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 crammed with 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 line with Baseball Reference. All statistics are from the 2024 season until in any other case famous.)
1. Roki Sasaki, RHP
Age: 23WAR: N/AERA: 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 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 believe endorsement offers with Japanese firms are going to be essential for him financially since he gained’t be eligible for arbitration for 3 years or eligible without spending a dime 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 by every workforce’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 a protracted shot, although they’d be a very good match due to their sturdy pitching room and management group. The Cubs additionally look like a stretch to me. That leaves each New York groups and the Padres.
Wolfe just lately supplied 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 Traditional. Subsequently, 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 Pictures)
2. Alex Bregman, 3B
Age: 30WAR: 4.1OPS+: 118Agent: 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 had been pleased 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’ provide, they pivoted, buying and selling for third baseman Isaac Paredes and signing first baseman Christian Walker, which closed the door on a attainable return to Houston.
I believe Bregman would match properly at third base with the Mets, who may transfer Mark Vientos to first base. However there doesn’t appear to be a lot traction there. The Mariners may actually use him at third base, however they don’t appear to need to spend any cash. I additionally suppose the Phillies — and their ballpark — may 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 most definitely touchdown spots for Bregman, however neither one appears superb. So he may need to signal a shorter take care of 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 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 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 Crimson Sox again to the postseason.
Prediction: Crimson Sox
3. Anthony Santander, RF
Age: 30WAR: 2.9OPS+: 134Agent: GSE Worldwide
The Santander market has been surprisingly quiet, however all indications are he’ll find yourself on a non-contending workforce and get his long-term contract. There may be lots of buzz within the business 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 stated to have some stage of curiosity.
Prediction: Blue Jays
4. Pete Alonso, 1B
Age: 30WAR: 2.6OPS+: 123Agent: Boras Company
The staredown between the Mets’ brass and Scott Boras over an Alonso contract is beginning to grow to be epic. Who blinks first — proprietor Steve Cohen and president of baseball operations David Stearns or the celebrity agent? The Mets don’t need to transfer past their final provide and don’t suppose they must as a result of the first-base market has dried up. There aren’t 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 a fantastic 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 suppose they’d do one other huge — and probably dangerous — contract for a 30-year-old energy hitter after the Anthony Rendon, Josh Hamilton and Albert Pujols contracts all failed?
The Giants could 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 will abdomen dropping the draft choose compensation. (Alonso was considered one of 12 gamers to show down the qualifying provide.) Possibly Alonso would go that sort of route and show some extent 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
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5. Jack Flaherty, RHP
Age: 29WAR: 3.1ERA: 3.17 IP: 162 SO: 194Agent: CAA Sports activities
He’s the most effective beginning pitcher left in the marketplace, other than Sasaki, and a possible difference-maker for a contending workforce. However Flaherty’s medical reviews are going to find out whether or not he will get a long-term contract or has to take an analogous 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 believe that might be a perfect match for him. They misplaced Max Fried and Charlie Morton in free company. Spencer Strider, who’s recovering from internal-brace elbow surgical procedure, gained’t be prepared for Opening Day. They’ve lots of sturdy younger arms for the again of their rotation however may actually use one other veteran.
I’ve heard a reunion with the Tigers shouldn’t be 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: 30WAR: 4.0ERA: 1.75 SV: 22 IP: 72 SO: 84Agent: 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 enjoying 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 most effective one accessible.
The Blue Jays and Giants are additionally sturdy candidates to signal Scott as each may use an improve on the nearer place. Different attainable 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 Pictures)
7. Jurickson Profar, LF
Age: 31WAR: 3.6OPS+: 134Agent: MVP Sports activities Group
Profar was among the finest 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 workforce. He’d wish to return to San Diego however needs a three-year deal and I’m undecided if that may match within the Padres’ tight price range.
I believe the Braves can be a fantastic match for Profar, however for some motive 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 chance too. However, to me, the Padres are by far the most effective match for each the participant and workforce, although he’ll probably must drop his expectations and comply with a deal that works for either side if he needs to stay in San Diego.
Prediction: Padres
8. Kirby Yates, RHP
Age: 37WAR: 3.3ERA: 1.17 SV: 33 IP: 61 2/3 SO: 85Agent: 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 at all times on the lookout for high-leverage relievers. The Braves actually missed him final yr, the Reds may use him to switch Fernando Cruz, whom they traded to the Yankees, and the Royals may 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: 29WAR: 2.6OPS+: 96Agent: Boras Company
After season-ending shoulder surgical procedure, Kim has found his free-agent worth isn’t what he had hoped. He’ll must 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 in a position to land Willy Adames in free company. Now, I believe he’d match nice with the Crimson Sox, who may then hold Trevor Story at second base, permitting Marcelo Mayer and Kristian Campbell one other yr of improvement at Triple A.
Nonetheless, the most effective workforce for Kim, definitely, continues to be the Padres. In addition they are a a lot better workforce 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: 32WAR: 2.1ERA: 2.45 SV: 26 IP: 55 SO: 50Agent: 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 workforce. I believe the Cubs, who must construct up their bullpen, are the most effective 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: 35WAR: 2.5ERA: 3.75 IP: 170 1/3 SO: 135Agent: Wasserman
Quintana nonetheless is aware of the way to win and hold 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 at all times been higher than his uncooked stuff due to his command out and in of the zone.
He’d be a stable signing for the Royals as a rotation alternative for Brady Singer, whom they traded to the Reds in November. Though the Royals declare they’re wonderful transferring Kris Bubic to the rotation to switch Singer, they don’t have a lot beginning pitching depth they usually’ll miss the 179 2/3 innings Singer supplied 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 workforce in 2024. Will he be a starter or reliever this yr? (Tim Heitman / Imagn Pictures)
12. Jeff Hoffman, RHP
Age: 31WAR: 2.0ERA: 2.17 SV: 10 IP: 66 1/3 SO: 89Agent: CAA Sports activities
Hoffman needs 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 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 in all probability 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 stable touchdown spots.
Prediction: Nationals
13. Nick Pivetta, RHP
Age: 31WAR: 1.8ERA: 4.14 IP: 145 2/3 SO: 172Agent: CAA Sports activities
I used to be shocked when Pivetta turned down the $21.05 million qualifying provide 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 choose 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 provide and traded for Singer, I can’t think about them really enjoying on Pivetta. One workforce that would make sense to salvage his offseason is the Blue Jays, who’ve struggled to seek 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: 28WAR: 0.8OPS+: 83Agent: 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 very good 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 in a position to convey again Profar, they might pivot to Verdugo. In any other case, he might need to just accept a job as a fourth outfielder someplace. The Giants, Pirates and Diamondbacks may make a depth play for him.
Prediction: Padres (in the event that they don’t re-sign Profar)
15. Justin Turner, 1B/DH
Age: 40WAR: 1.5OPS+: 114Agent: Vayner Sports activities
Turner turned 40 in November and needs to maintain enjoying — 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 useful on a comparatively younger workforce. The Mariners, Guardians, Pirates and Diamondbacks are all logical suits for Turner to enhance their benches. A return to Seattle may take advantage of sense based mostly on the optimistic influence he had on the clubhouse after being traded by the Blue Jays on the deadline.
Prediction: Mariners
(Prime picture of Roki Sasaki: The Yomiuri Shimbun by way of Related Press)
