MLB · 10 months ago

Ranking the Top 25 Free Agents This MLB Offseason – Updated

SportsGrid Contributor Just Baseball

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1. Juan Soto, OF
Soto is a generational talent at just 26 years old, coming off his best season yet. He’s set to land a record-breaking contract that reflects his status as one of baseball’s brightest stars.

Actual Contract: 15 years, $765 million with

For all your MLB deep dives, check out our friends at Just Baseball. the New York Mets on 12/08/2024
25. Clay Holmes, RP
Thanks to Just Baseball for research, analysis and insights for this slideshow article.

Despite 13 blown saves in 2024, Holmes remained one of the more effective relievers in the league, finishing the season with a 3.14 ERA and a 3.22 xERA across 67 games. Though he lost the Yankees’ closer role, he capped the year with a 2.25 ERA over 13 October appearances.

Actual Contract: Three years, $38 million with the New York Mets on 12/06/2024
24. Walker Buehler, SP
A stellar postseason capped by five scoreless innings in Game 3 and the final outs to secure the Dodgers' World Series win reminded everyone of Buehler’s All-Star pedigree. Injuries have limited his recent years, but he’s a strong candidate for a one-year "prove-it" deal.
23. Joc Pederson, DH
Pederson was a force against right-handed pitching in 2024, making him a valuable – albeit limited – asset as a platoon DH. When deployed strategically, his bat can transform the middle of any lineup.
22. Gleyber Torres, 2B
Coming off a middling 104 wRC+ season, Torres still holds value as the top free-agent second baseman. At just 28, there’s hope he can rediscover his 2023 form, where he posted a 120 wRC+ and 3.6 fWAR.
21. Luis Severino, SP
After making 31 starts with a 3.91 ERA in 2024, Severino proved he’s far from finished. While no longer the ace of old, he’s in line for a significant upgrade over last year’s one-year, $13 million deal.

Actual Contract: Three years, $67 million with the Athletics on 12/05/2024
20. Tyler O’Neill, OF
O’Neill crushed 31 home runs in 113 games, showcasing immense power potential when healthy. Though injuries have limited his consistency, he remains a high-upside gamble for any team seeking a middle-of-the-lineup bat.

Actual Contract: Three years, $49.5 million with the Baltimore Orioles on 12/07/2024
19. Jeff Hoffman, RP
Hoffman was lights-out during the regular season with a 2.28 ERA over two years but faltered in the postseason. Despite a shorter track record, his dominance in high-leverage situations makes him a top right-handed reliever on the market.
18. Nick Martinez, SP/RP
Martinez excelled as a versatile arm in 2024, ranking among the best in ERA and xERA while walking just 3.2% of batters faced. His decision to decline a $12 million player option indicates confidence in landing a lucrative multi-year deal.

Actual Contract: Accepted qualifying offer (one year, $21.05 million) from the Cincinnati Reds on 11/19/2024
17. Tanner Scott, RP
Scott is the premier closer on the market after posting a 1.75 ERA over 72 innings in 2024. His age (31 next July) and elite performance should help him secure a long-term deal.
16. Ha-Seong Kim, SS
Kim’s league-average bat complements his plus defense and speed. A shoulder surgery complicates his free agency, but his overall skill set ensures he’ll be in demand.
15. Jurickson Profar, OF
Profar’s breakout 2024 season boosted his stock, but his inconsistent career raises questions about sustainability. Teams will weigh whether his recent performance is a sign of things to come or an anomaly.
14. Christian Walker, 1B
Walker combines elite defense with consistent power at first base. However, his age (34) and qualifying offer might limit his market, despite his track record as a top-20 NL position player over the past three years.
13. Yusei Kikuchi, SP
Kikuchi’s trade to Houston signaled his value as a reliable lefty starter. With demand for pitching high, he’s poised to land a significant contract.

Actual Contract: Three years, $63 million with the Los Angeles Angels on 11/25/2024
12. Nathan Eovaldi, SP
Eovaldi’s durability and consistent mid-3.00 ERA performance make him one of the offseason's top pitching targets. His October success further solidifies his value.
11. Sean Manaea, SP
Manaea offers stability as a mid-rotation starter with durability and reliability. While 2024 was his best season yet, even a slight regression won’t diminish his appeal.
10. Jack Flaherty, SP
Flaherty’s strong 2024 showed he still has front-line starter potential. While his injury history is concerning, his ceiling makes him one of the most intriguing pitchers available.
9. Teoscar Hernández, OF
Hernández rebounded with a stellar 2024, setting himself up for a big payday. His age slightly dampens his ranking compared to other sluggers, but his impact bat remains highly sought after.
8. Anthony Santander, OF
Santander’s 40+ home runs in 2024 solidify him as a premier power bat. While not as proven as Pete Alonso, his potential makes him a key middle-of-the-order option.
7. Pete Alonso, 1B
Alonso’s underwhelming regular season was redeemed by a strong postseason. A fan favorite in Queens, his market value will test the Mets’ willingness to keep their slugger.
6. Max Fried, SP
Fried’s consistent excellence since 2019 makes him a top pitching target. While not a workhorse, his performance ensures he’ll command a substantial contract.
5. Blake Snell, SP
Despite injury concerns, Snell’s upside as a two-time Cy Young winner makes him one of the offseason's most intriguing arms. His lack of a qualifying offer boosts his appeal.

Actual Contract: Five years, $182 million with the Los Angeles Dodgers on 11/26/2024
4. Alex Bregman, 3B
Bregman’s elite defense and consistent offense make him one of the top infielders available. While he’s not the MVP-caliber player he once was, his well-rounded game remains valuable.
3. Willy Adames, SS
Adames is a young, dynamic shortstop in a thin market for middle infielders. Despite no All-Star appearances, his defense, bat, and age make him a cornerstone acquisition.

Actual Contract: Seven years, $182 million with the San Francisco Giants on 12/07/2024
2. Corbin Burnes, SP
Burnes, a former Cy Young winner, is the most reliable ace on the market. His dominance and consistency ensure he’ll be one of the highest-paid pitchers this offseason.
1. Juan Soto, OF
Soto is a generational talent at just 26 years old, coming off his best season yet. He’s set to land a record-breaking contract that reflects his status as one of baseball’s brightest stars.

Actual Contract: 15 years, $765 million with

For all your MLB deep dives, check out our friends at Just Baseball. the New York Mets on 12/08/2024
25. Clay Holmes, RP
Thanks to Just Baseball for research, analysis and insights for this slideshow article.

Despite 13 blown saves in 2024, Holmes remained one of the more effective relievers in the league, finishing the season with a 3.14 ERA and a 3.22 xERA across 67 games. Though he lost the Yankees’ closer role, he capped the year with a 2.25 ERA over 13 October appearances.

Actual Contract: Three years, $38 million with the New York Mets on 12/06/2024

Ranking the Top 25 Free Agents This MLB Offseason – Updated

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