The Major League Baseball offseason is underway, and teams have already started making moves. The Boston Red Sox have traded for Sonny Gray, and Dylan Cease signed with the Toronto Blue Jays. However, there are plenty of elite players still on the open market. Here are predictions for some of the best remaining free agents.
Kyle Schwarber – The Philadelphia Phillies have watched Kyle Schwarber do nothing but produce for their team. He is one of the best home run hitters in baseball and beloved by Phillies fans. There may be concerns about paying him at this age, but he should still have over of suitors. The Phillies seem like the favorites to land him as both the organization and Schwarber are interested in continuing their partnership. Prediction: Schwarber re-signs with Philadelphia Phillies
Munetaka Murakami – The New York Yankees lost Juan Soto to free agency last offseason, and a part of their plan to replace his production was signing Paul Goldschmidt. However, Goldschmidt is a free agent once again, and the Yankees are not expected to re-sign him. Ben Rice is the heir apparent at first base, but the Yankees could sign Murakami to play first base and move Rice to catcher full-time. They could also try to trade Ryan McMahon and play Murakami at third base. Murakami made his NPB debut for the Yakult Swallows in 2018 at just 18 years old. The 25-year-old now has 246 home runs in his NPB career, and has a .270/.394/.550 slash line in eight seasons. Prediction: Murakami signs with the New York Yankees.
Bo Bichette – Bichette had a great season this year, bouncing back from a subpar 2024. He was a huge reason for the Blue Jays’ success, but there are concerns about his future at shortstop. He is one of the worst defensive shortstops in baseball, posting minus-33 outs above average at shortstop since making his debut. He has made it known he wants to stay in Toronto, and the Blue Jays would be wise to keep him and have him swap spots with Andrés Giménez defensively. Prediction: Bichette re-signs with Blue Jays to play second base.
Pete Alonso – Alonso is the New York Mets’ franchise home run leader and is beloved by Mets fans. However, David Stearns noted he wants to improve the Mets’ defense, and paying Alonso is not the way to do that. Alonso has a minus-34 outs above average at first base since making his debut. Meanwhile, the Red Sox simply need more power in their lineup. Triston Casas suffered a season-ending injury last season, but he was not playing well before that. Alonso could take over at first base, and his agent, Scott Boras, has noted he is open to playing more designated hitter moving forward as well. He could slot in there if the Red Sox still want to give Casas opportunities at first base. Prediction: Alonso leaves New York and signs with the Boston Red Sox.
Kyle Tucker – Kyle Tucker is the top free agent in this year’s class. He had a down year for the Chicago Cubs, but was still named an All-Star. His next deal could reach upwards of $400 million, and the number of teams that can actually pay him is limited. He is a four-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger and could return to dominance on a new team. He battled through a hand injury in the second half, and his splits indicate that Wrigley Field held him back. On the road, he had a .923 OPS and hit 15 of his 23 home runs. At home, he had a .747 OPS. He has 134 home runs since the start of 2020 and would be a great long-term addition to the Yankees. Prediction: Tucker signs with the Yankees.
Tatsuya Imai – The Red Sox already added to their rotation by trading for Gray. However, Craig Breslow left the door open for another pitching addition. Imai recently told Daisuke Matsuzaka on the show “Hodo Station” that he does not want to join Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Rõki Sasaki on the Dodgers, increasing the Red Sox’s odds of landing him. He, however, also said he does not want to join a team with any Japanese players. The Red Sox have Masataka Yoshida, but he is a trade candidate. Imai had a 1.92 ERA in 163 2/3 innings of work last season. Pairing him with Garrett Crochet and Gray could be great for the Red Sox. Prediction: Imai signs with the Red Sox.
Ranger Suárez – The New York Mets starting rotation is a mess and the team needs to add multiple starting pitchers this offseason. Suárez was an All-Star in 2024, but had an even better ERA last season. He could be a great addition to a Mets rotation in desperate need of arms. The Mets have young pitchers, but Suárez is a proven star. Stealing him from the Philadelphia Phillies would be icing on the cake. Prediction: Suárez signs with the Mets.
Framber Valdez – Signing one pitcher will not be enough for the Mets. While Suárez is a great start, Valdez is a true ace. The Houston Astros did not approach Valdez with extension talks last offseason, indicating that a divorce was near. Valdez is one of the best pitchers in baseball. He is a two-time All-Star and has a 3.20 ERA since 2021 and would be an elite addition to the Mets. Prediction: Valdez joins Suárez and signs with Mets.
Ha-Seong Kim – The Milwaukee Brewers exceeded everyone’s expectations last season when they won more games than any team in baseball. They reached the National League Championship Series, but their offense had some holes. Joey Ortiz struggled offensively but played great defense all year. Kim is a great defender, which is something the Brewers value, and would be an upgrade over Ortiz at the plate. He brings defensive versatility and was a solid hitter for the Braves last season. Most importantly he would fit into the Brewers budget. Prediction: Kim signs with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Alex Bregman – Alex Bregman’s impact on the Red Sox went beyond his stats. He was praised as a mentor for the young players on the team. He opted out of his three-year, $120 million deal last offseason and is one of the best hitters on the market. The Detroit Tigers could also pursue Bregman again, but the Red Sox should be willing to pay and keep Bregman in their lineup and clubhouse. Prediction: Re-signs with Boston.
Eugenio Suárez – Suárez was the most sought after free agent at last year’s trade deadline. His numbers declined after joining the Mariners. He had a career year, being named an All-Star for the second time in his career. The Detroit Tigers could use an upgrade in the infield, and Suárez could agree to a short-term deal to build on his strong season. Prediction: Suárez signs with the Detroit Tigers.
Cody Bellinger – Bellinger is not the player he was when he won MVP with the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, he is still a great player and was a major reason the Yankees were as good as they were. He hit 29 home runs last season, the most he has had in a season since his MVP season. The Yankees have noted they want him back, but if they land Kyle Tucker, Bellinger suddenly becomes less of a priority for the Yankees. Meanwhile, the Mets need outfield help an Bellinger would slot in great next to Juan Soto. Prediction: Bellinger goes to Queens and signs with the Mets.
Devin Williams – Last offseason, the Brewers traded Devin Williams thinking there was no chance they could afford him on the open market this year. However, he had the worst year of his career and needs to establish value. Some team could try to sign him to a deal with an opt out, but Williams did not look like himself this year. A one-year deal with the Brewers, to get back on track and hopefully rest the market again next winter makes sense. Prediction: Williams heads back to Milwaukee and signs with the Brewers.
Robert Suárez – Last offseason, the Los Angeles Dodgers signed Tanner Scott away from the San Diego Padres. However, the move backfired, as Scott was not the elite closer the Dodgers hoped for. He struggled and the Dodgers tuned to Rōki Sasaki as the closer in the postseason. However, Sasaki figures to rejoin the rotation next season. Suárez has 79 saves in the last two years and would be a great addition to the Dodgers bullpen. If Scott can find his best form again, he and Suárez could be a great duo. Prediction: Robert Suárez signs with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Kazuma Okamoto – The Mariners traded for Eugenio Suárez last season, but he is not a free agent looking to cash in. He did not play great in Seattle and Okamoto could be an upgrade at third base over the veteran. He has 248 career home runs and would bring serious power to the lineup. Though, T-Mobile Park favors pitchers, it’s not a terrible place for right-handed pull-power hitters. Prediction: Okamoto signs with the Seattle Mariners.
Edwin Díaz – Díaz opted out of his deal after winning his third Reliever of the Year Award. The superstar closer reportedly wants a $100 million deal, immediately limiting his suitors. While he has mentioned he is willing to leave the Mets to make it happen, the Mets cannot afford to lose their best bullpen arm. Steve Cohen should pay up in this case and keep Díaz in Queens. Prediction: Diaz re-signs with the Mets.
Michael King – King was in All-Star in 2024, his first year as a starter. He dealt with injuries last season and is now one of the more intriguing options on the open market. The Orioles had a disappointing season and could be looking for fresh arms in their rotation. After losing Corbin Burnes, they never found a replacement. King could be a great starter for them as they look to get back into the postseason. Prediction: King signs with Baltimore Orioles
Photo: Could Pete Alonso leave the New York Mets this offseason? (Photo: Associated Press)
