PENNSYLVANIA, USA — The hot stove is heating up as MLB's Free Agency market takes shape.
Each year, five days after the completion of the World Series, qualifying players enter MLB's free agent market and have the ability to sign with any of the clubs that offer them a deal.
The concept of free agency was meant as a means of competitive balance for the sport, but for the fans, it has become a rite of passage and something that baseball diehards look forward to each winter, when there are no games to pass the time.
Every year after free agency opens, MLBTradeRumors, a website that covers and compiles coverage of Major League Baseball's teams and their transactions, releases its annual Top 50 Free Agent Prediction List.
In recent years, with the list's growth in popularity, the baseball website turned predicting the top free agents' destinations into a contest, with winners able to take home bragging rights.
As such, here is our FOX43 Sports entry to the MLBTradeRumors Top 50 Free Agent Prediction List contest:
1. Juan Soto: Fourteen years, $700M - New York Mets
The prize of this year's free agent class is the 26-year-old Soto who is looking for what would likely be the final contract of his Major League career and a historic payout.
The goal appears to be beating Shohei Ohtani's contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, but in current day value, and I believe the Mets will ante up to bring in a potential Hall-of-Famer to finish his career at Citi Field alongside star shortstop Francisco Lindor.
Jacob's Pick: New York Yankees
I think Soto's asking price is going to be too much for most of the teams that desperately want him. He was the best offensive player for the Yankees, especially in crunch time during the playoffs, and without him, the Yankees will struggle to get back to the World Series. Keeping Soto in the Bronx should be their number one priority this off-season.
2. Corbin Burnes: Seven years, $200M - Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox have long needed an ace atop their pitching staff.
With Burnes being the top arm on the market, he will cost a pretty penny and a heavy commitment in years, but he is just what this team needs to take a step towards contention.
Jacob's Pick: New York Mets
His strikeout numbers have dropped a little, but he's one of the best (if not the best) pitcher available this year. The Mets have two arms heading to free agency, and they likely won't re-sign both. Enter Corbin Burnes, who can bolster the Mets' rotation and keep them as contenders against the Braves and Phillies in the NL East.
3. Alex Bregman: Six years, $160M - Houston Astros
I think Bregman's first trip to free agency ends up right back where he started, with the Astros.
Ultimately, the fit still remains between the team and player, and Bregman could finish his career in Houston.
Despite the team's early playoff exit, the Astros would still be considered a contender if they were able to keep Bregman in the fold.
Jacob's Pick: Philadelphia Phillies
I didn't think the Phillies would pull the trigger on a guy like Bregman, until rumors of putting Alec Bohm on the trade block surfaced this week. Although Bohm had a career year, if his attitude is an issue for the front office, I wouldn't want to keep him around either. Bregman is a great replacement, bringing in more power and some pretty solid defense in the hot corner for another World Series push.
4. Blake Snell: Five years, $150M - New York Yankees
After reportedly having interest in adding Snell last offseason, I believe the Yankees find a way to get a deal done for 2025 and beyond.
Snell with New York righthander Gerrit Cole would immediately give the Yankees one of the top 1-2 punches in baseball.
A year after the team made the World Series, making this type of splash and power move could keep the team in contention next season.
Jacob's Pick: San Diego Padres
I don't have Snell going very far in free agency, just across the state coast. The Padres could use another reliable arm in the rotation, and he's exactly what they're looking for.
5. Willy Adames: Six years, $160M - San Francisco Giants
The Giants have needed to add a star for several years, and are still reeling after failed attempts to sign Aaron Judge and Carlos Correa in past off seasons.
While Adames is not a player of their caliber, he is a solid, everyday shortstop that should be able to provide a stabilizing presence in the middle of the diamond and batting order.
Jacob's Pick: San Francisco Giants
The Giants are on the search for a shortstop, and they have their man in Adames. While his defense slipped a bit in '24, I think he'll rebound in San Fran. Plus, he reached a new high in RBIs last year and has plenty of speed on the basepath.
6. Max Fried: Six years, $160M - Chicago Cubs
I think Fried is probably too pricey for the Atlanta Braves to re-sign at this point.
The Cubs are still seeking a true ace for their rotation, and added another former Braves star in Dansby Swanson just a couple off seasons ago.
I believe the need and comfortability with a former teammate making the same move could see Fried land in the Windy City.
Jacob's Pick: Chicago Cubs
The luxury tax is going to be a thorn in the side of the Braves. They would love to re-sign Fried (and he wants to stay!), but I don't see them putting pen to paper. Instead, the Cubs come calling. Chicago has been paying players like they're printing money at Wrigley, and they'll be ready to splurge and bring another strong arm into the rotation.
7. Pete Alonso: Five years, $130M - New York Mets
Can you really picture Alonso in another uniform?
I think even after adding Soto, the Mets would seek to retain Alonso to create a top of the batting order that would rival even that of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
With Steve Cohen's deep pockets, I don't see Alonso donning another uniform.
Jacob's Pick: Detroit Tigers
I know some might like him heading to a division rival like the Nationals, but I think the Polar Bear heads to the Tigers. That gives them the opportunity to move on from Spencer Torkelson and trade him away from some more pieces.
8. Jack Flaherty: Five years, $125M - Los Angeles Angels
The Angels have to make a splash in Mike Trout's remaining years, right?
I think the team has to overpay to bring in Flaherty based off his past few seasons, but if he is closer to the 2024 version, the Angels would land the new ace of their staff.
Jacob's Pick: Los Angeles Dodgers
Flaherty will likely struggle to land a giant deal because of his injury history. That's what kept the Yankees from picking him up at the trade deadline last year, eventually landing in LA. He'll stay there after this year, as the Dodgers have the money to burn and want to run it back in '25.
9. Anthony Santander: Four years, $80M - Seattle Mariners
Seattle is in desperate need of a power bat in the middle of their lineup, and could slot a player in either outfield corner.
The fit is there to add Santander as protection for outfielder Julio Rodriguez, but the question is if ownership will open their pockets enough.
I think adding the fourth year gets the deal done for Seattle.
Jacob's Pick: Cleveland Guardians
The Guardians have a good roster to reach the postseason, but adding another piece could help them get back to the ALCS or even the World Series. Santander in the outfield would be a nice upgrade for them, fresh off of his first All-Star appearance.
10. Sean Manaea: Three years, $60M - New York Mets
After a mechanical change down the stretch, Manaea pitched like a top of the rotation arm until his playoff exit.
I believe the Mets were pleased with Manaea's fit, especially with some tough lefty bats in the division, and the team will need to add starting pitching this offseason.
I think the Mets and Manaea are a match to continue their partnership.
Jacob's Pick: New York Mets
I think there's a good chance Manaea finishes his career in Queens. He put up solid numbers for the Mets through last season, and with a few starters up for free agency, they'll have to make an effort to bring back at least one for the future.
11. Teoscar Hernandez: Three years, $60M - Los Angeles Dodgers
I think it's safe to say that Hernandez loved his season with Los Angeles, and the Dodgers loved having him in the middle of their order.
Without a ready made replacement from the minor league system, I think the Dodgers will look to continue their time with Hernandez, and ultimately reach a new deal.
Jacob's Pick: Los Angeles Dodgers
Essentially on a "prove it" deal, he did that and more in LA, coming home with a World Series ring. Now, he will come out of free agency with a big chunk of change and stay with the Dodgers to try and pick up another ring.
12. Yusei Kikuchi: Three years, $50M - New York Yankees
Kikuchi is an analytical darling, even if some of the on-field results have lacked throughout his career.
With money to spend after letting Soto walk to the Mets, I think the Yankees will double down in the rotation, ultimately creating one of the league's deepest starting pitching staffs heading into 2025.
Jacob's Pick: Detroit Tigers
The Tigers could use an experienced arm in their rotation, and Kikuchi could fill that hole. He's stayed relatively healthy, and despite a rough start in Toronto last year, he settled down once he was traded to Houston. If the Houston version of Kikuchi makes the trip to Michigan, Detroit will not regret the decision.
13. Christian Walker: Three years, $50M - Detroit Tigers
The Tigers have tried and tried again with first baseman Spencer Torkelson.
While he helped Detroit to playoff success in 2024, I believe the team will seek some guaranteed consistency, in Walker.
It's possible Torkelson slots in at DH, a corner outfield spot or even as a trade piece, but I believe Walker is the type of bat Detroit is seeking for the middle of their order.
Jacob's Pick: New York Yankees
After being burned by bad defense in the World Series, I think this is an obvious choice for the Yankees. Yes, you're going to burn a lot of money in Juan Soto, but letting Rizzo walk gives you a prime opportunity at first base with Walker. He's bringing three-straight Golden Gloves into free agency, and he can produce solid numbers in the batter's box.
14. Tanner Scott: Four years, $55M - New York Mets
In the same vein of the Mets re-signing Sean Manaea, I think the team continues their offseason splurge to bring in the top reliever in the lefthander Scott.
New York faces quite a few strong lefty bats throughout the National League East division, so having one of the best lefthanded arms to combat that along with closer Edwin Diaz would create a formidable Mets bullpen.
Jacob's Pick: Texas Rangers
The Ranger bullpen was a disappointment, fresh off of the '23 World Series run. It wasn't the only reason they missed the playoffs, but it didn't help. Scott is the best closer available this free agency, and I think the Rangers will take a big swing at landing him to try and stop the bleeding.
15. Luis Severino: Three years, $45M - San Diego Padres
The Padres will be looking to add to their rotation after seeing the injury bug bite the team in 2024, and with righty Joe Musgrove set to miss the 2025 season.
Severino had a bounce back year with the Mets in 2024, and I believe he parlays that into a deal with the Padres, who have a similar home ballpark to the one he had success with in New York.
Jacob's Pick: Los Angeles Angels
After battling back from some injury-plagued seasons, Severino got through 2024 with decent numbers for the Mets. Although not where he was before catching the injury bug, he has the potential to help out a struggling team. Like, say, the Angels, who need a lot of help to turn the team around. Severino would be a good first step, bringing a quality pitcher into the rotation.
16. Jurickson Profar: Three years, $40M - San Diego Padres
Profar has had the best seasons of his career with the Padres, and has struggled nearly everywhere else he's played.
San Diego has enjoyed the best seasons of Profar's career, including an All-Star game appearance in 2024.
I believe the fit remains on a modest deal by today's free agent standards.
Jacob's Pick: San Diego Padres
The Padres have plenty of free agents this year; some within their budget, others are a bit of a long shot. I think Profar is more of a "need" than a "want" for San Diego. He's a reliable batter, and gives you plenty of options defensively. He might be their biggest cash-grab this free agency, but it would be worth it.
17. Nathan Eovaldi: Two years, $45M - Atlanta Braves
After taking his playoff heroics to Texas and winning a ring with the Rangers, I think Eovaldi's next stop is Atlanta with the Braves.
I project the team to lose Max Fried in free agency, but Eovaldi may be much closer to Atlanta's price range, while still providing the team an experience arm for the top of their rotation.
Eovaldi will be looking to sign with a contender, and the fit with Atlanta could be there this offseason.
Jacob's Pick: Philadelphia Phillies
I've been begging for the Phillies to add another starter to the rotation since the '24 season began. With prospect Andrew Painter still recovering from Tommy John surgery, he won't be ready for the big leagues for a while. Taijuan Walker proved he's not the guy. Spencer Turnbull, signed as a reliever, briefly took over as a starter until injuries sidelined him for the rest of the year. I think Eovaldi is a solid option, and perhaps the best affordable option for the Phillies, without sacrificing too much quality.
18. Jeff Hoffman: Three years, $40M - Philadelphia Phillies
Hoffman had the best years of his career with Philadelphia over the past two seasons.
There is rumor that he wants to return to the starting rotation where he began his career, however, I believe he realizes his best fit and where he had the most success was in the bullpen in Philadelphia, and will want to make a return to be one of the Phillies endgame options.
Jacob's Pick: Philadelphia Phillies
Jeff Hoffman didn't have a stellar end to the postseason that he would've wanted in Philly. But after a tremendous regular season, he proved his worth for the Fightin's and I don't expect the front office to let him get away. If he can get back into his groove from the regular season, the bullpen will once again be an elite force for the rest of the NL to handle.
19. Tyler O’Neill: Three years, $40M - Kansas City Royals
The Royals had one of the worst hitting outfields in all of MLB in 2024.
O'Neill hit 31 HR's for Boston last season, and could be the power bat Kansas City is looking to add in the middle of their order.
Additionally, he shouldn't break the bank, making him a fit for a mid-market team like the Royals.
Jacob's Pick: Philadelphia Phillies
You know what, if the Phillies want to sling some cash around this year, why not toss some to Tyler O'Neill? Their outfield disappointed at the plate for most of the year, outside of Nick Castellanos. Brandon Marsh struggled against lefties, and Johan Rojas never really got into a consistent groove. O'Neill brings a better % against lefties, plus some more gold gloves to the outfield.
20. Gleyber Torres: Two years, $30M - Toronto Blue Jays
The Blue Jays went into 2024 without a true starter at second base, and without a clear path as a team forward, I think a player on a shorter term deal makes sense for Toronto.
Torres could slot in at second base, and potentially bat leadoff for the Blue Jays.
Jacob's Pick: Toronto Blue Jays
Torres struggled offensively in '24, which means a ton of dough may not get thrown his way. I think the Blue Jays could really use him, with great defense and a bat that can produce. It might be a "prove it" deal, but I think a change of scenery could help him get back to his best form.
21. Clay Holmes: Three years, $35M - Philadelphia Phillies
Even after re-signing Jeff Hoffman, I believe the Phillies will seek to add an additional late game option after seeing the bullpen falter during the past two postseasons.
While Holmes wasn't at his best throughout all of 2024, he has been one of the most consistent relievers in baseball over the past three years.
I believe he would get the majority of the save opportunities in Philadelphia.
Jacob's Pick: Baltimore Orioles
Boy, do the O's need some bullpen help. Last year, they worked with Craig Kimbrel (that didn't go well), traded with the Phillies for Greg Soto and Seranthony Dominguez (that also didn't work out well), and ended with a bullpen that struggled to keep a lead. Clay Holmes can be a breath of fresh air and turn the bullpen around, despite also struggling to close up shop in the Bronx.
22. Carlos Estevez: Three years, $30M - Boston Red Sox
The closer carousel continues to turn as I believe Estevez will leave the Phillies and sign with the Red Sox, replacing the departed Kenley Jansen.
I believe Boston will want to add a veteran arm to their bullpen, and Estevez could be a closer for them while also not breaking the bank.
Jacob's Pick: Philadelphia Phillies
No way the Phillies re-sign both Estevez and Hoffman, right? I think there's a good possibility. Estevez is a must-have in my opinion, since Alvarado had a pretty rough year on the mound. They need a solid closer, and I think Estevez is that guy.
23. Matthew Boyd: Two years, $20M - Cleveland Guardians
Boyd returned from injury to make 8 strong starts down the stretch with Cleveland, a team that is usually cash strapped.
The nearly 34-year-old Boyd won't cost a ton to keep around, and I think that makes him a fit to stay with the Guardians.
Jacob's Pick: Cleveland Guardians
Injuries are a concern for Boyd, but I think the Guardians will give him a "prove it" deal, especially if they let Shane Bieber walk in free agency.
24. Joc Pederson: Two years, $20M - Minnesota Twins
The Twins are in an odd spot as they are cutting payroll in the midst of an ownership change.
However, the team has lost depth in its corner outfield spots over the past few years, and Pederson wouldn't cost a ton to add, and could be a piece to flip at the deadline if Minnesota is out of contention.
I can see the Twins trying to add some cheap punch to the middle of their order.
Jacob's Pick: New York Mets
Joc has essentially become a DH-only player, and he struggles against lefties. That being said, adding Pederson could be a good move for the Mets, giving them another bat to use, when they will likely lose another big bat in Pete Alonso to free agency.
25. Andrew Heaney: Two years, $25M - Baltimore Orioles
The Orioles will be seeking to add options to their rotation for 2025 after an injury marred 2024.
Heaney has had arguably the two best seasons of his career with the Texas Rangers over the past couple of years, and would add a lefty arm to the all-right handed Baltimore rotation.
Additionally, Heaney shouldn't be overly expensive to add for a budget conscious Baltimore club.
Jacob's Pick: Texas Rangers
Stop packing your bags, Andrew, you aren't going anywhere! Last year may not have turned out well in Texas (a 5-14 record doesn't scream "great" to me), but the front office views him as a priority this offseason. If he can keep his ERA under control and get some offensive support behind him I think '25 will be a better year and a success for him.
26. Hyeseong Kim: Three years, $25M - Toronto Blue Jays
Kim will be looking to make the jump to the Major Leagues from Korea in 2025.
It's unclear if the Blue Jays will trade shortstop Bo Bichette, but either way, Kim could slot in as a utility player or an option at short for Toronto.
The Blue Jays are a team with experience in adding international players to the fold, which may be of interest to Kim, as well.
Jacob's Pick: Seattle Mariners
Without a lot of power, it's hard to find a starting spot for Kim on the roster. I like the Mariners here, as he gives them a consistent bat and a solid defender on the infield.
27. Frankie Montas: Two years, $20M - Texas Rangers
The Rangers are another team that was decimated by injuries in its rotation in 2024, and will be seeking to replace some free agent arms.
Montas continued to struggle with injury during his season with the Milwaukee Brewers, but has had past success pitching in the American League West as a member of the Athletics, and would not break the bank to add for the Rangers.
Jacob's Pick: Milwaukee Brewers
Montas is in a similar boat with Heaney, and I think he's staying put. His strikeout rate improved after he was traded from Cincinnati to the Brew Crew, and it's something for him to build on for next year. If he can get his ERA to drop, he'll become a solid option in the rotation.
28. Nick Pivetta: One year, $21.05M - Boston Red Sox
This is an odd one.
Pivetta wasn't expected to receive a qualifying offer, and he may not accept it in search of a longer term deal.
I just don't think Pivetta beats the average annual value of this contract even if it's a one-year deal, and I think that leads him to accept the offer from Boston.
Jacob's Pick: Boston Red Sox
I agree with Cale, this is an odd one. I think he'll struggle to find a better deal than what Boston is offering him, and that will force his hand a little bit here. If he can have a nice year, more teams may be picking up the phone for him after next year.
29. Nick Martinez: One year, $21.05M - Cincinnati Reds
Similarly to Pivetta, Martinez wasn't expected to receive a qualifying offer, and may also be searching for a long term deal.
However, I simply don't think Martinez beats the Reds' offer, and sticks around for another year in Cincinnati.
Jacob's Pick: Cincinnati Reds
Once again, we both agree. Not a lot of star-power on the Reds, outside of the notable shortstop Elly De La Cruz. The Reds have to chart a new path forward, and keeping Martinez around for another year should be a part of that path.
30. Danny Jansen: Two years, $20M - Tampa Bay Rays
Tampa had the worst hitting catching duo in all of baseball in 2024.
While Jansen certainly didn't knock the cover off the ball last year, he has better career numbers and had arguably his worst season.
He should be better in 2024, and the Rays are looking to improve the position.
Jacob's Pick: Chicago Cubs
If the Cubs are serious about returning to the playoffs, Danny Jansen is another guy to target in free agency.. He would be an upgrade behind home plate, even if just a little bit. He didn't get much playing time between Toronto and Boston this past season, so he's probably on the hunt for a team where he could be the everyday starter.
31. Jose Quintana: Two years, $25M - Houston Astros
Quintana continued to pitch quality innings for a contender in 2024, this time for the New York Mets.
I believe a team that struggled with its rotation last season, but is looking to return to prominence, like the Astros, could benefit from this lefty arm.
Quintana and the Astros feel like a perfect match for a team looking to stay a contender.
Jacob's Pick: Chicago White Sox
The White Sox need, well, a lot of different pieces. Despite management coming out and saying the 2024 roster will likely stay similar for 2025, I think they go out and add at least one piece to the starting rotation. Quintana would almost certainly be one of their top pitchers and could help the team rebuild from last year's record-breaking struggle.
32. Michael Conforto: Two years, $18M - Los Angeles Angels
Conforto struggled during his two seasons with the San Francisco Giants, and will be looking for a chance to play consistently.
The Angels will be seeking outfield additions after seeing the team struggle to replace Mike Trout amid his consistent injuries over the past few seasons.
A cheaper reclamation project like Conforto could be a solid fit for an Angels team looking to make the most of its time with Trout still in the fold.
Jacob's Pick: Pittsburgh Pirates
He'll wind up playing more in a DH role than in the outfield, but I like Conforto to the Steel City. Yes, they might be stingy with money, but the Pirates could use another bat in their lineup, and Conforto can deliver above-average results.
33. Max Scherzer: One year, $10M - Philadelphia Phillies
Ultimately, this signing comes down to Phillies President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski having familiarity with Scherzer, fifth starter Taijuan Walker struggling in 2024, and rookie righty Andrew Painter set for a limited workload in 2025.
Scherzer is not the ace he once was, but if he shows flashes of his old form, he could help put the Phillies rotation over the top during the 2025 postseason.
Jacob's Pick: Boston Red Sox
I'm very concerned about Scherzer's longevity, which should be a red flag to any team in contention for him. Yes, he still pitches at a high level, but if it's only for 10 games in a season, is it worth it? I think he lands in Boston, where if Scherzer does find the injury bug, they have the resources to get by without him.
34. A.J. Minter: Two years, $18M - Atlanta Braves
Minter has been a lefthanded relief ace for the Braves over his career, and its hard to picture the team letting him get away with several strong lefty bats in the National League East.
I believe the Braves will re-sign Minter.
Jacob's Pick: Atlanta Braves
Do the Braves dare let a solid relief pitcher get into the hands of division rivals like the Mets or Phillies? I don't think so. I don't have them shelling out a ton of cash, but they'll buck up to re-sign Minter and keep him in the 'pen.
35. Paul Goldschmidt: One year, $12M - Arizona Diamondbacks
Coming off the worst season of his career, I believe Goldschmidt will finish his career out where it began in Arizona.
The 37-year-old will be looking to improve upon 2024, but it could be the final year for the former MVP if he's not able to find his form.
Additionally, the Diamondbacks would benefit from his veteran presence, and potentially, his strong righthanded bat in the middle of their order.
Jacob's Pick: Arizona Diamondbacks
Paul Goldschmidt returns home. The Diamondbacks will most likely need a first baseman with Walker hitting the market, and Goldschmidt is a perfect fit. He brings plenty of experience back to the desert, and could give the D-backs another shot at making a deep playoff push.
36. Kyle Higashioka: Two years, $12M - Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates have struggled with deciding on who will handle catching duties for the club.
It doesn't appear former first overall pick Henry Davis is in consideration as a catcher anymore.
Rookie Endy Rodriguez should make his debut behind the plate for the team in 2025 after missing the 2024 season with injury.
Higashioka had arguably his best season last year with a career high 17 HR's, and could provide a stabilizing veteran presence at the position while Rodriguez gets his footing in the Major Leagues.
Jacob's Pick: San Diego Padres
I think Higashioka stays right where he's at after a great 2024. Maybe he finds more of that success in San Diego in '25 and helps the Padres work toward another playoff run.
37. Walker Buehler: One year, $14M - Los Angeles Dodgers
Even if the team adds Roki Sasaki from Japan, I believe Buehler, a playoff hero for the Dodgers, will be back in the fold.
More than likely, the Dodgers will go with a six-man rotation in 2025, and will see Shohei Ohtani and likely Clayton Kershaw miss the beginning part of the season on the mound.
The team was decimated by injuries in its rotation in 2024, so keeping a veteran option around on a one-year deal is not a negative option for a team looking to win back-to-back World Series titles.
Jacob's Pick: Los Angeles Dodgers
I have yet another pitcher heading to the Dodgers. After battling injuries in the rotation last season, I think the Dodgers load up with as many arms as possible. Some may be flexed to the bullpen as a long reliever, and in the event someone in the rotation gets hurt, you're the next man up. Plus, after playing a crucial role in delivering a World Series to LA, he's hungry to run it back and win another.
38. Kirby Yates: One year, $12M - New York Yankees
After losing Clay Holmes in free agency, I believe the Yankees will look to plug that hole with the veteran Yates.
An All-Star in 2024, Yates had a sterling 1.17 ERA with 33 saves for the Texas Rangers.
While he can't be expected to repeat that performance in 2025, he would still provide New York with a veteran shutdown option at the end of games.
Jacob's Pick: Toronto Blue Jays
The Blue Jays could use another reliable arm on the mound, and they have it with Kirby Yates. He's a steady reliever that can keep the Blue Jays in contention in a tough AL East.
39. Michael Soroka: Two years, $10M - Washington Nationals
Soroka is a rebound candidate looking to find his 2020 form after missing the 2021 & 2022 seasons with injury.
In 2024 with the Chicago White Sox, Soroka went 0-10 with a 4.74 ERA.
I believe Soroka will be seeking a chance to start, and the Nationals will likely be looking to add at least one start to solidify some innings out of its rotation.
Jacob's Pick: Los Angeles Dodgers
Another pitcher going to the Dodgers. Soroka has had his own issues with injuries, but is trying to find his footing. '24 did not go well in Chicago, so joining the reigning-World Series champs could help him get his mojo back.
40. Andrew Kittredge: Two years, $12M - San Francisco Giants
The Giants saw the backend of their bullpen fall apart last season, with closer Camilo Doval even being demoted to the minor leagues at one point.
While Kittredge is more of a solid setup option, it would benefit the Giants to add another veteran to the pen.
Jacob's Pick: Los Angeles Angels
The Angels could use anything to help them turn the team around. Since fairies and four-leaf clovers are out of the mix, why not add Andrew Kittredge to the bullpen? He brings a veteran presence that could help calm things down in Anaheim and lead a turnaround for the franchise.
41. Kyle Gibson: One year, $12M - St. Louis Cardinals
Gibson has expressed wanting to stay in St. Louis, and despite the team headed for a rebuild, the team will need someone to soak up some Major League innings in 2025.
I think Gibson stays a Cardinal.
Jacob's Pick: Toronto Blue Jays
Who needs an experienced and quality arm in the rotation? How about Toronto? There are some solid pitchers already in the mix, but Gibson would be a solid 4 or 5 starter for the Blue Jays.
42. Tommy Kahnle: Two years, $10M - Baltimore Orioles
The Orioles are another team that had bullpen struggles in 2024.
While Kahnle may not be a closing option ideally, he is an experienced setup guy that would add some depth to the Baltimore pen, and help them steal directly from a division rival.
Jacob's Pick: New York Yankees
He had a solid year in the Bronx, and played a role in the World Series run. Now, the Yankees will be strapped for cash after re-signing Soto and potentially making a deal with Walker, but I think they'll keep a little cash around to throw Kahnle's way and keep him in the bullpen.
43. Ha-Seong Kim: One year, $10M - Atlanta Braves
If Kim had not suffered a shoulder injury, he likely sees a long term deal.
However, I think a team like Atlanta, who could use Kim at shortstop or a super utility guy, would benefit from a short term pact with Kim.
Jacob's Pick: San Diego Padres
Similar to Jurickson Profar, Kim is another player the Padres seemingly can't live without. He'll miss part of '25 recovering from a shoulder injury, but his defensive ability is too good to let him go somewhere else. Plus, this isn't a great free agency year for second basemen, and your options on finding a replacement as good or better are limited.
44. Shane Bieber: One year, $15MM - Baltimore Orioles
Bieber lost the 2024 season to injury, but was an ace for the Cleveland Guardians prior to that.
I believe he will have to take a prove it deal, and a team like the Orioles are a perfect fit.
If Bieber regains his form, Baltimore could be gaining a top of the rotation starter.
Jacob's Pick: Baltimore Orioles
He likely won't be ready for the start of the season, which is a concern. Teams won't have much of a barometer as far as how good a shape his arm will be in. That being said, the O's could use some help on the mound. If Bieber can return by summer, that gives Baltimore a solid option to put out there as the playoff push starts to heat up.
45. Justin Verlander: One year, $10M - Houston Astros
I believe Verlander will look to close out his career with the team who gave him a strong second act after his time with the Detroit Tigers.
The Astros are clearly not ready to close the door on contention for this version of the team, so I believe a one-year pact with Verlander makes sense for a team looking to build its rotation depth ahead of 2025.
Jacob's Pick: Boston Red Sox
He's in a similar boat with Scherzer, where I'm worried about his longevity. Once again, I think the Red Sox could use some more help in their rotation. Plus, IF Verlander can pitch at a really high level like he's known for, it's a low-risk, high-reward move.
46. Tomoyuki Sugano: Two years, $20M - San Diego Padres
The 35-year-old Sugano is looking to make a move to the Major Leagues, and I believe will join a team where he has a Japanese teammate that has had a successful transition, and is a contender with a need in the rotation.
A short term deal like this could appeal to a team like the Padres, who may look to add multiple starters this offseason to stack pitching depth.
Jacob's Pick: New York Mets
The Mets are ready to win now, and so is Sugano. I think it's a good match, especially as the Mets will likely lose at least one pitcher to free agency, likely more. He is definitely older, but his age is just a number as long as he can come to Queens and find success.
47. David Robertson: One year, $10M - Detroit Tigers
The Tigers are looking to take the next step as a team, and didn't have a bona fide closer in 2024.
Adding Robertson would allow Detroit to slot its relievers more in roles, and allow them more flexibility for bullpen games with other arms used as openers, if they would so choose.
Jacob's Pick: Washington Nationals
The Nationals are a young, young team. They improved their win percentage by quite a bit from '23 to '24, and there could be even stronger in '25. Why not bring in an experienced reliever to try and rub off on the younger talent? I think that's the role the Nationals will want David Robertson to take, while trying to bring them closer to the top dogs in the NL East.
48. Shinnosuke Ogasawara: Two years, $15M - Boston Red Sox
Ogasawara is looking to make the jump to the Major Leagues, and the Red Sox have a history of making international players make that leap.
Additionally, the team has a need in the rotation, and could have interest in adding a left option in Ogasawara.
I believe there is a fit with the Red Sox.
Jacob's Pick: Boston Red Sox
We both agree, Red Sox are a perfect place for Ogasawara. I have several pitchers going to the Red Sox, but I think this is a pitcher they will regret not jumping on. Plus, they're in need of a lefty starter, and he would be an excellent fit.
49. Harrison Bader: One year, $8M - Kansas City Royals
I think Kansas City will look to add multiple outfielders after having one of the worst hitting groups in 2024.
While Bader won't provide the world with his bat, he is a solid defensive centerfielder that could track down balls in a spacious Kauffman Stadium.
Jacob's Pick: Miami Marlins
Let's show the Marlins some love here. After the playoff appearance in '23, they fell off hard and are looking for a bounce-back. I think Bader makes the trip to Miami to try and turn around a struggling squad.
50. Spencer Turnbull: One year, $5M - Milwaukee Brewers
Turnbull began the 2024 season as one of the best pitchers in baseball before again being bitten by the injury bug.
The Brewers are a team used to taking reclamation projects and succeeding with those pitchers in their rotation, and Turnbull could be next in a long line of Milwaukee finds.
Jacob's Pick: Cincinnati Reds
I have Turnbull heading to the Reds, since he can do a little bit of everything for them. If they need him to be a starting pitcher, he's ready to go. If they need a long reliever from the bullpen, sign him up. My only concern is injuries, after missing a big chunk of 2024 in Philadelphia following a good start.