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 might change quickly. The free-agent market continues to be full of expertise. So the place will these gamers signal?
Listed here are the highest 15 remaining free brokers and my predictions on the place every will land.
(WAR is in response to Baseball Reference. All statistics are from the 2024 season except in any other case famous.)
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 checklist, however perhaps Sasaki might be going to signal with a type of seven.
Of that group, most within the business 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 corporations are going to be necessary for him financially since he received’t be eligible for arbitration for 3 years or eligible free of charge company for no less than 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 imagine he’s destined for the Dodgers.
(Sasaki can solely be signed via every staff’s worldwide bonus swimming pools, which vary from roughly $5.1 million to $7.5 million.)
I don’t assume the Giants make quite a lot of sense for him primarily based 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 robust 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 lately offered an replace on the 23-year-old star’s uncommon free company, however none of us know the way this ends or what precisely Sasaki is considering. His favourite participant rising up was Masahiro Tanaka, which might lead me to guess he was no less than considerably of a Yankees fan. He considers Yu Darvish a godfather-type affect, and the Padres veteran mentored Sasaki throughout Japan’s championship run within the 2023 World Baseball Basic. Due to this fact, for no different motive, I’ll predict he indicators with both the Yankees or San Diego.
Prediction: Yankees or Padres
GO DEEPER
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Houston pivoted away from Alex Bregman. The place will he find yourself? (Alex Slitz / Getty Photos)
2. Alex Bregman, 3B
Age: 30
WAR: 4.1
OPS+: 118
Agent: Boras Company
I used to be stunned Bregman reportedly turned down six years and $156 million to remain in Houston, as a result of I assumed he and his household have been completely happy there and I didn’t assume 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 doable 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 need to spend any cash. I additionally assume the Phillies — and their ballpark — might work nicely for him, however they’d should 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 almost definitely touchdown spots for Bregman, however neither one appears perfect. So he may need to signal a shorter take care of a better common annual worth and opt-outs, then look to return on the free-agent market subsequent offseason or after the 2026 season.
That stated, 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 harm to the Inexperienced Monster in left area. They may transfer Rafael Devers to first base and put Triston Casas at DH or they may simply put Bregman at second base full-time. His management and skill to grind at-bats would assist this younger roster. He might be the ultimate piece in getting the Crimson 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 staff and get his long-term contract. There’s quite a lot of buzz within the business concerning the Blue Jays being all-in on him, they usually undoubtedly want his 44-home run energy in between Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette of their lineup. The Angels and Giants have additionally been stated 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 out to be epic. Who blinks first — proprietor Steve Cohen and president of baseball operations David Stearns or the famous person agent? The Mets don’t need to transfer past their final supply and don’t assume they should as a result of the first-base market has dried up. There are usually not quite a lot 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 could be a terrific match, however they’re not in on any of the large free brokers. The Angels have been talked about as a chance, however does anybody assume they’d do one other large — 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 may be the one different viable choice. Signing Alonso to a three-year take care of a excessive AAV and opt-outs may make some sense for them if they’ll abdomen shedding the draft choose compensation. (Alonso was one in every of 12 gamers to flip down the qualifying supply.) 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 — no less than not this yr.
Prediction: Mets
GO DEEPER
Mets mailbag: What’s the holdup with Pete Alonso? Are the Mets performed within the rotation?
5. Jack Flaherty, RHP
Age: 29
WAR: 3.1
ERA: 3.17 IP: 162 SO: 194
Agent: CAA Sports activities
He’s the very best beginning pitcher left available on the market, other than Sasaki, and a possible difference-maker for a contending staff. However Flaherty’s medical studies are going to find out whether or not he will get a long-term contract or has to take an identical 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 related a lot with the Braves, however I feel that might 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 surgical procedure, received’t be prepared for Opening Day. They’ve quite a lot of robust younger arms for the again of their rotation however might actually use one other veteran.
I’ve heard a reunion with the Tigers just isn’t 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 available on the market 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 bought two extra by way of trades (Garrett Crochet, Jovani Moran). Crimson Sox supervisor Alex Cora prefers a single nearer and Scott is the very best one out there.
The Blue Jays and Giants are additionally robust candidates to signal Scott as each might use an improve on the nearer place. Different doable 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 Photos)
7. Jurickson Profar, LF
Age: 31
WAR: 3.6
OPS+: 134
Agent: MVP Sports activities Group
Profar was probably the greatest 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 residence runs, 29 doubles and 10 stolen bases and made his first All-Star staff. He’d wish to return to San Diego however desires a three-year deal and I’m unsure if that may match within the Padres’ tight finances.
I feel the Braves could be a terrific match for Profar, however for some motive they appear glad with the mix of Jarred Kelenic and Bryan De La Cruz competing for time in left area. The Crimson Sox have been talked about as a chance too. However, to me, the Padres are by far the very best match for each the participant and staff, although he’ll doubtless should drop his expectations and conform to 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 may 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 sensible, and the Dodgers are all the time searching 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 have been capable of land Willy Adames in free company. Now, I feel he’d match nice with the Crimson Sox, who might then preserve Trevor Story at second base, permitting Marcelo Mayer and Kristian Campbell one other yr of growth at Triple A.
Nonetheless, the very best staff for Kim, undoubtedly, continues to be the Padres. Additionally they are a significantly better staff with him at shortstop and Xander Bogaerts at second base than in the event that they should 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 in all probability has to attend till Scott indicators earlier than he can discover his subsequent staff. I feel the Cubs, who have to construct up their bullpen, are the very best 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 learn how to win and preserve 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 due to 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 proper match. The Giants, Tigers and Padres have additionally been linked with him.
Prediction: Royals
Jeff Hoffman made the All-Star staff in 2024. Will he be a starter or reliever this yr? (Tim Heitman / Imagn Photos)
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 trying to transition from the bullpen to the rotation. Holmes signed a three-year, $38 million take care of the Mets and that’s what Hoffman thinks he deserves. Nonetheless, he hasn’t been provided that but.
I’m advised a number of groups like the concept 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 in all probability be finest for Hoffman, however he wouldn’t get an opportunity to begin 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 assume he’ll get near that on the open market, and a pair of) tying himself to draft choose compensation weakens his worth much more.
Due to that, he’s one of many gamers who may need to attend some time earlier than discovering his subsequent residence. 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 staff that might make sense to salvage his offseason is the Blue Jays, who’ve struggled to search out gamers prepared 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 residence 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 may pivot to Verdugo. In any other case, he may need to simply 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 needs to maintain taking part in — and primarily based on final yr’s efficiency, he nonetheless has one thing left within the tank. He slashed .259/.354/.383 (114 OPS+) with 11 residence runs. His management qualities are notably priceless on a comparatively younger staff. 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 primarily based on the constructive 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)
