MLB Free Agents 2023: Rumors and Predictions for Juan Soto, Aaron Nola, and More
The Texas Rangers celebrated their first-ever World Series victory, defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks in a four-game series. With the conclusion of the World Series, MLB Free Agency has unofficially begun, and teams are now focused on pursuing free agents and formulating trade packages to strengthen their rosters.
As the winter approaches, several players are grabbing headlines with rumors and reports surrounding their future in the league. Let’s take a closer look at some of the notable names and their potential destinations.
Latest on a Potential Return to Philadelphia for Aaron Nola
According to reports, the Philadelphia Phillies have shown interest in bringing back ace pitcher Aaron Nola on a new deal this offseason. Despite the Phillies hesitating at his asking price of eight years and over $200 million, team president Dave Dombrowski considers re-signing Nola a priority.
Nola’s postseason performance has undoubtedly caught the attention of the Phillies. In four starts, he showcased his brilliance with a 2.35 ERA, 23 strikeouts, and an impressive WHIP of .96. These stellar playoff numbers helped fans forget his somewhat lackluster regular season, where he went 12-9 with a 4.46 ERA and a WHIP of 1.15.
Given the Phillies’ postseason aspirations and Nola’s exceptional playoff showing, it seems likely that both parties will find a way to make things work, potentially even at a hometown discount.
Insiders Expect Juan Soto Trade
MLB executives believe that San Diego Padres’ All-Star outfielder Juan Soto, who had a remarkable season with a .274 batting average, 35 home runs, and 109 RBIs, will be traded this winter. Despite being the face of the Padres and one of their most recognizable players, a trade seems imminent.
The New York Yankees, among other teams, have shown interest in acquiring Soto. The Yankees struggled offensively in the 2023 season, ranking 29th in team batting average and 25th in home runs. Soto’s offensive prowess and exceptional fielding skills would undoubtedly elevate the team’s performance and address their concerns.
While it remains to be seen if the Yankees or any other interested team can meet the Padres’ demands, the desire to “slash payroll” may make it easier to complete
