Top 3 Free Agents 2023-24 — AL East

We continue our look at the top free agents around baseball this coming fall and winter, by moving to the American League East. 

We had a look at the AL West here; the NL West here; the NL Central here, and the NL East here.

In baseball's toughest division, we begin with one star-quality infielder.

Matt Chapman, Toronto Blue Jays

With three Gold Glove awards, Chapman brings the D at third base like nobody else in the American League. But this season, going into free agency in the winter, he's also wielding the bat better than he has in several seasons. 

Currently hitting .271 with an .822 OPS along with eight homers and a league-leading 23 doubles, Chapman's market value will never be higher. He'll be the top position player available, and it's not even close (unless you count Shohei Ohtani, who, as a two-way player, is in a category by himself). 

According to Insider Jon Heyman, both New York teams will be suitors for Chapman (though if Brett Baty can manage to establish himself thoroughly for the Mets, that could change.)

Luis Severino, New York Yankees

The injury-prone Yankees starter made his season debut in mid-May after a lat strain in spring training caused him to miss the first six+ weeks of the season. He got off to a nice start in his first two outings, though he's gotten rocked in his last two starts. 

Although his last full season was in 2018, when he's been healthy, he's usually been very good. In 2022, he dealt with injuries once again, but went 7-3 with a 3.18 ERA in 19 starts. If he can turn things around this season and right the ship (and stay healthy!), he should get some decent offerings in free agency.

Harrison Bader, New York Yankees

Severino's teammate is also one of those "buyer beware" situations because of his injury history. Bader has had trouble staying on the field, too, but in his short run in New York since coming over late last season, he's shown his potential, both in the field and at the plate. 

 Photo: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports