In the buzzing milieu of the 2024 baseball offseason, much of the league’s attention is spotlighted on the "Boras Four" — a group of elite players represented by agent Scott Boras who are commanding considerable interest on the free-agent market. This celebrated quartet includes Cody Bellinger, Matt Chapman, Blake Snell, and Jordan Montgomery, each of whom brings significant value and intrigue to teams looking to bolster their rosters.
Spotlight on the Boras Four
Cody Bellinger, a former MVP known for his power hitting and defensive prowess, is at the top of several teams' wish lists. Meanwhile, Matt Chapman's reputation as a defensive stalwart and a potent offensive threat adds a multifaceted option to any infield configuration. On the mound, Blake Snell, a Cy Young Award winner, and Jordan Montgomery, a reliable left-handed starter, have become hot commodities for teams seeking to enhance their pitching rotations.
This offseason’s drama does not stop with these four. Roki Sasaki, a promising international talent, is stirring anticipation. However, he remains ineligible to sign until January 15, when the new international amateur free-agent signing window opens, adding a layer of planning for teams willing to invest in emerging talent early in the year.
Alex Bregman's Complex Market
Veteran Alex Bregman finds himself in an unusual position this offseason. A two-time All-Star and World Series champion, Bregman's resume is decorated with a Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger Award. His career 132 OPS+ cements his status as one of the leading players in Wins Above Replacement since 2016. Despite these accolades, Bregman's market value is not as high as many might expect.
Last season, Bregman experienced a dip in his walk rate to 6.9%, marking the lowest point of his career. While the decrease in walk rate hasn't significantly swayed his reputation, it comes amidst a landscape where several MLB teams are fully stacked in their infields. Consequently, they have opted to pass on pursuing the esteemed third baseman. Nonetheless, the New York Yankees persist as one of the few teams expressing interest in Bregman, potentially looking to add his battle-tested presence to their roster.
Winter Spending Patterns
This offseason reveals a tale of two kinds of teams in terms of spending. On one end of the spectrum, six MLB franchises have each funneled at least $100 million into free-agent contracts, exhibiting an aggressive strategy to capture top talent. At the other extreme, nine teams have allocated less than $5 million, and six teams have spent under $30 million, indicating a more cautious approach, possibly saving resources for future deals or trades.
The Boston Red Sox have been notably active under the guidance of Craig Breslow. They have bolstered their pitching lineup by acquiring starting pitchers Garrett Crochet and Walker Buehler. Meanwhile, the Detroit Tigers have secured second baseman Gleyber Torres on a one-year contract, looking to add depth and flexibility to their infield.
As the offseason continues to unfold and teams adjust their strategies, the movements and signings over the coming weeks will profoundly shape the landscape for the upcoming MLB season. The Boras Four and other key players like Alex Bregman will undoubtedly continue driving discussions in baseball circles, with fan bases eagerly awaiting the final compositions of their teams for opening day.