MLB Free Agency 2022: 5 Best Players Available, Predictions For 2023 Baseball Season

Now that the 2022 World Series has come and gone, some of MLB's best players have hit free agency. For the second straight year, several star shortstops are on the open market. The American League Home Run King and arguably the top National League starting pitcher can sign with any team.

Here's a look at the five best free agents available for the 2023 season and predictions for where they will play next.

1) Aaron Judge

Judge is one of the best players to hit free agency in recent years. After hitting an American League record 62 home runs and leading all of baseball in a number of offensive categories, Judge could command a record average yearly salary for a position player. The San Francisco Giants are viewed as a real contender to sign Judge because he is from California and the team is looking to make a splash. The New York Yankees, however, can't afford to let the face of their franchise walk.

Prediction: New York Yankees

2) Trea Turner

During his season and a half with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Turner was one of baseball's most productive players. The shortstop hit .307/.353/.490 with 31 home runs and 38 stolen bases in 212 games as a Dodger. Los Angeles failed to sign Turner to an extension, and The New York Post's Jon Heyman has reported that the 29-year-old is believed to prefer the East coast. The Phillies will be tempted to spend more money to fill an area of need after losing in the World Series.

Prediction: Philadelphia Phillies

3) Carlos Correa

One of the top free agents last year is back on the market. Correa hit .291/.366/.467 with 22 home runs in his one season with the Minnesota Twins. The shortstop signed a short deal in Minnesota because he didn't get the long-term offer that he was seeking. If suitors fail to meet Correa's asking price again, the Dodgers could swoop in and make the best offer, much like they did with Freddie Freeman a year ago.

Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers

4) Jacob deGrom

When healthy, deGrom might be the best pitcher in baseball. His career 2.52 ERA is the second-lowest among all active players, trailing only Clayton Kershaw. Injuries have limited deGrom to just 26 starts over the last two seasons, and they could put a ceiling on what the New York Mets are willing to pay the ace. In July, ESPN's Buster Olney reported that the Atlanta Braves were perceived by some to be the favorites to sign deGrom. An early playoff exit for the Mets, who continue finish behind the Braves in the NL East, could make it easier for deGrom to join New York's top rival.

Prediction: Atlanta Braves

5) Xander Bogaerts

Bogaerts is yet another shortstop who will be highly coveted in free agency. An All-Star in each of the last three 162-game seasons, Bogaerts put up more impressive stats in 2022, hitting .307/.377/.456. Because he's already 30 years old, Bogaerts won't get a record-setting deal. The Boston Red Sox can certainly afford to pay one of their best players what he's worth.

Prediction: Boston Red Sox