Shohei Ohtani headlines MLB players with new contracts, teams in 2024
PHOENIX — Shohei Ohtani’s 31-mile journey north on Interstate 5 during free agency was the highlight of Major League Baseball’s offseason, even if recent off-the-field developments have clouded his first season with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
But the Japanese superstar will be far from the only All-star-caliber player in a new uniform when MLB’S regular season opens Thursday for 28 of 30 teams. The Dodgers and San Diego Padres got the season started last week in Seoul, South Korea, with the teams splitting a two-game series.
Here’s a look at some of the biggest names who will be playing for new teams in 2024.
SHOHEI OHTANI, DODGERS
The two-way star is just a hitter in 2024 after elbow surgery, but Ohtani’s move to the Dodgers on a $700 million, 10-year contract was still one of the biggest moves in several years. Ohtani, 29, was brilliant during spring training with a .500 batting average and two homers, and he started the regular season with three hits in 10 at-bats in Korea. Ohtani’s first season hit turbulence recently when his translator Ippei Mizuhara was fired by the Dodgers last week amid accusations of gambling and thef.
JUAN SOTO, YANKEES
Soto seems like he’s been around forever, but he’s just 25. After being dealt from the Padres to the Yankees, the three-time All-star could form a power-hitting juggernaut in the Bronx when paired with Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton. He’s coming off a 35-homer season with the Padres last season.
BLAKE SNELL, GIANTS
The Scott Boras client finally signed with the Giants last week on a $62 million, two-year contract, potentially giving San Francisco a bonafide ace as it competes in the NL West with the Padres, Dodgers and Diamondbacks. Snell has never thrown more than 181 innings in a season, but he’s dominant when he’s on the mound.
JOSH HADER, ASTROS
Houston bulked up the back end of its bullpen by signing the five-time All-star in January. Hader’s been one of the most dominant relievers in the game since he debuted with the Brewers in 2017, striking out an incredible 648 batters over 388 2/3 career innings. The Astros already had a very good closer in Ryan Pressly, who now moves to a setup role.