It’s no secret that the top tier is Shohei Ohtani (LA Angels). It’s the second tier and beyond that I’m curious about.

On July 7, ESPN published a lengthy article outlining the 2023-2024 Major League Baseball free agency market, outlining the salaries and destinations of key players. 바카라사이트 Based on a survey of former general managers, agents, and their own reporters, they predicted that Ohtani could sign a maximum 12-year, $650 million contract, with the Los Angeles Dodgers as the clear favorite.

Ohtani was the only player in the first tier. The second tier featured players who are currently performing at the highest level in the major leagues. These were players who could command $80 million to $150 million contracts. The list included Ryu’s teammate Matt Chapman (Toronto Blue Jays), Kim’s teammate Blake Snell (San Diego Padres), and Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Orix Buffaloes), the best pitcher in Nippon Professional Baseball today.

Chapman is the best offensive third baseman in the majors. According to ESPN, “He’s one of the best defensive players in the league, averages 20 percent more production at the plate, and has above-average power. He’s one of the best defensive players in the league, with 20 percent more production at the plate and above-average power.”

Blake Snell is considered a top-tier lefty in the upcoming free agent class/Getty Images

Snell is the highest-rated free agent pitcher by ESPN if you control for Ohtani. Yamamoto, 25, is projected to be the top international free agent. He is followed by Aaron Nola (Philadelphia Phillies), Josh Hader (San Diego Padres), Eduardo Rodriguez (Detroit Tigers), Julio Urias (Los Angeles Dodgers), Cody Bellinger (Chicago Cubs) and Lucas Giolito (Chicago White Sox) in the second tier.

Yamamoto will attempt to win the Fourth+Sawamura Award for the third consecutive year. He is expected to cross the Pacific to join the major leagues this winter/Getty Images Korea

Free agents with more than $10 million in guaranteed contracts were also introduced. ESPN didn’t necessarily call them tiers. It listed 11 starting pitchers, including Clayton Kershaw (Los Angeles Dodgers), nine relievers, including Jordan Hicks (Toronto Blue Jays), and six catchers, infielders, and designated hitters, including Teoscar Hernandez (Seattle Mariners).

Lee Jung-hoo (Kiwoom) appeared on 10 outfielders’ lists. He was joined by Harrison Vader (New York Yankees), Jacob Pederson (San Francisco Giants), Tommy Pham (New York Mets), Kevin Kiermaier (Toronto Blue Jays), Hunter Renfroe, Randal Grichuk (Los Angeles Angels), Michael Anthony Taylor (Minnesota Twins), Adam Duvall (Boston Red Sox), and Andrew McCutchen (Pittsburgh Pirates). It may not seem like a big deal, but Lee’s name is at the top of the list. Of course, Lee will be challenging for a $100 million contract with “Devil’s Agent” Scott Boras.

Lee is rehabbing from ankle ligament surgery. The general consensus is that this injury will not lead to a decrease in his value in the major league free agent market.