In a stunning turn of events, Juan Soto, the baseball sensation, has inked a historic $765 million contract with the New York Mets, according to sources. This blockbuster deal, announced sunday night, has sent shockwaves through the league, setting a new benchmark for player contracts. Yet, the free agency market remains a treasure trove of talent, offering teams a plethora of opportunities to strengthen their rosters.
Is your favorite team in need of a top-tier starter, a power hitter, a shutdown reliever, or a defensive ace? the market has a player for every requirement. As the Winter Meetings commence in Dallas, we spotlight the cream of the crop in the free agency pool.
blake Snell, the ace pitcher, has found a new home, signing a lucrative five-year, $182 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Though, two premier pitchers are still up for grabs.
Corbin Burnes, after a trade from the Brewers to the Orioles, maintained his elite form, boasting a 2.92 ERA with 181 strikeouts in 194.1 innings in 2024. Burnes, the 2021 National League Cy Young Award winner, ranks second among pitchers with at least 500 innings over the last five years, with a 2.88 ERA. Only Fried, with a 2.81 ERA, outperforms him in this period.
The left-handed Max Fried, a two-time All-Star, concluded the 2024 season with a 3.25 ERA and 166 strikeouts in 174.1 innings for the Atlanta Braves. Fried’s consistency and dominance make him a highly sought-after addition to any team’s rotation.
Alex Bregman, the standout infielder, is the top free agent on the left side of the diamond. In his nine-year career with the Houston Astros, Bregman has won two World Series titles, been named to two All-Star Games, received a Silver Slugger award, and earned a Gold Glove in 2024. At 30,Bregman is coming off his third consecutive season with at least 20 home runs and an OPS+ of 115,making him a valuable asset for any team looking to bolster their infield.
At first base, Pete Alonso and Paul Walker offer a potent combination of power and experience. Alonso, 30, is expected to secure a longer and more lucrative contract due to his youth compared to Walker, 33, who has hit the second-most homers in the majors (226) as his debut in 2019.
walker, a three-time Gold Glove winner, combines 30-homer power with solid defense. Since 2022, he has accumulated 39 outs above average, more then double that of any other first baseman, making him a defensive stalwart in addition to his offensive prowess.
Gleyber torres, despite a relatively underwhelming contract season (.709 OPS in 587 at-bats), showed signs of resurgence. In his last 50 games, including the postseason, he posted a robust .295/.375/.443 offensive line, indicating his potential to regain his form and contribute significantly to a team’s lineup.
The mid-level starter market has been bustling with activity, as Yusei Kikuchi, Luis Severino, Frankie Montas, Matthew Boyd, Michael Wacha, and Shane Bieber have all inked deals with new teams. However, the market still boasts several enticing options for teams looking to bolster their rotations.
Jack Flaherty and Sean Manaea are both free agents for the second consecutive offseason, and both significantly enhanced their value in 2024. Flaherty, who split time between the Tigers and Dodgers, posted a 3.17 ERA with a 5.11 K/BB ratio in 28 starts.Manaea, simultaneously occurring, finished with a 3.47 ERA and a 2.92 K/BB ratio in 32 starts with the Mets, including a 3.09 ERA after adjusting his release angle in late July.
Nathan Eovaldi has maintained an ERA under 4.00 in each of the last five seasons. He was particularly remarkable in the 2023 postseason, where he went 5-0 with a 2.92 ERA, helping the rangers secure the World Series title.
Trevor Bauer, a playoff veteran with a 3.04 ERA in 94.2 innings, has the potential to be a rebound candidate. Although he struggled in 2024 with a 5.38 ERA following his second Tommy John surgery, Bauer was one of the best pitchers in baseball from 2018-2021, with a 2.82 ERA and a 4.53 K/BB ratio.
Nick Pivetta’s results have been inconsistent, but his repertoire is intriguing. He has a career mark of 10.0 K/9 and achieved his personal best K/BB ratio in 2024, with 4.78. As for the Colombian José Quintana, his ceiling is not as high as the others in this group, but he has maintained a 3.36 ERA in 76 starts since the beginning of 2022.
While Juan Soto stands out as the premier option, the market for corner outfielders is full of viable alternatives for clubs that don’t want to invest in the superstar slugger or are looking for a backup plan.
Among players who played at least 50% of their games in the outfield last season, only five hit 30 or more home runs with a slugging percentage of.500 or better. Soto was one, as was Aaron Judge. The other two? The Venezuelan Cristian Santander (44 HR, .503 SLG) and the Dominican Teoscar Hernández (33 HR, .501 SLG).
For his part, Jurickson profar had a breakout year with the Padres after a decade of mostly modest production, posting career highs in home runs (24), runs batted in (85), batting average (.280), and OPS (.839).
Joc Pederson also had a strong campaign in 2024, with 23 home runs and a .908 OPS for the D-backs. However,it would be a stretch to consider him a corner outfielder at this point,as he didn’t make a single defensive appearance last season.
Cuban Aroldis Chapman (Red Sox) and Clay Holmes (Mets) have joined new teams in recent days, but the reliever market is still full of experienced late-inning arms. The Mets plan to try Holmes as a starter, and some clubs have considered doing the same with Hoffman, who had a 2.17 ERA and 12.1 K/9 in 66.1 innings in the Phillies’ bullpen in 2024.
As the baseball world gears up for the upcoming season, several standout players are making headlines for their exceptional performances and potential impact on the game. From seasoned veterans to promising newcomers, these athletes are poised to leave a lasting impression on the sport. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most notable names.
Scott, a left-handed pitcher, has emerged as a dominant force in the league. Over the past two seasons, he has showcased his exceptional skills, racking up an impressive 188 strikeouts, a 2.04 ERA,and a 1.05 WHIP in 150 innings. His performances with the Marlins and Padres have solidified his reputation as a top-tier pitcher.
Joining Scott in the spotlight are Jansen, Yates, and Robertson, a trio of experienced veterans who continue to excel in the late innings. Jansen, at 37, is one of only eight pitchers in MLB history to achieve at least 400 saves. Yates, also 37, saved 33 games with a remarkable 1.17 ERA for the Rangers in 2024. Robertson, entering his age 40 season, boasts a 12.4 K/9 and a 3.00 ERA in 72 innings with Texas. Their experience and consistency make them valuable assets to any team.
Treinen, despite missing the entire 2023 season due to shoulder surgery, has made a remarkable comeback. this year, he has demonstrated his full recovery, posting a 1.93 ERA and a 5.09 K/BB ratio. His impressive performance includes allowing just one earned run in his last 18 regular-season appearances with the Dodgers. His resilience and skill on the mound are commendable.
Estévez, a Dominican pitcher, has also made a name for himself with 57 saves and an ERA of 3.22 over the past two seasons, pitching for the Angels and the Phillies. His consistency and ability to close out games make him a valuable addition to any bullpen.
While these players excel on the mound, there are also several standout fielders who have caught the attention of fans and scouts alike. Ha-Seong Kim, despite missing the final six weeks of the season due to a right shoulder injury, has proven to be a standout shortstop defender. Over four seasons in the Major leagues, he has accumulated 23 outs above average (OAA), showcasing his versatility and defensive prowess.
Hyeseong Kim, a 25-year-old from the KBO’s Kiwoom Heroes, is ready to make the leap to the Major Leagues. Known for his high-contact style, he hit .326 and stole 30 bases this year. With three Gold Gloves in the KBO, two at second base and one at shortstop, his defensive skills are undeniable.
Carlos Santana, a Dominican first baseman, has also made waves with his exceptional defense. At 38 years old,Santana recorded 14 OAA at first base this season,the most at the position.This outstanding performance earned him his first Gold Glove in a 15-year career. Additionally, he hit 23 home runs for the second year in a row, showcasing his offensive capabilities.
Harrison Bader, although the least productive hitter in this group with an 80 OPS+ since the start of 2022, has made a name for himself with his defensive skills. His 68 OAA as 2018 ranks second among center fielders, trailing only the now-retired Kevin Kiermaier. Last season, he recorded 10 OAA while patrolling center field for the Mets, solidifying his reputation as a defensive standout.
While these players have made notable contributions to the game, it’s important to acknowledge the challenges faced by some of the sport’s legends. Scherzer, Verlander, and Kershaw, all future Hall of Famers, have struggled with injuries in recent seasons. At this stage in their careers, it’s uncertain whether they can remain healthy for a full season. The trio combined for just 33 starts in 2024,a testament to the toll that age and injuries can take on even the most talented athletes.
As the new season approaches, fans and teams alike will be eagerly watching these players, hoping to witness their continued success and contributions to the game. whether it’s on the mound, in the field, or at the plate, these athletes have proven themselves to be among the best in the league.
As the baseball season progresses, fans and analysts alike are keeping a close eye on the performance of some of the game’s most celebrated players. While many are still delivering top-notch performances, a few have experienced a noticeable dip in their stats. Among them is the 2022 National League Most Valuable Player (MVP) award winner,who has seen a significant decline in his performance over the past two years.
Onc a dominant force at first base, the MVP’s 2024 season saw him finish with a .716 OPS in 154 games, a far cry from his MVP-winning numbers. His home run count also dropped to 22, a stark contrast to the impressive figures he once boasted. However, as the saying goes, “a legend is not defined by a single season,” and the same can be said for this baseball icon.
Despite the challenges he has faced, the first baseman’s storied career and track record suggest that a rebound is not out of the question. Legends have a way of rising to the occasion, and this player is no exception. As the season unfolds, fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see if he can recapture the magic that once made him the envy of the league.
While the first baseman’s struggles have been well-documented, it’s important to remember that even the greatest athletes face setbacks. What sets them apart is their ability to overcome adversity and return to form. As the season progresses, the baseball world will be watching to see if this player can once again prove why he’s considered one of the game’s all-time greats.
For now, the focus remains on the diamond, where every pitch, hit, and play holds the potential to rewrite the narrative. The first baseman’s journey this season serves as a reminder that in sports,as in life,the path to success is rarely a straight line. It’s the ability to persevere through challenges that truly defines a champion.
As the baseball season continues, fans across the nation will be tuning in to see if this once-dominant player can rise to the occasion and reclaim his place among the game’s elite. Only time will tell if he can overcome the odds and once again become the player he once was.
Hall of Famers, have encountered various obstacles in their careers, particularly as they age. Max Scherzer has battled injuries in recent seasons, which have impacted his availability and consistency. likewise, Justin Verlander returned from Tommy John surgery to have a strong season, showing flashes of his former dominance but facing the certain wear and tear that comes with years in the league.
Clayton Kershaw, the stalwart lefty, remains a force on the mound, but his health has been a persistent concern. despite these challenges, all three pitchers continue to mentor younger players and contribute leadership to their respective teams. Their experiences underscore the evolving nature of performance and the importance of adaptability in a sport that rewards longevity and resilience.
As we head into the new season, excitement is building around emerging talents and seasoned veterans alike. With a mix of new faces and familiar names, fans can expect thrilling matchups and unexpected storylines as teams strive for success. Whether it’s a breakout performance or a veteran’s resurgence, baseball remains a game of surprises, where every season brings the potential for greatness.
