MLB Power Rankings: 1 free agent each team should sign

Welcome to the first edition of theScore's MLB Power Rankings for the offseason. We rank each team on where they sit heading into the offseason and look at one free agent each club should sign.

1. Houston Astros

Bringing back Justin Verlander isn't an especially dazzling pick, but keeping the band at least partially together after a championship is noteworthy. The 39-year-old ace is mere days away from almost certainly winning his long overdue third Cy Young Award. While investing heavily in a veteran pitcher who's only one year removed from Tommy John surgery isn't necessarily a great use of resources, Verlander has proven he's in a class of his own.

2. Atlanta Braves

The Braves enter 2023 with a strong rotation, but there are some question marks. The biggest story to follow will be how right-hander Mike Soroka bounces back after missing two full seasons due to an Achilles injury. Charlie Morton will be back, but it might be prudent to add another arm to beef up the depth in case of injury or underperformance. Nathan Eovaldi would be an intriguing target to consider. The 32-year-old struggled through injuries in 2022, making just 20 starts. Eovaldi is just a season removed from amassing 5.7 fWAR and has improved his command over the past three campaigns.

3. San Diego Padres

The Padres continue to be as aggressive as any team. After a surprising run to the NLCS, general manager A.J. Preller might double down and push even more chips in to capture that elusive World Series in 2023. Although the Padres have Trent Grisham and Juan Soto occupying outfield spots, Brandon Nimmo looks like a great target for Preller to consider. Adding Nimmo would allow Soto to shift over to left field while providing manager Bob Melvin with another quality all-around offensive player. Nimmo's presence would also let Fernando Tatis Jr. stay in the infield, with a potential move to second base looming as an intriguing possibility.

4. Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers need to add more impact to their rotation. Re-signing future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw was a good start, but there are still holes to fill. Carlos Rodon took a shine to pitching in the NL West in 2022 and would be an ideal fit behind Julio Urias and Kershaw. There has been some thought that L.A. might curb spending to a degree this offseason. However, with Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman still headlining a loaded roster, it's a tough sell to tighten the purse strings.

5. Philadelphia Phillies

If the Phillies plan to run it back as NL champs, their biggest need is addressing the middle infield. Edmundo Sosa was a decent glove-first midseason addition this past campaign. And Bryson Stott is likely a key member of the team moving forward. But Dave Dombrowski recruiting Xander Bogaerts just seems too perfect. Bogaerts and Dombrowski know each other well from their shared tenures with the Red Sox, winning a championship together in 2018. Despite Bogaerts not being especially good defensively, it makes a lot of sense to bring in another elite hitter, shift Stott over to second base, and give Bogaerts another chance at a ring.

6. St. Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals enter the offseason with plenty of question marks but have been steadfast in their pledge to aggressively improve the roster. Bolstering the rotation should be atop the list of priorities for president of baseball operations John Mozeliak. Jack Flaherty and Steven Matz each carry injury concerns, while it's fair to wonder how much Adam Wainwright has left in the tank. Adding right-hander Chris Bassitt would go a long way to help alleviate some of the concerns in the rotation. Bassitt quietly emerged as one of baseball's most consistent starters during his eight-year career. The 33-year-old has improved his strikeout rate since 2020 and brings a competitive mentality to the mound.

7. New York Mets

The Mets' rotation is a mess heading into the offseason. Max Scherzer and Carlos Carrasco are the only two starters remaining from last season's group after Jacob deGrom, Bassitt, and Taijuan Walker decided to test free agency. Signing Kodai Senga should be the first of many moves New York's front office makes. The right-hander posted a 1.94 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and 156 strikeouts over 144 innings in Japan in 2022. The 29-year-old won't have to be posted since he's amassed enough service time to be an international free agent.

8. Seattle Mariners

The Mariners have a formidable quarter of hurlers atop the rotation with Luis Castillo, Logan Gilbert, Robbie Ray, and George Kirby. Marco Gonzales is currently penciled in as the club's fifth starter for 2023. Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto is never shy about improving his roster, and Ross Stripling could be a tailor-made fit to slot in at the back-end of the rotation. It's always risky paying for a career-best season for a starter over the age of 30, but Stripling likely won't command much more than a two- or three-year deal. Adding the versatile right-hander to the equation could give Seattle arguably baseball's best rotation.

9. Toronto Blue Jays

It became painfully obvious during their postseason meltdown that the Blue Jays need more dependable options in their bullpen. Toronto could also use another left-handed reliever with only Tim Mayza on the roster. Taylor Rogers would fit the bill on a few different levels. Although the left-hander had an uneven year in 2022, Rogers still brings proven ninth-inning experience and an ability to miss bats at an above-average rate. Despite posting a career-worst 4.76 ERA, Rogers still racked up 11.75 K/9 and a strong 3.32 FIP.

10. New York Yankees

The Yankees continue to try to convince themselves that they're set at shortstop with Isiah Kiner-Falefa and one of Anthony Volpe or Oswald Peraza emerging as soon as 2023. However, it's past time for the former Evil Empire to turn back the clock and throw some money around at one of the premier free agents to fill a glaring area of weakness on the roster. Enter Trea Turner. The All-Star shortstop is from the East Coast and already has experience playing for a historic franchise after his time with the Dodgers. Turner's skill set is a perfect fit for what the Yankees are looking for offensively and defensively at shortstop.

11. Tampa Bay Rays

While the Rays rarely make a big signing in free agency, they're known for two things: surprising moves for undervalued players and zigging while others zag. That's why Andrew Benintendi might be a splashy and interesting fit for Tampa. First, the club needs outfield help, letting Kevin Kiermaier and David Peralta hit free agency. Second, Benintendi regressed after being traded by the Royals to the Yankees and before his season-ending hand injury, so his market might not be as robust as expected. Third, he's one of the free agents who might benefit most from shift restrictions, cutting his strikeout rate last year and improving his contact rate. His BABIP was high, so expecting him to take another step forward seems foolish. However, the expected regression might not come either.

12. Cleveland Guardians

Noah Syndergaard is a perfect back-end starter for a rotation that has the potential to be one of the best in baseball with the emergence of Triston McKenzie and Cal Quantrill to complement ace Shane Bieber. Thor isn't the same pitcher he was before Tommy John surgery - lower velocity and fewer strikeouts - but he's still effective, posting a 3.94 ERA over 134 2/3 innings (24 starts) last season. The 30-year-old also won't be very expensive for the cost-conscious Guardians.

13. Chicago White Sox

The White Sox are in a tough spot of entirely their own making. They played the beginning of the rebuild perfectly, but they just aren't investing at the necessary level now that it's time to field a contender. If Chicago hopes to reclaim AL Central supremacy, it'll need to throw money around. Realistically, though, it seems the team will stay the course and settle for maybe good enough. A frugal and prudent addition this winter might be Taijuan Walker, who could help stabilize a starting rotation that just needed more reliability. The righty made 29 good starts last season and could be a wonderful complement behind Dylan Cease, Lucas Giolito, Lance Lynn, and Michael Kopech.

14. Milwaukee Brewers

It's become abundantly clear over the past few seasons that the Brewers need more productive offensive players in their lineup. Although Milwaukee finished third in the league in home runs last campaign, it hit just .235 and had a team wRC+ just a shade above the league average. The Brewers could use another strong left-handed bat, and Michael Conforto would be an intriguing fit in the lineup. Conforto's market will be fascinating to watch after missing the entire season due to a shoulder injury. If he's fully recovered from surgery, Conforto will bring power and on-base skills that the Brewers have been missing of late.

15. Baltimore Orioles

Is there a better way to fire up a fan base after a surprisingly good season than signing a marquee free agent? Carlos Correa is that guy for the Orioles. The star shortstop has said in the past that he's interested in teams that have deep farm systems and are forward-thinking with analytics. Baltimore checks those boxes. Adding Correa could have a similar impact to what happened to the then-rebuilding Padres when they signed Manny Machado in 2019.

16. Minnesota Twins

Jameson Taillon would be a nice addition to a Twins rotation looking for another proven arm. Minnesota's in a nice position with Sonny Gray, Joe Ryan, and Tyler Mahle atop the staff. However, there's uncertainty about what Kenta Maeda and Bailey Ober offer. Taillon doesn't leap off the page but can provide dependable innings while giving his club a chance to win every time he takes the ball. He posted a 4.08 ERA over his two seasons in New York and could benefit from a move to the more pitcher-friendly AL Central.

17. Boston Red Sox

The Red Sox need to fill the hole left by the departure of longtime stalwart J.D. Martinez. Mitch Haniger could slot into right field and also pick up some DH at-bats. Haniger battled injuries in 2022 but hit 39 home runs the season before and has been a better-than-league-average offensive player in every campaign since 2016. The 31-year-old's ability to pull the ball, combined with Fenway Park's Green Monster, could make Haniger and the Red Sox a match made in heaven.

18. San Francisco Giants

It feels like Giants fans have been waiting for a big splash since Farhan Zaidi came over from the Dodgers. Well, it's time to bring in Aaron Judge. San Francisco was rumored to be in on Bryce Harper during his free agency before the slugger signed with Philadelphia. This time around, though, Zaidi is openly saying he's ready to spend and, so long as there's a mutual interest, a huge recruitment could be coming. Judge doesn't come close to fixing all of the Giants' problems. However, neither did Harper right away with the Phillies, but he was still around and playing at an elite level when they were ready to contend.

19. Texas Rangers

Landing Jacob deGrom could go a long way toward helping a Rangers pitching staff that amassed the sixth-worst fWAR in MLB last season. The two-time Cy Young winner is reportedly interested in signing with Texas. The club has shown it's not afraid to dish out serious dough after spending $500 million last offseason on Marcus Semien and Corey Seager. The franchise will need that same approach with deGrom. The right-handed ace will likely command an average annual value of at least $40 million.

20. Los Angeles Angels

It's hard to know how the Angels will proceed this offseason with an uncertain ownership situation. If they're given the green light to spend, Anthony Rizzo would be an ideal fit in their lineup alongside stars Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani. Presumptive first baseman Jared Walsh underwent thoracic outlet surgery in September, leaving the position open and uncertain heading into 2023. The Angels lineup could use another left-handed bat with some power and on-base skills, which Rizzo provides in spades.

21. Chicago Cubs

If the White Sox don't want to keep Jose Abreu, perhaps the veteran first baseman can find a different way to stay in Chicago. The Cubs are in dire need of a first baseman. At this point, it's unclear who mans the position for them on Opening Day. And while they're not really 'adding a 36-year-old first baseman' away from contention, Abreu could be a relatively inexpensive signing - particularly for how great he's been as a hitter in every season of his nine-year career. He could also become potential trade bait for any contender needing a slugger down the stretch.

22. Arizona Diamondbacks

The D-Backs pack a formidable punch atop the rotation with Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly. Beyond those two, there are question marks. Madison Bumgarner continues to give the club innings but cratered to a 4.88 ERA in 2022. Arizona needs to bolster the pitching staff, and Sean Manaea would be a sensible target to consider. Although the left-hander struggled last season, Manaea still flashed glimpses of his considerable talent. The 30-year-old can still miss bats at an effective rate and would give D-Backs manager Torey Lovullo another dependable option.

23. Colorado Rockies

The Rockies shocked many by landing Kris Bryant last offseason. Colorado should make another splash this winter in the form of a long-term deal with Dansby Swanson. The club has a massive hole at short, and Swanson is one of the best players available at the position. The 28-year-old was a first-time All-Star in 2022 after slashing .277/.329/.447 with 25 homers and 96 RBIs.

24. Miami Marlins

It seems like the Marlins have been searching for a stopper in the ninth inning for years. Although he isn't the dominant closer he once was, Kenley Jansen could be the answer on a short-term deal. Jansen authored another terrific season in 2022, racking up 41 saves, 11.95 K/9, and a 3.38 ERA for the Braves. The veteran's velocity continues to be strong with his patented cutter.

25. Kansas City Royals

Why not replace the potentially departing Zack Greinke with another veteran hurler who could possibly fetch something on the midseason trade market like Corey Kluber? He's no longer the pitcher who won two Cy Young Awards, and his 4.34 ERA this past year doesn't look good. However, the right-hander's underlying numbers show that he has something left to offer at the back end of a rotation, authoring a 3.57 FIP over 31 starts while posting the lowest walk rate of any qualified starter. He could also help mentor some younger arms.

26. Cincinnati Reds

Although the Reds already have a promising catcher in Tyler Stephenson, they could use another backstop to spell him and potentially take some DH at-bats. Gary Sanchez could fit the bill for what they're looking for. Sanchez hasn't had the success many expected after posting two excellent campaigns in 2016-17. Despite that, Sanchez boasts prodigious power and can hold his own behind the plate.

27. Detroit Tigers

The Tigers need help in many areas, including their catching situation. Detroit's backstops combined to post 1.1 fWAR last season - good enough for 18th in the majors. Adding Willson Contreras, who accrued a career-best 3.3 fWAR with 22 homers and an .815 OPS last season, would triple that production. The three-time All-Star is easily the best catcher available on the open market.

28. Oakland Athletics

The A's likely won't spend much this offseason but have areas they need to address heading into 2023. Andrew Chafin has experience pitching in Oakland and would provide manager Mark Kotsay with a dependable option out of the bullpen. Chafin made 28 appearances for the A's in 2021, registering a sparkling 1.53 ERA.

29. Pittsburgh Pirates

Jurickson Profar might prove to be too rich of an investment for the Pirates, but there are a couple of reasons Pittsburgh should entertain this idea. First and most importantly, he's good. Ke'Bryan Hayes and Oneil Cruz put butts in seats, but a good free agent would certainly help get some more traffic to PNC Park. Second, he's one of the younger free agents, meaning regression might not be as sudden, investment is less risky, and he's easier to trade for prospects - which is what the Pirates need. Third, he can play multiple positions. And what does a rebuilding team need more than a utility man for when the front office suddenly trades away every other second baseman and left fielder on the roster?

30. Washington Nationals

The Nationals really need to add reclamation projects this winter and hope that a couple of them wind up being good enough to fetch a prospect at the trade deadline. Enter Chad Green, the former elite closer/opener for the Yankees who struggled with effectiveness this season before requiring Tommy John surgery after 15 innings. Perhaps a two-year deal like the one the Mariners gave Ken Giles while he recovered from elbow surgery could be a good blueprint.