Top 20 MLB free-agent position players

With the offseason underway, we rank the top 20 free-agent position players (ages at start of 2024 season).

1. Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers*

*Ohtani signed 10-year, $700M contract with Dodgers on Dec. 9

Age: 29
Bats: Left
Position: DH/P
2023 salary: $30M
Qualifying offer: Yes

Ohtani is arguably the greatest free agent in MLB history. The soon-to-be two-time AL MVP will likely break records with his next contract despite only being able to serve as a designated hitter next season following elbow surgery. That shouldn't deter any suitors, as he still hit an AL-high 44 homers with an MLB-best 1.066 OPS. The global superstar is also a marketing dream. Any club lucky enough to land him will see massive returns in ticket sales, merchandise, and international exposure.

2. Cody Bellinger

Age: 28
Bats: Left
Position: OF/1B
2023 salary: $12.5M
Qualifying offer: Yes

The 28-year-old set himself up nicely for a big payday after resurrecting his career in Chicago following two down years. Bellinger set personal bests in batting average and on-base percentage while finishing 12th in the majors in OPS. He's a versatile defender who has won a Gold Glove as an outfielder and is an above-average first baseman.

3. Matt Chapman*

*Chapman signed a 3-year, $54M contract with Giants on March 1

Age: 30
Bats: Right
Position: 3B
2023 salary: $12M
Qualifying offer: Yes

Chapman slashed .384/.465/.687 with five homers and 21 RBIs over the first month of the season before his offensive production fell off a cliff. However, the former All-Star won a fourth Gold Glove after another great showing at the hot corner, and he's hit at least 24 home runs four times in his seven MLB seasons. His power and elite glove make him stand out in a weak free-agent class.

4. Teoscar Hernández, Dodgers*

*Hernández signed 1-year, $23.5M contract with Dodgers on Jan. 7

Age: 32
Bats: Right
Position: OF
2023 salary: $14M
Qualifying offer: No

Hernández was one of the more frustrating and inconsistent players in 2023, with several down months followed by massive production. Nonetheless, the 31-year-old finished with the second-highest home run and RBI totals of his career while suiting up in 160 games. He should fit perfectly on a club in need of a right-handed slugger.

5. J.D. Martinez

Age: 36
Bats: Right
Position: DH
2023 salary: $10M
Qualifying offer: No

Martinez bounced back with his best offensive season since 2019. The six-time All-Star is the best bat available after Ohtani, having reached the 30-homer and 100-RBI plateaus for the fifth time. His impressive numbers came amid multiple IL stints, which could be a concern to some given his age.

6. Rhys Hoskins, Brewers*

*Hoskins signed a 2-year, $34M contract with Brewers on Jan. 23

Age: 31
Bats: Right
Position: 1B
2023 salary: $12M
Qualifying offer: No

*2022 stats, did not play in 2023

It was a lost season for Hoskins, who missed the entire campaign after undergoing ACL surgery. The 30-year-old should still generate plenty of interest in free agency. He's never posted an OPS below .794 and hit 27-plus homers four times in his six-year career.

7. Jeimer Candelario, Reds*

*Candelario signed a 3-year, $45M contract with Reds on Dec. 7

Age: 30
Bats: Both
Position: 1B/3B
2023 salary: $5M
Qualifying offer: No

Candelario put together his finest season at the right time. The 29-year-old posted career-best numbers in homers, RBIs, and slugging percentage while smacking 39 doubles. He's traditionally a third baseman but can slide over to first, which should make him more desirable.

8. Jorge Soler, Giants*

*Soler signed a 3-year, $42M contract with Giants on Feb. 13

Age: 32
Bats: Right
Position: DH/OF
2023 salary: $15M
Qualifying offer: No

Soler became an All-Star while posting the second-best season of his 10-year career. The 2021 World Series MVP has a glowing postseason resume that includes six homers and a 1.021 OPS over 87 plate appearances.

9. Jung Hoo Lee, Giants*

*Lee signed a 6-year, $113M contract with Giants on Dec. 14

Age: 25
Bats: Left
Position: OF

The 2022 KBO MVP is a great contact hitter who owns a career .340 average in South Korea. He also plays a premium position in center field. Lee should get plenty of attention given his age and skill set. However, there could be some questions about his surgically repaired ankle and how he will adapt to MLB.

10. Justin Turner, Blue Jays*

*Turner signed a 1-year, $13M contract with Blue Jays on Jan. 30

Age: 38
Bats: Right
Position: 3B/1B/DH
2023 salary: $8.3M
Qualifying offer: No

Turner put together an excellent year with the Boston Red Sox in his age-38 season, posting an .800 OPS to go with a career-high 96 RBIs. The two-time All-Star is better suited as a DH or first baseman at this point, but his true value comes at the plate and in the clubhouse.

11. Kevin Kiermaier, Blue Jays*

*Kiermaier signed a 1-year, $10.5M contract with Blue Jays on Dec. 26

Age: 33
Bats: Left
Position: OF
2023 salary: $9M
Qualifying offer: No

Kiermaier won his fourth Gold Glove after another outstanding campaign in center field. No surprise there. However, the 11-year veteran was also solid with his bat, amassing the third-best OPS of his career to go with a 104 wRC+.

12. Mitch Garver, Mariners*

*Garver signed a 2-year, $24M contract with Mariners on Dec. 24

Age: 33
Bats: Right
Position: DH/C
2023 salary: $3.9M
Qualifying offer: No

Garver only suited up in 87 contests but produced when he played, slugging .500 with 19 homers. Injuries and the emergence of Jonah Heim limited the 32-year-old to 28 games at catcher, but he should still be able to squat behind the dish if a team needs him to.

13. Tim Anderson

Age: 30
Bats: Right
Position: SS
2023 salary: $12.5M
Qualifying offer: No

Anderson's production cratered in 2023 following back-to-back All-Star appearances. He did hit over .300 for four straight seasons between 2019-22. So, it's very possible that Anderson was impacted by playing on a terrible Chicago White Sox club amid more injury issues.

14. Lourdes Gurriel Jr., D-Backs*

*Gurriel signed a 3-year, $42M contract with D-Backs on Dec. 17

Age: 30
Bats: Right
Position: OF
2023 salary: $5.4M
Qualifying offer: No

Gurriel took to new surroundings well after his trade to the Diamondbacks last December. The 30-year-old made his first All-Star team while setting career highs in homers, runs, hits, and games played. He also had some good moments during Arizona's charge to the World Series, hitting three home runs with 18 hits in 17 playoff games.

15. Adam Duvall

Age: 35
Bats: Right
Position: OF
2023 salary: $7M
Qualifying offer: No

Duvall is coming off a really strong offensive season - especially at Fenway Park where he posted a .933 OPS - despite missing significant time with a wrist fracture. He offers plenty of right-handed power and is a solid defender in center field. Duvall does strike out a lot and doesn't walk much, but he brings plenty of value and likely won't command a long-term deal.

16. Joc Pederson, D-Backs*

*Pederson signed a 1-year, $12.5M contract with D-Backs on Jan. 25

Age: 31
Bats: Left
Position: DH/OF
2023 salary: $19.65M
Qualifying offer: No

Pederson provides an experienced left-handed bat with power. He's gone deep at least 23 times in five seasons over his 10-year career. The veteran also won a World Series and owns an .814 OPS over 218 postseason plate appearances.

17. Brandon Belt

Age: 35
Bats: Left
Position: DH/1B
2023 salary: $9.3M
Qualifying offer: No

There are questions about whether Belt will even play next year since he's contemplating retirement. He's still a very productive hitter who knows how to take a walk thanks to a disciplined approach at the plate. He could be a nice role player for a contender.

18. Jason Heyward, Dodgers*

*Heyward signed a 1-year, $9M contract with Dodgers on Dec. 6

Age: 34
Bats: Left
Position: OF
2023 salary: $720K
Qualifying offer: No

Heyward provided one of baseball's better comeback stories last season. The 34-year-old posted an .813 OPS with 15 homers and 23 doubles after signing a minor-league deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Most of his damage comes against right-handed pitching, so he could be a valuable platoon player for a team in need of an outfielder who can still pick it with the glove.

19. Whit Merrifield

Age: 35
Bats: Right
Position: 2B/OF
2023 salary: $6.5M
Qualifying offer: No

Merrifield has been in decline for a few years despite being named an All-Star for the third time in his career last season. However, he's still a quality contact hitter with some speed, having swiped 26 bases in 2023. The veteran can also provide depth at multiple positions.

20. Tommy Pham

Age: 36
Bats: Right
Position: OF/DH
2023 salary: $6M
Qualifying offer: No

Pham posted some of his best numbers in recent years during 129 games with the New York Mets before tailing off following a trade to the D-Backs. He's still a well-rounded player who gets on base, hits for average, has pop, and can steal a base.