MLB free agency has been an absolute frenzy this year. We saw Juan Soto sign a deal worth $765 million. The Dodgers have been cleaning up, inking a bunch of stars to deals that will aid them in their efforts of repeating as champions. Just in the last week, the Blue Jays signed slugger Anthony Santander while the Braves agreed to a deal with Jurickson Profar — both are coming off career years. Who’s still on the board? Let’s look at the top five MLB free agents remaining, with a prediction for where they may end up:
3B Alex Bregman
The top free agent on the board is Astros third baseman Alex Bregman. A two-time All-Star, Silver Slugger, and Gold Glover, Bregman has done it all during his nine-year career. He’s appeared in 99 postseason games, helping the Astros win two World Series titles. Houston has reportedly made offers to Bregman to keep him around, but both sides could never agree on an extension.
One team that has repeatedly come up with Bregman throughout this process has been the Detroit Tigers. The connection with Detroit manager AJ Hinch is obvious from the pair’s time together in Houston. He fills an obvious need at 3B and in the middle of Detroit’s lineup. However, we see another AL team swooping for Bregman’s services — the Boston Red Sox. Boston was linked to Teoscar Hernandez, but ultimately couldn’t get a deal done. They’ve also been a reported landing spot for Nolan Arenado. Bregman is younger than Arenado and has been a considerably better hitter over the last two years. Boston gets it done.
Prediction: Boston Red Sox
SP Jack Flaherty
Flaherty was the odd man out in Los Angeles. The Dodgers may have considered bringing him back after a World Series run, but plans changed after the team signed Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki. Flaherty is coming off a tremendous 2024 (3.17 ERA, 1.07 WHIP), but his injury history could be the factor that has kept him on the board.
A reunion in Detroit makes too much sense. Flaherty flourished during his time there. The Tigers could certainly use some more help in the front end of their rotation. A Skubal-Flaherty one-two combo would be among the top offerings in the American League.
Prediction: Detroit Tigers
1B Pete Alonso
Pete Alonso’s time in New York seems to be coming to an end. He’s coming off his worst regular season. His OPS has dipped each of the last three years. The Mets made the big splash by signing Juan Soto, who may eventually shift to a full-time DH (or even, first base). Alonso still has plenty of pop (34 HR in ’24), which will make him an intriguing candidate for several teams.
Don’t count out the Blue Jays even after signing Anthony Santander. Toronto has been in on most of the big-name free agents during this cycle. They have an opening at DH, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. even played some at third last year. Adding Alonso and Santander in the same offseason would give Toronto some serious pop in the middle of its order.
Prediction: Toronto Blue Jays
IF Ha-Seong Kim
Kim is in an interesting spot. He’s been out since August with a shoulder injury. He might not see the field until the middle of summer. However, he boasts a ton of value given his defensive versatility and speed. Kim won a Gold Glove in 2023 playing primarily second base, but is also above average at shortstop and third. He had 38 steals that season and also registered a .260 AVG and a 5.8 WAR.
The Padres wouldn’t mind having him back, but their infield is already fairly stacked. A team to watch could be the New York Yankees after seeing Gleyber Torres leave for Detroit. However, a move to Milwaukee might be the ideal landing spot for Kim. He could play anywhere in the infield and his contact ability would mesh well with the Brewers’ style.
Prediction: Milwaukee Brewers
SP Max Scherzer
The 40-year-old is likely looking at his last run before calling it quits. Scherzer started the 2024 season late following an offseason surgery and dealt with an injury-riddled campaign. He’ll head into next year healthier and looking to contribute to a contender.
An aging ace looking to recapture his best stuff? That is music to the Atlanta Braves’ ears. Reigning AL Cy Young winner Chris Sale was revitalized last year in Atlanta. Could the Braves do the same with Scherzer? It’s certainly worth the risk for both parties, as a healthy Scherzer remains a strong option. Over the last three seasons, Scherzer is still posting a solid 3.16 ERA, 1.034 WHIP, and 10.2 SO/9.
Prediction: Atlanta Braves
