to see whether the Dodgers do give him an extension. He’s more than earned it, though with Andy Pages knocking on the door and Dalton Rushing ready to come up and help the roster, LA may opt to utilize its spending elsewhere.
2. Anthony Santander
The 30-year-old absolutely mashed t his year for the Orioles. Santander notched career highs in homers (44), RBIs (102), games played (155), walks (58), slugging (.506), runs scored (91) and OPS (.814). He’s played his entire career with the Orioles up to this point. As a core fixture on this young roster, Baltimore should do everything in its power to keep Santander in the fold. He will have no shortage of suitors in the event the Orioles are unable to re-sign him. At his age, there’s still plenty of pop in that bat for years to come.
1. Juan Soto
Soto is a generational hitter — and the type that doesn’t come along all that often. We all understand the importance he has pertaining to the Yankees. New York would love nothing more than to ink him to a lengthy deal making him a Yankee for life. On the flip side, the other team in the Big Apple would love to do the same. The Mets might not have the cachet compared to the Bronx Bombers. However, they have deeper pockets, arguably a better front office, and what appears to be a brighter future collectively speaking with youth, depth, and talent on its roster. Also…don’t sleep on the Dodgers.
