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Three pitchers working their way toward big paydays this offseason
San Diego Padres starting pitcher Blake Snell. Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Three pitchers working their way toward big paydays this offseason

By Michael Carpenter  |  Last updated 8/29/23

With rule changes and the addition of a pitch clock in the MLB this season, pitchers have had to figure things out on the fly. 

Offensive numbers are up across the league, showing that not everyone has been able to adjust as fast as others. But some pitchers have been able to separate themselves from the pack.

Now with only a few more turns in the rotation left in 2023, players are beginning to put the final touches on their seasons. For those who are free agents in the upcoming offseason, finishing strong will be key as they give teams one final showcase before the end of the season.

Here are three pitchers who have done the most to improve their value heading into free agency.

Blake Snell, San Diego Padres: Thought to be on the move at the trade deadline, the Padres surprised many and decided to hold on to Snell with hopes of making a playoff push.

Sitting as one of the favorites to win the 2023 National League Cy Young award, Snell has been dominant in his third season with the Padres. With a record 11-9 and an MLB-leading 2.60 ERA, he also has 193 strikeouts in 149 innings while looking to become the seventh player in MLB history to win the award in both leagues.

With suitors expected to line up for his services this offseason, the 30-year-old will look to cash in on his impressive resume. 

Sonny Gray, Minnesota Twins:  In his eleventh major league season, Gray has continued to pitch like an ace since his arrival in Minnesota, repeating the strong performance he showed last season. 

Making his third All-Star team in 2023, the 33-year-old right-hander is 7-6 with a 3.06 ERA. He's posted 151 strikeouts in 150 innings pitched. Gray excels at keeping the ball in the park, allowing only six home runs this season, the fewest among qualified pitchers.

A few years older than Snell, Gray will be a top option for teams that want to improve but don't want to pay the premium of a long-term deal that Snell will demand. 

Jordan Montgomery, Texas Rangers:  After beginning the year with the St. Louis Cardinals, Montgomery was one of the bright spots for the Cardinals as they had a disastrous 2023 season. 

Traded to the Rangers at the trade deadline along with relief pitcher Chris Stratton for two prospects and relief pitcher John King, Montgomery has been one of the best pitchers in baseball this season.

In 26 starts he is 8-10 with a 3.19 ERA in 152.1 innings pitched including 138 strikeouts. The 30-year-old left-hander will have the chance to secure a nice payday this offseason after his strong play.

With other left-handers including Snell and Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Julio Urias both free agents this upcoming offseason, Montgomery will likely slot in right behind those two as the best lefties available in free agency.

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