As the MLB offseason heats up, the focus shifts to the executives who hold the power to shape the league’s future. Players and fans alike await decisions from GMs, agents, and owners as they negotiate contracts, haggle over years and dollars, and calculate the value of each home run or strikeout. While fans can only watch the drama unfold, we at CBS Sports are diving into the action by predicting where some of this offseason’s biggest free agents will end up. Here’s where we see a few marquee names landing as the winter moves along.
Corbin Burnes
- R.J. Anderson: While it might be uncharacteristic of Orioles GM Mike Elias to splurge on a top starter, the Orioles have the financial capacity to make a bold move. Signing Burnes would send a strong message from their new ownership and solidify the rotation.
- Mike Axisa: Baltimore’s young core deserves investment, and Burnes could be the ace they need to contend at the highest level. The Orioles may not vault into the top 10 in payroll, but this is a logical step forward.
- Dayn Perry: The Dodgers, fresh off their championship, may prioritize shoring up their rotation. Burnes, a proven ace, fits perfectly with their win-now philosophy and could address their depth concerns.
- Matt Snyder: The Mets and Burnes make sense, given GM David Stearns’ connection to the pitcher from their time in Milwaukee. With their eyes on a bigger prize after an NLCS appearance, the Mets could make Burnes a cornerstone of their rotation rebuild.
Alex Bregman
- R.J. Anderson: The Nationals could bring in Bregman as a veteran presence to anchor their rebuild. His experience and leadership could parallel the role Jayson Werth once played for the franchise.
- Mike Axisa: Detroit could emerge as a surprising suitor, with Bregman reuniting with former manager A.J. Hinch. The Tigers need a reliable middle-of-the-order bat, and Bregman fits the bill.
- Dayn Perry: Houston may ultimately prioritize keeping Bregman, continuing their trend of retaining core players to sustain their competitive window.
- Matt Snyder: Expect the Astros to re-sign Bregman and rely on internal solutions to address other roster needs, keeping the infield dynamic stable for another championship push.
Blake Snell
- R.J. Anderson: The Angels, eager to compete, could make a splash by signing Snell. Past interest and his high-strikeout upside make this an intriguing pairing.
- Mike Axisa: With Patrick Corbin’s contract cleared, the Nationals are positioned to add a top arm like Snell. His strikeout ability and experience would bolster their young rotation.
- Dayn Perry: Boston, in desperate need of rotation help, could use its resources to secure Snell. Whether they’ll step up financially remains to be seen, but the fit is undeniable.
- Matt Snyder: San Francisco, already familiar with Snell’s abilities, might prioritize re-signing him as part of their effort to return to the playoffs.
Pete Alonso
- R.J. Anderson: Alonso could be a strong fit for the Giants, who’ve been searching for a big-ticket free agent to anchor their lineup. His power could finally help them break through.
- Mike Axisa: The Giants’ new leadership is likely to push for a major move, and Alonso’s slugging would address their need for a consistent run producer.
- Dayn Perry: Houston might surprise by signing Alonso, upgrading at first base with one of the league’s most potent power hitters.
- Matt Snyder: After the Mets secure Juan Soto, the Yankees could pivot to Alonso to address their need for a power-hitting first baseman.
Gleyber Torres
- R.J. Anderson: A return to the Yankees on a shorter deal could make sense, given Torres’ inconsistent defense and power-dependent offensive profile. He may find longer-term offers lacking.
- Mike Axisa: Toronto could emerge as a destination for Torres. They have flexibility in the infield and could use his offensive upside to bounce back from a disappointing season.
- Dayn Perry: Seattle’s struggling offense would benefit from Torres’ contributions. His bat could provide much-needed stability in the Mariners’ middle infield.
- Matt Snyder: Torres might circle back to the Yankees on a one-year deal with options, bridging the gap to future free agent opportunities.
