Jul 19, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Baltimore Orioles pitcher Corbin Burnes (39) throws to the plate during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports The Winter Meetings are complete, and with the traditionally quiet time for the holidays ahead, MLB free agency could be set for a burst in activity.
It has been far from a quiet offseason so far, with Juan Soto signing the biggest contract ever in terms of total dollars with the New York Mets. Two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell came to terms on a deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Max Fried joined the New York Yankees.
Yet plenty of desirable items remain on the shelf, no matter your shopping needs.
CORBIN BURNES, RHP
With the Snell and Fried situations settled, Burnes is the most desirable starting pitcher left on the market. A 2.92 ERA in a contract year with the Baltimore Orioles only raised the stakes for Burnes, who is projected to earn more per season than Fried got with his eight-year, $218 million deal. The Blue Jays and Giants have been rumored as primary suitors, with the Red Sox and Orioles also interested.
ANTHONY SANTANDER, OF
Sep 19, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles designated hitter Anthony Santander (25) is greeted by teammates following his game winning two run home run in the ninth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images Another Orioles free agent, along with Burnes, Santander is coming off a career-best 44 home runs and 102 RBIs in his age-29 season. With Soto off to the Mets, the Yankees were believed to be interested before they traded for Cody Bellinger. The Blue Jays, Phillies and Tigers could be in play in a deal that runs more in the four- or five-year range after a nine-year pact had been projected for the veteran of eight seasons who has 155 homers.
ALEX BREGMAN, 3B
Sep 22, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman (2) celebrates after hitting a home run during the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images The Astros have not given up hope of bringing back their two-time All-Star but did acquire Isaac Paredes, making his departure more likely. Red Sox manager Alex Cora knows exactly what Bregman brings to a club from his run as the bench coach in Houston in 2017, but a position change would be in order with a move to Boston. And it can’t be ignored that Tigers manager A.J. Hinch was Bregman’s former skipper in Houston.
JACK FLAHERTY, RHP
Oct 18, 2024; New York City, New York, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Jack Flaherty (0) pitches against the New York Mets during the second inning of game five of the NLCS during the 2024 MLB playoffs at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images After a productive three months helping the Dodgers win a World Series, Flaherty is expected to move on with Shohei Ohtani taking the mound at some point next season and Los Angeles landing Snell. The Red Sox have been a rumored Flaherty destination in the past, and a return to the Orioles is a possibility if Burnes goes elsewhere. Flaherty would seem to need other dominoes to fall before his destination becomes apparent.
PETE ALONSO, 1B
Sep 17, 2024; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (20) watches his two run single against the Washington Nationals during the third inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images A return to the Mets would seem to make the most sense given the fan base’s love for the slugger and the club’s open checkbook. But Soto didn’t come cheap, and even the freest of spenders have their limits. The Yankees were rumored to be interested, although that takes on a different perspective with their acquisition of OF/1B Bellinger. The Mariners and Astros would be a fit, with the Giants possibly interested in a shorter-term deal.
CHRISTIAN WALKER, 1B
Jul 19, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Christian Walker (53) watches his two-run single against the Chicago Cubs during the third inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports Another right-handed power bat at first base, Walker makes sense for everybody who would be interested in Alonso. But maybe the Giants would have the most interest while keeping Walker in the NL West. The Giants would no doubt pay for somebody who could do damage against the Dodgers, and Walker fits that bill with nine of his 26 HRs last season against LA. Could the Pirates, Mariners or Nationals be willing to pay top dollar for a middle-of-the-order slugger?
WALKER BUEHLER, RHP
Oct 24, 2024; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Walker Buehler (21) during the team workout prior to game one of the World Series against the New York Yankees at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images Last seen coming out of the bullpen to clinch the Dodgers’ title, a return to LA is not expected for a pitcher who has traveled a unique road of late. Buehler missed nearly two years following a second Tommy John surgery, had his ups and downs in 2024 upon his return, then came through in a huge way to win a title. A two-time TJ patient comes with risks, but teams like the Red Sox, Tigers, Giants or Braves could be up for a risk/reward scenario? Are the Reds interested in the Louisville native?
TANNER SCOTT, LHP
Jul 11, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Miami Marlins relief pitcher Tanner Scott (66) pitches against the Houston Astros in the eighth inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports A great bullpen is a difference maker. Scott showed last season he can be a key component of one with a 1.75 ERA in 72 appearances for the Marlins and Padres while earning an All-Star nod. The lefty has 55 career saves and is set to return to a closer role with a salary to match. The Dodgers might be willing to pay $60 million over four years, with the Phillies, Yankees, Blue Jays, Cubs and Rangers showing interest.