Predicting where MLB free agents will sign in 2024

Ugh. another YouTube video. No thanks.

I agree.  I'd rather just read about it.  But if the hot air helps raise the temp in my house by one degree...

I watched the video though prefer reading.  I didn’t like where you put the Twins but begrudgingly think you did a great job putting this list together and may be right more often then not.  The one I disagree wholeheartedly with is Ohtani to the Mets.  He will stay in SoCal and probably go to the Dodgers.  But I agree and accept Giolito as a Twins likely target and Mahle was always a consideration too.  I just figured it’s less likely with the TV stuff up in the air.  

O.k.  Finally watched the video.  EVERYBODY is signing with the Dodgers, Yankees, Mets, Phillies or Giants.  That's how these things usually go.  But I have to agree, that of these free agents it is very "Twins" for us to be signing Giolito and Mahle.  Mahle, because we invested some serious prospect capital in him and we're motivated to show some kind of positivity with the trade. Although with Mahle not being able to contribute until "late" 2024 and what I perceive as an urgent need in the rotation with a move to the bullpen by Varland, I wouldn't go in that direction.

Giolito however is a quintessential Twins "buy low" type of signing and I'm on board with it.  He eats innings and strikes guys out.  Holding down the #4 or #5 spot in our rotation is a good plan.  I like Eduardo Rodriguez but even though he refused an end of the season trade to the Dodgers, he's predicted to sign there.  And the Dodgers need about THREE SP's so that's certainly a possibility.  They even predict Maeda goes back to the Dodgers.  

They mentioned Rhys Hoskins as a possible Twins signing but predict he will be one of 44 hitters that will sign with the Mariners.  One other sneaky Twins signing could be Luis Severino, the former Yankee SP.  Does he have anything left??  They predict he will sign with the Reds.

The 40-man roster was interesting.  I see Polanco traded, and maybe Farmer and Theilbar traded as well.  Each represent a spot on the 40 man.  Theilbar is going to be 37 years old next year and spends half of each season on the I.L. now.  I'd rather roll with Funderburk and Moran.  Depending on what other Rule #5 guys the Twins project to be available and what needed positions they play (CF, bullpen) I could see several other guys dropped from the 40 man.

Well …. I guess the experts are somewhat in the know but I would predict a bunch of surprises. The Twins might actually sign a player or two rather quickly is my first thought. 

The Athletic and MLBTradeRumors have their lists up and the prices are high. These two lists have been close on numbers lately.

I would not feel bad about Frankie Montas as a low risk signing. Something like a 2 year deal that either has an option that must be met for the second year or an opt out for Montas.