The Mets have signed Juan Soto to a groundbreaking deal of $765 million, the Yankees have secured Max Fried with a $218 million contract, and the Diamondbacks have once again surprised the baseball world by adding ace Corbin Burnes on a $210 million deal.
Despite this, there are still several teams, including the Royals, Twins, Padres, Mariners, and Cardinals, that have not made any moves in free agency. However, this may change soon, as the free-agent market still boasts considerable talent. Where will these players end up signing?
Here are the top 15 remaining free agents along with my predictions for their landing spots.
(WAR as per Baseball Reference. All statistics are from the 2024 season unless specified otherwise.)
1. Roki Sasaki, RHP
Age: 23
WAR: N/A
ERA: 2.35 IP: 111 SO: 129 (NPB stats)
Agent: Wasserman
Seven teams have reportedly met with Sasaki and his agent, Joel Wolfe of Wasserman, in Los Angeles. These teams include the Dodgers, Padres, Cubs, Yankees, Mets, Rangers, and Giants. While there could be additional teams added to the list, it is likely that Sasaki will sign with one of these seven.
Although many in the industry believe he is headed to the Dodgers, I have a different opinion. I anticipate that endorsement deals with Japanese companies will be crucial for him financially, given his ineligibility for arbitration for three years and free agency for at least six years. Being in Los Angeles would place him in the shadows of Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, potentially limiting his endorsement opportunities. For these reasons, I do not see him joining the Dodgers.
(Sasaki can only be signed through each team’s international bonus pools, which range from approximately $5.1 million to $7.5 million.)
After examining the options, I do not think the Giants or the Cubs are ideal choices for him. That leaves the New York teams and the Padres as potential landing spots. Considering Sasaki’s ties to players like Masahiro Tanaka and Yu Darvish, I predict he will sign with either the Yankees or the Padres.
Prediction: Yankees or Padres
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2. Alex Bregman, 3B
Age: 30
WAR: 4.1
OPS+: 118
Agent: Boras Corporation
Bregman turned down a six-year, $156 million offer from the Astros, prompting them to make other moves. While he could fit well with the Mets or the Mariners, I believe he will find a home with the Red Sox. His leadership and skills could significantly benefit the team.
Prediction: Red Sox
3. Anthony Santander, RF
Age: 30
WAR: 2.9
OPS+: 134
Agent: GSE Worldwide
While the market for Santander has been quiet, there is a lot of talk about the Blue Jays being interested in him. His power would be a valuable addition to their lineup.
Prediction: Blue Jays
4. Pete Alonso, 1B
Age: 30
WAR: 2.6
OPS+: 123
Agent: Boras Corporation
Alonso’s contract negotiations with the Mets have been intense. Despite interest from other teams, I predict he will stay with the Mets due to lack of other feasible options.
Prediction: Mets
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5. Jack Flaherty, RHP
Age: 29
WAR: 3.1
ERA: 3.17 IP: 162 SO: 194
Agent: CAA Sports
Flaherty’s medical reports will play a role in his contract negotiations. I believe he will end up with the Braves, who are in need of a starting pitcher.
Prediction: Braves
6. Tanner Scott, LHP
Age: 30
WAR: 4.0
ERA: 1.75 SV: 22 IP: 72 SO: 84
Agent: MVP Sports Group
Scott is a sought-after closer in the market, and I predict he will join the Red Sox due to their strong interest in left-handed pitchers.
Prediction: Red Sox
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7. Jurickson Profar, LF
Age: 31
WAR: 3.6
OPS+: 134
Agent: MVP Sports Group
Profar could return to the Padres, but likely on a different deal. His versatility and performance make him an attractive option for various teams.
Prediction: Padres
8. Kirby Yates, RHP
Age: 37
WAR: 3.3
ERA: 1.17 SV: 33 IP: 61 2/3 SO: 85
Agent: Beverly Hills Sports Council
I predict Yates will sign with the Diamondbacks, following their aggressive offseason moves.
Prediction: Diamondbacks
9. Ha-Seong Kim, SS
Age: 29
WAR: 2.6
OPS+: 96
Agent: Boras Corporation
Kim may need to take a short-term deal to prove his worth post-surgery. I believe he will find a good fit with the Padres.
Prediction: Padres
10. Carlos Estévez, RHP
Age: 32
WAR: 2.1
ERA: 2.45 SV: 26 IP: 55 SO: 50
Agent: Premier Talent Sports and Entertainment
Estévez will likely wait for the closer market to settle before making his decision. I predict the Cubs will sign him due to their bullpen needs.
Prediction: Cubs
11. Jose Quintana, LHP
Age: 35
WAR: 2.5
ERA: 3.75 IP: 170 1/3 SO: 135
Agent: Wasserman
Quintana’s consistency and experience make him an attractive option for the Royals.
Prediction: Royals
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12. Jeff Hoffman, RHP
Age: 31
WAR: 2.0
ERA: 2.17 SV: 10 IP: 66 1/3 SO: 89
Agent: CAA Sports
Hoffman could find a new home with the Nationals, who are in need of pitching depth.
Prediction: Nationals
13. Nick Pivetta, RHP
Age: 31
WAR: 1.8
ERA: 4.14 IP: 145 2/3 SO: 172
Agent: CAA Sports
Pivetta may end up with the Blue Jays, who are still looking to make additions to their roster.
Prediction: Blue Jays
14. Alex Verdugo, LF
Age: 28
WAR: 0.8
OPS+: 83
Agent: MVP Sports Group
The Padres could be a landing spot for Verdugo if they are unable to re-sign Profar. Otherwise, he may have to accept a role as a fourth outfielder.
Prediction: Padres (if they don’t re-sign Profar)
15. Justin Turner, 1B/DH
Age: 40
WAR: 1.5
OPS+: 114
Agent: Vayner Sports
Turner could provide leadership and experience to the Mariners, Guardians, Pirates, or Diamondbacks.
Prediction: Mariners
(Top photo of Roki Sasaki: The Yomiuri Shimbun via Associated Press)