Major League Baseball’s (MLB) offseason has been a show of financial and strategic suspense, with $2.6 billion already spent across free agency in just 69 days.
The spending frenzy has only deepened the divide between the league’s powerhouses and its perennial stragglers.
Teams like the Mets, Yankees, and Dodgers have opened their wallets wide, while others remain strangely quiet, seemingly content to watch from the sidelines as spring training looms a mere five weeks away.
The result? A free-agent landscape riddled with uncertainty and high-stakes decision-making that could ripple well into the 2025 season.
The Spending Spree and the Frugal Few
The New York Mets have taken center stage, shelling out an eye-watering $918.1 million, with $765 million dedicated to acquiring superstar Juan Soto.
The Mets, Yankees, and Dodgers alone have accounted for nearly $1.45 billion of the offseason’s spending, proving once again that the path to championship contention in modern baseball is paved with big checks.
Contrast that with the six teams—Minnesota Twins, Miami Marlins, Milwaukee Brewers, St. Louis Cardinals, San Diego Padres, and Seattle Mariners—that have yet to spend a single penny.
These clubs, some of which lost key contributors to free agency, have offered little explanation for their inaction, leaving their fans puzzled and their rosters full of gaping holes.
Meanwhile, in the NL Central, the Chicago Cubs’ $43.3 million expenditure stands out simply because it exceeds the combined spending of the division’s other teams.
First Base in Limbo: Pete Alonso’s Dilemma
One of the offseason’s most attention grabbing storylines is that of Pete Alonso. With eight teams showing interest, the slugger remains unsigned, trapped in a first-base market defined by caution and hesitation.
The Mets, having already spent lavishly this winter, are unwilling to meet Alonso’s long-term demands, reportedly balking at any deal that would exceed Freddie Freeman’s six-year, $162 million contract.
Other teams share the hesitation, and Alonso may find himself returning to New York on a short-term, opt-out-heavy deal—far from the mega-contract he envisioned.
The Curious Case of Alex Bregman
Alex Bregman, a two-time World Series champion and perennial All-Star, also navigated a tepid market. The Houston Astros’ six-year, $156 million offer wasn’t enough to keep him, and now teams like the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, and Detroit Tigers are circling.
The Red Sox have shown strong interest, but a crowded infield complicates their pursuit. Meanwhile, armed with vocal support from manager A.J. Hinch, the Tigers could use Bregman to vault themselves into AL Central contention.
The Mets remain an intriguing dark horse, with rumors swirling that they could pivot to Bregman if Alonso opts for free agency.
Rōki Sasaki: The Wild Card
The international free-agent market has its superstar in Rōki Sasaki. He is the Japanese sensation that has MLB executives buzzing. The Dodgers are now facing stiff competition from the Padres even though they were considered the favorite to land Sasaki.
While the Dodgers offer glitz, glamour, and perennial title contention, the Padres present a quieter atmosphere and the chance to play alongside Yu Darvish, a mentor and countryman.
With San Diego’s pitching depth in question, their need for Sasaki may be greater than that of the Dodgers, who would remain World Series contenders even without him.
A Stagnant Reliever Market
Oddly, the market for top-tier relievers has been frozen in time. Big names like Tanner Scott, Kenley Jansen, and David Robertson remain unsigned, victims of a growing belief among teams that bullpen arms are interchangeable commodities.
Only four relievers have signed deals worth more than $10 million, and one of them, Clay Holmes, is being converted into a starter.
Which MLB Teams Are Still in Play?
As arbitration cases briefly slow the market, teams with unfinished business strategize for their final moves.
- Atlanta Braves: Having shed significant payroll, GM Alex Anthopoulos is expected to pull off a creative move, either now or by the trade deadline.
- Seattle Mariners: With one of the league’s best rotations, the Mariners must find a boost for their offense if they hope to stay competitive in the AL West.
- San Diego Padres: Desperately in need of pitching depth, the Padres could make a bold move for Sasaki or other high-profile free agents.
- Baltimore Orioles: Blessed with a young, dynamic offense, the Orioles remain on the hunt for more pitching after narrowly missing out on Corbin Burnes.
- San Francisco Giants: The Giants made big moves early by signing Willy Adames but have since gone quiet. Expect them to push for additional offensive reinforcements as they aim to stay relevant in the hyper-competitive NL West.
The Road Ahead in the MLB
With several unsigned big name free agents and teams jockeying for positions in a highly unpredictable market, the final weeks of the offseason promise to deliver plenty of intrigues.
Whether it’s Alonso finding a home, Bregman’s next chapter, or the resolution of Sasaki’s MLB dreams, the drama is far from over. The clock is ticking, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
