With the World Series wrapped up and the Dodgers crowned champions, MLB front offices now shift their focus to free agency. The opening of the market marks the beginning of roster reshaping for the 2025 season.
Here’s a ranking of the top 20 free agents available, blending statistical performance, scouting insights, and projected market value. We’ve highlighted some potential landing spots for each, though these are just a few of many possibilities. Rankings reflect both a player’s current ability and expected contract value.
1. Juan Soto, OF
Why he’s No. 1: One of the best hitters in the world, Soto pairs elite plate discipline with exceptional power and barrel control. At just 26, he’s hitting his prime, with an unmatched combination of skill and consistency. Soto’s defense might draw criticism, but his offensive value far outweighs any concerns.
Potential fits: Yankees, Mets, Giants
2. Corbin Burnes, RHP
Why he’s here: A perennial All-Star with a strong track record, Burnes remains one of baseball’s most reliable starters. However, a declining strikeout rate and uneven cutter performance raise slight concerns about long-term durability.
Potential fits: Orioles, Mets, Red Sox
3. Alex Bregman, 3B
Why he’s here: A standout third baseman, Bregman is a dependable bat-to-ball hitter with defensive chops. Questions linger over his power production outside Houston’s ballpark and a dip in his walk rate last season.
Potential fits: Astros, Nationals, Tigers
4. Blake Snell, LHP
Why he’s here: A two-time Cy Young winner, Snell’s bat-missing ability makes him a sought-after arm, even if his inefficiency limits how deep he can pitch into games. After a strong rebound in 2024, he’s poised for a big payday.
Potential fits: Giants, Cubs, Mets
5. Max Fried, LHP
Why he’s here: Fried’s mastery of contact management and elite ERA+ since 2020 make him one of the best left-handers in baseball. Limited workload remains a question mark, but his consistent excellence overrides those concerns.
Potential fits: Giants, Mets, Padres
6. Willy Adames, SS
Why he’s here: Adames combines power with solid shortstop defense, even as his swing-and-miss tendencies limit his overall consistency. His ability to impact the ball and provide value at a premium position is highly attractive.
Potential fits: Braves, Tigers, Giants
7. Roki Sasaki, RHP
Why he’s here: The electrifying Japanese phenom boasts triple-digit velocity and a devastating splitter. Injury concerns linger, but Sasaki’s talent is undeniable. His rookie deal will likely be a bargain for teams willing to invest.
Potential fits: Dodgers, Orioles, Yankees
8. Jack Flaherty, RHP
Why he’s here: After a resurgent season where he simplified his pitch mix, Flaherty reestablished himself as a viable mid-rotation starter. He’s likely to secure a multi-year deal after proving he’s back on track.
Potential fits: Dodgers, Mets, Angels
9. Sean Manaea, LHP
Why he’s here: A mechanical adjustment unlocked newfound success late in 2024. Though teams may be cautious about how sustainable his improvements are, Manaea’s strong finish should net him a substantial raise.
Potential fits: Mets, Dodgers, Rangers
10. Nathan Eovaldi, RHP
Why he’s here: Still effective at 35, Eovaldi’s splitter and strike-throwing ability make him a reliable rotation piece. He’s proven durable enough to contribute to contenders.
Potential fits: Rangers, Nationals, Diamondbacks
11. Pete Alonso, 1B
Why he’s here: Consistent power production makes Alonso an attractive bat, though teams may hesitate to give a long-term deal to a right-handed first baseman approaching 30.
Potential fits: Mets, Giants, Astros
12. Max Scherzer, RHP
Why he’s here: The future Hall of Famer is coming off an injury-shortened season, but he still performed well when healthy. Likely looking at a short-term deal, Scherzer remains a high-risk, high-reward option.
Potential fits: Rangers, Cardinals, Braves
13. Shane Bieber, RHP
Why he’s here: Recovering from Tommy John surgery, Bieber will likely miss the start of 2025. His track record suggests he could still command a two-year deal similar to Tyler Mahle’s recent contract.
Potential fits: Red Sox, Mets, Cubs
14. Ha-Seong Kim, SS
Why he’s here: A defensive wizard at shortstop with an average bat, Kim’s shoulder surgery might limit his market this offseason. When healthy, he’s a dependable everyday player.
Potential fits: Padres, Braves, Giants
15. Anthony Santander, OF
Why he’s here: A switch-hitter with power, Santander is coming off a 40-homer season. His defensive limitations mean his value lies solely in his bat.
Potential fits: Orioles, Diamondbacks, Royals
16. Joc Pederson, OF
Why he’s here: Pederson’s left-handed power makes him a useful platoon bat. Though limited defensively, his offensive upside remains undeniable against right-handed pitching.
Potential fits: Diamondbacks, Reds, Angels
17. Teoscar Hernández, OF
Why he’s here: A middle-of-the-order bat, Hernández’s power and ability to impact the ball outweigh his defensive struggles. He’ll likely draw significant interest despite being a year older than his previous free-agent stint.
Potential fits: Braves, Angels, Royals
18. Christian Walker, 1B
Why he’s here: A consistent offensive force, Walker’s age and position work against him in a market that devalues right-handed first basemen.
Potential fits: Diamondbacks, Mets, Giants
19. Luis Severino, RHP
Why he’s here: After revamping his pitch mix, Severino bounced back in 2024. While his durability remains a concern, he’s shown enough to warrant a multi-year deal as a mid-rotation starter.
Potential fits: Mets, Rangers, Red Sox
20. Yusei Kikuchi, LHP
Why he’s here: Kikuchi’s revamped pitch usage turned his 2024 season around. Teams will weigh his short-term success against a longer history of inconsistency, but his upside could lead to an above-market deal.
Potential fits: Astros, Orioles, Nationals
