It felt like the first domino in a chain reaction when Juan Soto signed his record-shattering deal with the Mets during the Winter Meetings. With many free agents signing deals, where will the best free agents left on the market end up?
The expectation around the league was clear: Soto’s contract would set the market, opening the floodgates for other top-tier free agents to finalize their destinations before everyone packed up for the holidays.
It was supposed to be a fast and furious stretch of signings, but, as is often the case in Major League Baseball, the reality didn’t match the projections.
Players Off The Market Since Soto’s Deal
We’ve seen plenty of big names come off the board since Soto’s deal. Players like Max Fried, Corbin Burnes, Nathan Eovaldi, Sean Manaea, Walker Buehler, Teoscar Hernández, Christian Walker, Gleyber Torres, Paul Goldschmidt, and Carlos Santana all secured new homes before the calendar flipped to 2025.
Within less than six weeks until pitchers and catchers report, several major free agents remain unsigned. This leaves fans and analysts speculating about where these impact players might land.
1. Alex Bregman: Still Searching for a Fit
Heading into the offseason, Alex Bregman was one of the most intriguing free agents on the market.
A two-time All-Star and former MVP candidate, Bregman figured to attract plenty of interest, particularly from contenders like the Astros and Yankees. However, both teams appear to have moved in different directions.
Houston’s infield looks set with the addition of Isaac Paredes in the Kyle Tucker trade, and the Yankees are locked in at first base with Goldschmidt while keeping third base open, assuming Jazz Chisholm Jr. shifts back to second.
However, New York seems hesitant to offer another nine-figure deal, especially after already paying Fried, who rejected a qualifying offer.
Detroit Tiger’s Interest In Bregman
The Tigers initially looked like a dark-horse candidate, given Bregman’s history with manager A.J. Hinch and Detroit’s need for a reliable right-handed bat.
However, after signing Gleyber Torres to handle second base, the Tigers have yet to make a serious push for Bregman.
The Mets and Phillies May Make a Push
Then there’s the Mets. With owner Steve Cohen’s willingness to spend, it’s hard to rule them out for any major free agent.
Bregman could slide in at third base, pushing Mark Vientos to first, though their pursuit might depend on Pete Alonso’s future.
Meanwhile, the Phillies have also been mentioned as a potential landing spot, but signing Bregman would require moving Alec Bohm, who remains with the team despite weeks of trade rumors.
Is the Red Sox the Obvious Option?
Perhaps the most logical suitor left is the Red Sox. Boston has bolstered its rotation with Walker Buehler and added Garrett Crochet via trade, but they’re still searching for a big bat.
If Triston Casas is traded and Rafael Devers moves to first base, Bregman could fill a glaring need at second base. For now, his market remains cloudy.
2. Pete Alonso: The Home Run King Awaits
Alonso is the most dangerous home run hitter on the market. Yet, he has seen a surprisingly quiet offseason.
Teams in need of first-base help, like the Astros, Yankees, and Guardians, filled their gaps quickly, leaving Alonso’s options limited.
The Mets are widely viewed as the frontrunners to re-sign him. With many insiders predicting a deal that includes opt-out clauses after the first or second year, Alonso would be given flexibility to test free agency again soon.
Pete Alonso’s Other Suitors
Still, the Giants and Blue Jays are two other teams to watch closely. San Francisco has been aggressive this offseason, signing Willy Adames and extending Matt Chapman.
Adding Alonso would give their lineup a massive boost as they try to keep pace in a competitive NL West.
The Blue Jays, on the other hand, could pair Alonso with Vladimir Guerrero Jr., creating a powerful first base/DH combo while hedging their bets in case Guerrero departs as a free agent next year.
3. Jack Flaherty: Best Arm Left on the Board
With most of the top pitching talent snapped up, Jack Flaherty now sits as the best available arm in free agency. The Orioles make a lot of sense for a reunion after losing their ace, Corbin Burnes, to the Diamondbacks.
Flaherty’s stint with Baltimore in 2023 was rocky, but his rebound in 2024 has made him an attractive option for teams needing a frontline starter.
Other Teams Interested Outside the Orioles
If Baltimore doesn’t move quickly, other suitors like the Giants, Blue Jays, Tigers, and Cubs could swoop in. The Orioles may be hesitant after signing the Braves veteran pitcher Charlie Morton.
While teams like the Padres and Mariners may explore the trade market for arms like Dylan Cease or Luis Castillo, Flaherty’s availability makes him an appealing—and less costly—alternative.
4. Anthony Santander: Power Bat Waiting for a Call
After slugging 44 home runs last season, Anthony Santander seemed poised to be one of the most sought-after free agents. Yet, his market hasn’t materialized as expected.
The Blue Jays remain the most obvious fit, needing another big bat to bolster their lineup during a critical 2025 campaign. With Guerrero, Bo Bichette, and Chris Bassitt all set to become free agents after the season, Toronto is in win-now mode.
Other Teams Eyeing Santander
Beyond the Jays, teams like the Red Sox, Yankees, Angels, and Tigers could also use Santander’s power.
He’s reportedly seeking a five-year, $100 million deal, which seems reasonable for a 30-year-old switch-hitter with proven production.
His defense might be below average, but his bat could be a difference-maker for any team in contention.
5. Roki Sasaki: The International Wild Card of Free Agents
Perhaps the most intriguing free agent of the offseason, Roki Sasaki, has teams across MLB on edge as the clock ticks toward his January 23 signing deadline.
The young Japanese phenom, known for his electrifying stuff, doesn’t come with the same financial barriers as other top international players.
This makes him a viable option for every team due to the restrictions of the international bonus pool.
Frontrunners In Sasaki Sweepstakes
Sasaki has already met with several clubs, including the Dodgers, Padres, Cubs, Yankees, Mets, Rangers, and Giants. The Dodgers and Padres are viewed as frontrunners. Still, the financial structure of Sasaki’s deal ensures that any team could make a serious play.
He isn’t expected to sign until after the international signing period begins on January 15, giving clubs the chance to leverage their full bonus pool. Wherever he lands, Sasaki has the potential to be a franchise-changing talent.
The Offseason Moves On With Limited Free Agents Left
While plenty of major deals have been inked, these remaining free agents ensure the MLB offseason is far from over.
Whether it’s Bregman finding the right fit, Alonso staying in New York or heading west, or Sasaki choosing his next chapter, the next few weeks will bring more twists and turns. Stay tuned because this story isn’t finished yet!
