1. Juan Soto – New York Mets
Uncle Stevie is not going to be outbid here. Soto is a perfect fit next to Francisco Lindor as a true pillar of the Mets’ franchise. It would be a bit messy for Soto to leave the Bronx in favor of Queens. At the same time, all reports indicate he’s going for the most money possible. Boston, Toronto, and perhaps Los Angeles will all be involved to varying degrees. However, with the Dodgers’ interest likely mild at best, it’s hard to imagine anyone outbidding the Mets.
2. Roki Sasaki – Los Angeles Dodgers
This one seems like the worst-kept secret in all of the baseball world. There are some reasons to think Sasaki may sign elsewhere. Los Angeles operates with a ton of pressure, and he’d essentially be behind Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto in the pecking order of players hailing from Japan. At the same time, LA’s front office has been borderline obsessive when scouting him. Sasaki fills a real need. From a marketing standpoint, playing for the Dodgers makes the most sense. LA has the most international money to spend on him during this cycle. Not only that, the reigning World Champs are the most well-run franchise in the sport.
3. Corbin Burnes – Boston Red Sox
The Boston ownership group is ready to spend. With the Red Sox pursuing a slew of highly-regarded free agents, a massive splash can be made with Burnes. He’s unequivocally the top arm on the market in terms of guys with MLB experience. His stuff is seemingly getting better with age, and Burnes would give Boston a real ace to compete with the big boys in the American League. If Soto lands elsewhere, expect Boston to try and parlay that cash into multiple players (with Burnes atop the list).
4. Blake Snell – New York Mets
It’s no secret the Mets need starting pitching. There’s a world where they pony up ungodly amounts of money for both Soto and Burnes. “Snellzilla” fits the need as another guy with ace-level stuff. The two-time Cy Young winner would immediately bolster a staff in danger of losing Sean Manaea, Jose Quintana, and Luis Severino. When he’s right, Snell is as good as anyone in the game. Locking him into a long-term deal would alleviate concerns in the rotation and allow the Mets to pivot and re-sign some of their outstanding free agents.
5. Max Fried – Baltimore Orioles
Fried to Baltimore would make sense should Burnes sign elsewhere. Fried is a battle-tested pitcher with some very good underlying metrics. He’s highly competitive and still has the stuff needed to get hitters out at a very high level. There are some injury concerns that have cropped up a bit over the last couple of years. However, Fried is a very talented pitcher, and Baltimore needs to maximize this window with its core as best as possible. Prediction: Fried signs with the Orioles
6. Alex Bregman – Philadelphia Phillies
It’s been reported that Philadelphia wants to shake things up in regards to its lineup. Alex Bohm appears to be the guy being moved. Should this happen, Bregman would be a nice fit at third base. He’s a veteran guy who would fit well with the core of this team from a timetable standpoint. Bregman is proven in postseason baseball — whether it’s coming up with a big hit or getting on base. He also offers versatility in the lineup. You can put him towards the top in the No. 2 hole, or even as a middle-of-the-order bat with strong contact skills.
7. Pete Alonso – Washington Nationals
If the Mets do sign Soto and Snell, it’s no slam dunk Alonso will be kept. There are some within the organization believing that Mark Vientos would be best situated at first base. Alonso is a bit of a limited player positionally. If he’s not playing first, he’ll have to DH. The Nationals could use an upgrade from Joey Gallo at first. Alonso knows the NL East well, and his veteran leadership would be a nice fit alongside the rest of the baby Nats. Washington isn’t too far away from contending in the division. With Alonso, you’re looking at a guaranteed 30+ HR/100+ RBI season on an annual basis.
8. Anthony Santander – Toronto Blue Jays
Toronto needs to make a splash. If anything, the Blue Jays have to give the fan base some sense of direction. Both Vladimir Guerrero and Bo Bichette will be free agents a year from now. Landing a premier free agent like Santander could be a nice bargaining chip when hoping to re-sign one or both of the aforementioned players. Santander is another guy with AL East experience, and he can absolutely mash. Imagine the damage he can do in a dome.
9. Willy Adames – Los Angeles Dodgers
Adames and the Dodgers have long been rumored to be a pairing. Andrew Friedman had Adames in the Tampa Bay system before leaving to run the Dodgers. LA has a relatively big hole at shortstop assuming Tommy Edman sticks in centerfield. Adames gives LA pop from the right side, has decent speed, above-average defense, and is another high-character guy. His relationship with Mookie Betts could also ultimately get the Dodgers over the hump versus expected competition from the Mets and Giants.
10. Teoscar Hernandez – Los Angeles Dodgers
The man they call Teo is the heart and soul of this team. One can make the case he was the team’s playoff MVP. During postseason play, Hernandez came up with several timely hits en route to the Dodgers winning the World Series. He’s highly popular with the fan base, the front office, and his teammates. While LA normally wouldn’t commit a multi-year deal to a below-average fielder on the wrong side of 30, Hernandez means too much to this team. Barring an overpay from the Red Sox, expect him back in blue.
11. Jack Flaherty – Detroit Tigers
Once considered a possible Cy Young winner, Jack Flaherty endured a tough four-year stretch that included numerous injuries and below-average performances. However, Flaherty rediscovered his form in 2024 and is now positioned to be one of the market’s most sought-after arms. Splitting time with the Tigers and Dodgers last season, Flaherty posted a 3.17 ERA and fanned nearly 11 batters per nine innings. In the postseason, the righty spun a gem in the NLCS and had a nearly flawless outing in his first World Series start. While Flaherty has made it known he would like to return to Los Angeles, it is more likely that he will join a new club. The Washington Nationals could be a good fit if they decide to splurge for a frontline starter, but we’re going with a return to the Tigers. Flaherty was great with the club and it still has a need for more pitching.
12. Sean Manaea – Pittsburgh Pirates
Like a few other pitchers currently on the market, Sean Manaea greatly enhanced his stock in 2024. After a few tough seasons with the Padres and Giants, respectively, Manaea joined the New York Mets. Manaea and the Mets worked on revamping his delivery and his new arm slot resulted in a fantastic season. A return to New York is certainly on the table, but we see the Mets going after some of the bigger names available. While the Pirates have a future Cy Young winner (Paul Skenes) leading their rotation, there is plenty of room for a veteran like Manaea as the team looks to contend in the NL Central.
13. Christian Walker – New York Yankees
Unless you are a fan of the Arizona Diamondbacks or live on the West Coast, Christian Walker may not be a player that piques a ton of interest when he is brought up in discussion — but he should be. At 33 years old, Walker can impact the game on both sides of the ball. Over the past three seasons, Walker hit 95 home runs and drove in 281 runs. Defensively, Walker has won the last three Gold Gloves at first base. Several teams benefit from signing Walker, but the New York Yankees are at the top of the list. As seen in the World Series, New York needs to improve its defense a ton. Regardless of its ability or inability to re-sign Juan Soto, New York will likely be in the mix for Walker.
14. Ha-Seong Kim – New York Yankees
The market will be lively for Ha-Seong Kim. Only 29 years old, Kim was a star in Korea for six seasons before joining the San Diego Padres in 2021. His numbers at the plate with the Padres didn’t quite match his production in the KBO — he hit .294 with a .866 OPS and 133 HR — Kim is still a solid hitter. He improved each of his first three seasons in MLB and hit a career-high 17 HR with a .749 OPS in 2023. Labrum surgery ended his ’24 campaign after 121 games, but he should be ready to go next season. Kim won a Gold Glove in ’23 and is capable of playing shortstop, second base, and third base. The Yankees seem like a great fit as they need help at 3B and 2B.
15. Jurickson Profar – San Diego Padres
It is hard to imagine Jurickson Profar leaving San Diego. Profar left the Padres for Colorado following a breakout season in 2022, but he ultimately rejoined San Diego before the ’23 season came to an end following a miserable showing with the Rockies. Last year, the veteran put together the best season of his career. Playing left field for the Dads, Profar posted career-highs in WAR (3.7), HR (24), RBI (85), and OPS (.839) — good for 7th-best in MLB. Many teams will be after Profar, but the Padres will not let him walk for a second time.
16. Gleyber Torres – Seattle Mariners
Two years into his career, Gleyber Torres appeared destined for superstardom. After debuting at 21, Torres was named an All-Star in each of his first two seasons with the New York Yankees. He was hitting for power (62 HR), average (.275), and was getting on base at a high rate. Torres struggled to live up to the hype over the past five seasons, but he will only be 28 on Opening Day and is coming off a solid postseason. Torres drew more walks (10) than strikeouts (7) and was a consistent threat leading off for the Yanks. Seattle needs to improve its lineup and Torres would do just that.
17. Tanner Scott – Los Angeles Dodgers
Tanner Scott was a pedestrian reliever for the first six seasons of his career. Through 218.2 IP with the Baltimore Orioles and Miami Marlins, respectively, Scott posted a 4.61 ERA and had 21 saves. He became Miami’s closer in 2022 and the following season he turned into one of the top bullpen arms in baseball. Scott thrived in ’23, posting a 2.31 ERA across 74 outings. Last year, he was even better. The lefty had a stellar 1.18 ERA in 44 games with Miami before being dealt to San Diego. With the Padres, Scott continued to carve up batters (particularly lefties) with ease. All of baseball’s best teams will be after Scott, but the Los Angeles Dodgers will prevail.
18. Shane Bieber – San Francisco Giants
It wasn’t long ago that Shane Bieber was considered one of the best pitchers in baseball. Bieber finished fourth for the American League Cy Young in 2019 in his second season, and he proceeded to win the award in ’20 after a dominant showing (8-1, 1.63 ERA, 122 SO in 77.1 IP). Bieber remained as one of the game’s best hurlers the next two seasons, but he struggled in ’23 and made just two starts last season before undergoing Tommy John surgery. It is easy to imagine a team like the Atlanta Braves or Los Angeles Dodgers giving Bieber a two-year deal, but we will go out on a limb and predict the San Francisco Giants as the team that secures Bieber for ’25.
19. Walker Buehler – Atlanta Braves
One of the most fascinating players to watch this offseason will be Walker Buehler. Buehler has spent his entire seven-year career with the Los Angeles Dodgers and is coming off a strong postseason. The nation watched as he carved up the Mets in the NLCS and the Yankees in the World Series — and then Buehler appeared on one day of rest to record the WS clinching save. However, Buehler was awful during the regular season and hasn’t proved he can sustain his previous form. Buehler was one of the best pitchers in baseball from 2018-2021. In ’22, he struggled through 12 starts before undergoing his second Tommy John surgery. Buehler missed all of ’23 and posted a 5.38 ERA in 16 starts in ’24. When right, Buehler is a star on the mound. He is a big-game pitcher, as well. It is hard to picture him in a uniform other than the Dodgers, but Atlanta would be a good fit for a one or two-year deal.
20. Joc Pederson – Pittsburgh Pirates
This is a player that we could envision playing for almost every team in the league. After spending the first seven seasons of his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Joc Pederson has played for four teams since 2021. He won the World Series with Atlanta in ’21, was an All-Star for the Giants in ’22, and put together one of the best years of his career last season with Arizona. While he is capable of playing in the field, Pederson is likely a permanent DH at this point. The two-time All-Star has plenty of pop and is great in the clubhouse. Unless he limits his suitors to potential contenders, the Pirates could be a great fit for the beloved veteran.
21. SP Nathan Eovaldi – Texas Rangers
Eovaldi’s stuff hasn’t deteriorated by a significant amount. He remains a quality starter who has turned in over 600 innings worth of solid performances over the last four seasons. During the Rangers 2023 World Series run, Eovaldi went 5-0 in the postseason and pitched six scoreless innings in the clinching game. Texas hasn’t shied away from shelling out cash during free agency in the past. He was the Rangers’ steadiest arm last year during a disappointing 2024 for the defending champs. Makes more sense for the team to bring him back rather than look for a replacement.
22. SP Yusei Kikuchi – Baltimore Orioles
The Astros’ big trade deadline move was acquiring starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi from the Toronto Blue Jays. It seems like Houston valued quality over quantity as their lone transaction was a massive success. Kikuchi was marvelous for his new team over the last two months of the season. In 10 starts, Kikuchi pitched 60.0 innings and had a 2.70 ERA and a 0.933 WHIP. Batters facing Kikuchi hit .188 against him during his time in Houston. He’s always been a great strikeout pitcher, and his 11.4 K/9 ratio with the Astros would be a career-high. He’ll draw interest from several teams, but the Orioles seem like an ideal hit. Adding Kikuchi would give Baltimore some serious depth, and a bit of insurance should Corbin Burnes leave in free agency.
23. RP Jeff Hoffman – Philadelphia Phillies
After spending the first seven years of his career in Colorado and Cincinnati, Jeff Hoffman joined the Phillies in ’23 and became one of the league’s most potent relievers. He has a 2.28 ERA and 0.944 WHIP across 122 appearances with Philadelphia. Hoffman was used mostly as a high-leverage option his first year and split closer duties with José Alvarado in ’24. Philadelphia’s bullpen wasn’t quite as dominant last season as they were the year before, but it wasn’t due to a regression from Hoffman. Philadelphia should bring him back to negate the risk of him leaving for another contending team.
24. RP Clay Holmes – Kansas City Royals
Holmes is an excellent reliever. The Yankees eventually shifted Luke Weaver into the closer role, but Holmes remained a shutdown option in the 8th inning. He’s saved 74 games in three years for the Yankees and has plenty of experience on the game’s biggest stage. Teams could be wary about inking Holmes to a deal befitting a top-end closer. He recorded a career-high 13 blown saves last year and might be better suited for that 8th-inning role. The Royals already have their closer in place with the dynamic Lucas Erceg in tow. Adding Holmes to Kansas City’s group would greatly boost the rest of the bullpen.
25. DH JD Martinez – Detroit Tigers
JD Martinez is 37 years old and coming off his worst season since 2013. The market was a bit shaky for him last season, and that was coming off a great year with the Dodgers (33 HR, .893 OPS). With the Mets, Martinez hit 16 HR and hit a career-low .235 AVG in 120 games. Still, he didn’t forget how to hit completely. Martinez remains strong against left-handed pitching (.263 AVG, .836 OPS) and with runners in scoring position (.296 AVG, .955 OPS). He’s more of a platoon bat at this point, and that’s a hard sell for a DH-only. However, a reunion could be the best path to Martinez getting everyday at-bats. Detroit’s most used DH last year was rookie Justyn-Henry Malloy who registered a .203 AVG and .658 OPS across 230 plate appearances. Martinez spent three-plus years with the Tigers from 2014-16 and made his first All-Star appearance there.
26. OF Tyler O’Neill – Baltimore Orioles
Tyler O’Neill is one of the more volatile hitters in the game. However, when he’s on, he’s an electric player. O’Neill had a strong year for the Red Sox, mashing 31 HR in just 113 games. The speed element isn’t a big part of his game anymore. O’Neill stole 29 bags across ’21 and ’22, but only 9 swipes over the last two years despite steals seeing a massive boom league-wide in that time. Still, he provides excellent power and a great arm in either corner outfield spot. The O’s are in danger of losing Anthony Santander and his 44 HR. O’Neill seems like a viable replacement and adds a right-handed bat to a team that already has several good lefties.
27. SP Max Scherzer – Philadelphia Phillies
Scherzer didn’t look like the same player in limited action last year. His strikeout numbers were way down. His WHIP was the highest it’s been in 11 years. He’s been giving up more and more homers over the last few years. With all that being said, we’re talking about one of the era’s greatest starters who can still provide a sub-4.00 ERA. He’s been dealing with injuries, but a team could look at Chris Sale’s resurgence last year and believe that Scherzer can have a similar return to form. The Phillies have a hole at the No. 5 starter. Scherzer is a low-risk, high-reward option that Philadelphia can take a one-year flier on.
28. 1B Paul Goldschmidt – Houston Astros
Paul Goldschmidt looks washed just two years after being named National League MVP. 2024 was the worst year of his career by a wide margin. He notched career lows in AVG (.245), OBP (.302), SLG (.414), and OPS (.716). His 22 HR was the lowest mark in any of the 11 seasons that he’s played at least 150 games. It’s unlikely he’s back with the Cardinals after reports that Willson Contreras is making the move from catcher to first base. Goldschmidt is coming off his worst season, but that’s still a whole lot better than what Houston got from its first basemen last year. And, he’s still a sound defender who provides some production on the base paths (11-for-11 on steal attempts in ’24).
29. RP Blake Treinen – Atlanta Braves
Treinen performed well coming off an injury last season. He missed all of 2023 and most of 2022 after undergoing shoulder labrum and rotator cuff surgery. A bruised lung also kept him on the shelf for a while. He registered 46.2 IP in the regular season and was Los Angeles’ highest-leverage arm in the postseason. Despite the injuries, Treinen’s stuff has remained filthy. His sinker-sweeper combo paints both sides of the plate and is unhittable. The Dodgers would love to have him back, but they have their eyes on some other big-name free agents. We could see another contender swoop in, and the Braves would love nothing more than to snag a top reliever from one of their rivals.
30. SP Luis Severino – Arizona Diamondbacks
Severino had a nice bounce-back year with the Mets. He refined his pitch selection and turned in a great year for the NL finalist (3.91 ERA, 1.24 WHIP across 182 IP). It was enough for the 30-year-old to expect plenty of suitors this offseason. The Mets are big-game hunting, which could allow Severino to slip through the cracks. Arizona missed the playoffs last year despite having the No. 1 offense in all of baseball. They’re already looking to move Jordan Montgomery who signed a massive free agent deal with the team last offseason. Severino would provide some stability to a rotation that needs some help on the back end.
