The Mets signed Juan Soto to a record-breaking $765 million deal, the Yankees landed Max Fried with a $218 million deal, and the Diamondbacks as soon as once more shocked the baseball world, including ace Corbin Burnes on a $210 million pact.
Nonetheless, there are nonetheless a number of groups — together with the Royals, Twins, Padres, Mariners and Cardinals — that haven’t spent a single penny in free company, though that would change quickly. The free-agent market continues to be full of expertise. So the place will these gamers signal?
Listed below are the highest 15 remaining free brokers and my predictions on the place every will land.
(WAR is in keeping with Baseball Reference. All statistics are from the 2024 season until in any other case famous.)Â Â
1. Roki Sasaki, RHP
Age: 23
WAR: N/A
ERA: 2.35 IP: 111 SO: 129 (NPB stats)
Agent: Wasserman
Seven groups have reportedly met with Sasaki and his agent, Joel Wolfe of Wasserman, in Los Angeles, together with the Dodgers, Padres, Cubs, Yankees, Mets, Rangers and Giants. Different groups nonetheless might be added to the listing, however most likely Sasaki might be going to signal with a kind of seven.
Of that group, most within the trade imagine he’ll find yourself signing with the Dodgers. Nonetheless, I’m not in that camp as a result of I feel endorsement offers with Japanese firms are going to be vital for him financially since he received’t be eligible for arbitration for 3 years or eligible at no cost company for at the very least six years. In Los Angeles, he’d be within the shadow of each Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, lessening his endorsement ceiling. And there are different causes I don’t believe he’s destined for the Dodgers.
(Sasaki can solely be signed via every crew’s worldwide bonus swimming pools, which vary from roughly $5.1 million to $7.5 million.)
I don’t suppose the Giants make lots of sense for him based mostly on their weak farm system and mediocre major-league roster. I view the Rangers as an extended shot, although they might be a superb match due to their sturdy pitching room and management group. The Cubs additionally seem to be a stretch to me. That leaves each New York groups and the Padres.
Wolfe just lately offered an update on the 23-year-old star’s uncommon free company, however none of us understand how this ends or what precisely Sasaki is pondering. His favourite participant rising up was Masahiro Tanaka, which might lead me to guess he was at the very least considerably of a Yankees fan. He considers Yu Darvish a godfather-type influence, and the Padres veteran mentored Sasaki throughout Japan’s championship run within the 2023 World Baseball Basic. Due to this fact, for no different purpose, I’ll predict he indicators with both the Yankees or San Diego.
Prediction: Yankees or Padres
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Houston pivoted away from Alex Bregman. The place will he find yourself? (Alex Slitz / Getty Photographs)
2. Alex Bregman, 3B
Age: 30
WAR: 4.1
OPS+: 118
Agent: Boras Company
I used to be shocked Bregman reportedly turned down six years and $156 million to remain in Houston, as a result of I believed he and his household had been glad there and I didn’t suppose he’d essentially take essentially the most cash and years in free company. Nonetheless, when he spurned the Astros’ supply, they pivoted, buying and selling for third baseman Isaac Paredes and signing first baseman Christian Walker, which closed the door on a potential return to Houston.
I feel Bregman would match properly at third base with the Mets, who might transfer Mark Vientos to first base. However there doesn’t appear to be a lot traction there. The Mariners might actually use him at third base, however they don’t appear to wish to spend any cash. I additionally suppose the Phillies — and their ballpark — might work nicely for him, however they’d must commerce Alec Bohm first, and by all indications they by no means got here shut to creating a swap.
That leaves the Tigers and Blue Jays because the more than likely touchdown spots for Bregman, however neither one appears perfect. So he may wish to signal a shorter cope with the next common annual worth and opt-outs, then look to return on the free-agent market subsequent offseason or after the 2026 season.
That mentioned, Boston is my favourite spot for Bregman, who will flip 31 in March. They want a right-handed energy pull hitter, and he would do vital injury to the Inexperienced Monster in left area. They may transfer Rafael Devers to first base and put Triston Casas at DH or they might simply put Bregman at second base full-time. His management and talent to grind at-bats would assist this younger roster. He might be the ultimate piece in getting the Red Sox again to the postseason.
Prediction: Crimson Sox
3. Anthony Santander, RF
Age: 30
WAR: 2.9
OPS+: 134
Agent: GSE Worldwide
The Santander market has been unusually quiet, however all indications are he’ll find yourself on a non-contending crew and get his long-term contract. There’s lots of buzz within the trade concerning the Blue Jays being all-in on him, they usually positively want his 44-home run energy in between Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette of their lineup. The Angels and Giants have additionally been mentioned to have some degree of curiosity.
Prediction: Blue Jays
4. Pete Alonso, 1B
Age: 30
WAR: 2.6
OPS+: 123
Agent: Boras Company
The staredown between the Mets’ brass and Scott Boras over an Alonso contract is beginning to turn into epic. Who blinks first — proprietor Steve Cohen and president of baseball operations David Stearns or the famous person agent? The Mets don’t wish to transfer past their final supply and don’t suppose they must as a result of the first-base market has dried up. There usually are not lots of choices left for Alonso after the Yankees traded for Paul Goldschmidt, the Guardians signed Carlos Santana, the Diamondbacks traded for Josh Naylor and the Astros inked Christian Walker.
The Mariners can be an awesome match, however they’re not in on any of the massive free brokers. The Angels have been talked about as a risk, however does anybody suppose they’d do one other massive — and doubtlessly unhealthy — contract for a 30-year-old energy hitter after the Anthony Rendon, Josh Hamilton and Albert Pujols contracts all failed?
The Giants is likely to be the one different viable possibility. Signing Alonso to a three-year cope with a excessive AAV and opt-outs may make some sense for them if they’ll abdomen shedding the draft decide compensation. (Alonso was considered one of 12 gamers to turn down the qualifying offer.) Possibly Alonso would go that sort of route and show a degree to the Mets within the course of.
Nonetheless, on the finish of the day, I simply can’t see the Polar Bear in one other uniform — at the very least not this yr.
Prediction: Mets
GO DEEPER
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5. Jack Flaherty, RHP
Age: 29
WAR: 3.1
ERA: 3.17 IP: 162 SO: 194
Agent: CAA Sports activities
He’s the perfect beginning pitcher left in the marketplace, aside from Sasaki, and a possible difference-maker for a contending crew. However Flaherty’s medical reports are going to find out whether or not he will get a long-term contract or has to take the same deal to that of Walker Buehler, who signed a one-year, $21 million contract with the Crimson Sox.
I haven’t heard about Flaherty being linked a lot with the Braves, however I feel that will be a super match for him. They misplaced Max Fried and Charlie Morton in free company. Spencer Strider, who’s recovering from internal-brace elbow surgery, received’t be prepared for Opening Day. They’ve lots of sturdy younger arms for the again of their rotation however might actually use one other veteran.
I’ve heard a reunion with the Tigers is just not out of the query. Flaherty pitched nicely for them final season, posting a 2.95 ERA over 18 begins earlier than the commerce deadline deal to the Dodgers. Different groups which have been linked to him embody the Cubs, Giants and Blue Jays.
Prediction: Braves
6. Tanner Scott, LHP
Age: 30
WAR: 4.0
ERA: 1.75 SV: 22 IP: 72 SO: 84
Agent: MVP Sports activities Group
Essentially the most-impactful nearer in the marketplace has but to signal and groups are lining up for him however ready for the asking value to drop. The Crimson Sox are the clear front-runners for Scott. Their chief baseball officer, Craig Breslow, was a left-handed reliever in his taking part in days and appears obsessive about corralling lefty pitchers: He’s already signed three of them in free company (Patrick Sandoval, Aroldis Chapman, Justin Wilson) and purchased two extra by way of trades (Garrett Crochet, Jovani Moran). Crimson Sox supervisor Alex Cora prefers a single nearer and Scott is the perfect one out there.
The Blue Jays and Giants are additionally sturdy candidates to signal Scott as each might use an improve on the nearer place. Different potential locations embody the Dodgers, Rangers and Diamondbacks.
Prediction: Crimson Sox
Jurickson Profar had a profession yr for the Padres, however is a reunion within the playing cards? (David Frerker / Imagn Photographs)
7. Jurickson Profar, LF
Age: 31
WAR: 3.6
OPS+: 134
Agent: MVP Sports activities Group
Profar was among the best under-the-radar signings final offseason, when San Diego inked him for a base wage of $1 million. He rewarded them by slashing .280/.380/.459 with 24 dwelling runs, 29 doubles and 10 stolen bases and made his first All-Star crew. He’d prefer to return to San Diego however desires a three-year deal and I’m undecided if that can match within the Padres’ tight finances.
I feel the Braves can be an awesome match for Profar, however for some purpose they appear glad with the mixture of Jarred Kelenic and Bryan De La Cruz competing for time in left area. The Crimson Sox have been talked about as a risk too. However, to me, the Padres are by far the perfect match for each the participant and crew, although he’ll doubtless must drop his expectations and comply with a deal that works for each side if he desires to stay in San Diego.
Prediction: Padres
8. Kirby Yates, RHP
Age: 37
WAR: 3.3
ERA: 1.17 SV: 33 IP: 61 2/3 SO: 85
Agent: Beverly Hills Sports activities Council
Yates might need to attend till Scott indicators, then get with one of many groups that misses out on him. A return to the Rangers is feasible, a transfer north of the border to Toronto is smart, and the Dodgers are all the time on the lookout for high-leverage relievers. The Braves actually missed him final yr, the Reds might use him to exchange Fernando Cruz, whom they traded to the Yankees, and the Royals might shock right here too.
Nonetheless, I like Arizona for Yates. After the splash signing of Burnes and buying and selling for All-Star first baseman Josh Naylor, why not ink Yates to bookend their offseason?
Prediction: Diamondbacks
9. Ha-Seong Kim, SS
Age: 29
WAR: 2.6
OPS+: 96
Agent: Boras Company
After season-ending shoulder surgical procedure, Kim has found his free-agent worth isn’t what he had hoped. He’ll have to signal a short-term deal, present that he’s wholesome subsequent yr and attempt to replicate his 5.8 WAR season from 2023.
The Giants had curiosity in Kim till they had been capable of land Willy Adames in free company. Now, I feel he’d match nice with the Crimson Sox, who might then maintain Trevor Story at second base, permitting Marcelo Mayer and Kristian Campbell one other yr of improvement at Triple A.
Nonetheless, the perfect crew for Kim, for sure, continues to be the Padres. Additionally they are a a lot better crew with him at shortstop and Xander Bogaerts at second base than in the event that they must play Bogaerts at shortstop.
Prediction: Padres
10. Carlos Estévez, RHP
Age: 32
WAR: 2.1
ERA: 2.45 SV: 26 IP: 55 SO: 50
Agent: Premier Expertise Sports activities and Leisure
Like Yates, Estévez most likely has to attend till Scott indicators earlier than he can discover his subsequent crew. I feel the Cubs, who have to construct up their bullpen, are the perfect match for him. They may use the strike-throwing energy righty in high-leverage spots late in video games. Groups such because the Blue Jays, Rangers, Crimson Sox and Giants additionally make sense for Estévez, who logged 26 saves between the Phillies and Angels final yr.
Prediction: Cubs
11. Jose Quintana, LHP
Age: 35
WAR: 2.5
ERA: 3.75 IP: 170 1/3 SO: 135
Agent: Wasserman
Quintana nonetheless is aware of methods to win and maintain hitters off-balance. He gave the Mets 170 1/3 innings final season, going 10-10 with a 3.75 ERA over 31 begins. His outcomes have all the time been higher than his uncooked stuff because of his command out and in of the zone.
He’d be a strong signing for the Royals as a rotation substitute for Brady Singer, whom they traded to the Reds in November. Though the Royals declare they’re high-quality transferring Kris Bubic to the rotation to exchange Singer, they don’t have a lot beginning pitching depth they usually’ll miss the 179 2/3 innings Singer offered final yr. Quintana, who turns 36 in January, is the right match. The Giants, Tigers and Padres have additionally been linked with him.
Prediction: Royals
Jeff Hoffman made the All-Star crew in 2024. Will he be a starter or reliever this yr? (Tim Heitman / Imagn Photographs)
12. Jeff Hoffman, RHP
Age: 31
WAR: 2.0
ERA: 2.17 SV: 10 IP: 66 1/3 SO: 89
Agent: CAA Sports activities
Hoffman desires to observe within the footsteps of Clay Holmes, who’s making an attempt to transition from the bullpen to the rotation. Holmes signed a three-year, $38 million cope with the Mets and that’s what Hoffman thinks he deserves. Nonetheless, he hasn’t been supplied that but.
I’m instructed a number of groups like the thought of signing him and making him a starter, whereas different groups would favor to maintain Hoffman, who has 50 profession begins, within the pen in the event that they purchase him. Hoffman, who turns 32 this week, is coming off two stellar seasons for the Phillies. He posted a 2.41 ERA over 54 appearances in 2023 and backed that up with a 2.17 ERA over 68 appearances final yr. A return to Philly would most likely be finest for Hoffman, however he wouldn’t get an opportunity to start out with them. The Braves, Crimson Sox, Rays, Royals, Tigers, Astros and Nationals would all be strong touchdown spots.
Prediction: Nationals
13. Nick Pivetta, RHP
Age: 31
WAR: 1.8
ERA: 4.14 IP: 145 2/3 SO: 172
Agent: CAA Sports activities
I used to be shocked when Pivetta turned down the $21.05 million qualifying supply from the Crimson Sox, for 2 causes: 1) I don’t suppose he’ll get near that on the open market, and a pair of) tying himself to draft decide compensation weakens his worth much more.
Due to that, he’s one of many gamers who might need to attend some time earlier than discovering his subsequent dwelling. The New York Publish reported in December that the Reds had checked in on him, however after they signed Nick Martinez to the qualifying supply and traded for Singer, I can’t think about them truly taking part in on Pivetta. One crew that would make sense to salvage his offseason is the Blue Jays, who’ve struggled to search out gamers keen to take their free-agent affords. Pivetta, who has a profession 4.76 ERA over eight seasons, will flip 32 in February.
Prediction: Blue Jays
14. Alex Verdugo, LF
Age: 28
WAR: 0.8
OPS+: 83
Agent: MVP Sports activities Group
Verdugo was the beginning left fielder for the American League champion Yankees however had a subpar yr, batting simply .233/.291/.356 with 13 dwelling runs. He’s a superb defender in left area, grinds day in and time out, and is revered within the clubhouse due to the sting with which he performs. If the Padres aren’t capable of deliver again Profar, they might pivot to Verdugo. In any other case, he might need to just accept a task as a fourth outfielder someplace. The Giants, Pirates and Diamondbacks might make a depth play for him.
Prediction: Padres (in the event that they don’t re-sign Profar)
15. Justin Turner, 1B/DH
Age: 40
WAR: 1.5
OPS+: 114
Agent: Vayner Sports activities
Turner turned 40 in November and desires to maintain taking part in — and based mostly on final yr’s efficiency, he nonetheless has one thing left within the tank. He slashed .259/.354/.383 (114 OPS+) with 11 dwelling runs. His management qualities are notably invaluable on a comparatively younger crew. The Mariners, Guardians, Pirates and Diamondbacks are all logical matches for Turner to enhance their benches. A return to Seattle may take advantage of sense based mostly on the optimistic affect he had on the clubhouse after being traded by the Blue Jays on the deadline.
Prediction: Mariners
(Prime photograph of Roki Sasaki: The Yomiuri Shimbun by way of Related Press)Â
