MLB Free Agency 2024-25: Predictions for Top 25 Players and Their Next Destinations
As the MLB 2024 season draws to a close, the baseball world shifts its focus to the upcoming free-agent frenzy. With numerous stars hitting the market, from position players to pitchers, the landscape of Major League Baseball could undergo significant changes. With teams looking to strengthen their rosters for the 2025 season, here are predictions for the top 25 free agents and their potential landing spots, as well as insights into the contracts they could command.
1. Shohei Ohtani (SP/DH)
Current Team: Los Angeles Angels
Predicted Landing Spot: Los Angeles Dodgers
Contract Prediction: 10 years, $500 million
Shohei Ohtani is not only the best free agent in 2024 but arguably the best player in baseball, as both a dominant pitcher and hitter. After a stellar season that further cemented his dual-threat legacy, Ohtani is expected to command an unprecedented contract. His preference for a West Coast team, combined with the Dodgers’ ability to spend and their winning culture, makes Los Angeles a prime destination. A 10-year deal worth half a billion dollars seems likely, though the team might structure it creatively due to Ohtani’s current injury recovery from Tommy John surgery.
2. Aaron Judge (OF)
Current Team: New York Yankees
Predicted Landing Spot: New York Yankees
Contract Prediction: 9 years, $360 million
Despite a challenging 2024 campaign due to injuries, Aaron Judge remains one of the game’s premier sluggers. The Yankees, who handed Judge a historic $360 million contract last offseason, will likely re-sign their franchise player. Expect a multi-year extension to keep Judge in pinstripes, as the Yankees will want to lock him in as the face of their franchise.
3. Mookie Betts (OF)
Current Team: Los Angeles Dodgers
Predicted Landing Spot: Los Angeles Dodgers
Contract Prediction: 8 years, $320 million
Betts has been one of the top performers in baseball, contributing both offensively and defensively. The Dodgers will likely extend his current contract, maintaining their commitment to one of the league’s most versatile players. With his steady production and leadership, Mookie will continue to be the cornerstone of the Dodgers’ outfield.
4. Yordan Alvarez (DH/OF)
Current Team: Houston Astros
Predicted Landing Spot: Houston Astros
Contract Prediction: 8 years, $240 million
Yordan Alvarez is one of the game’s top power hitters, and the Astros are unlikely to let him go after he has carried their offense for several seasons. A long-term extension worth $240 million seems appropriate, keeping Alvarez in Houston for the foreseeable future and continuing to build around him.
5. Luis Robert Jr. (OF)
Current Team: Chicago White Sox
Predicted Landing Spot: Chicago White Sox
Contract Prediction: 8 years, $220 million
Luis Robert is one of the most dynamic young talents in the game. His blend of power, speed, and elite defense in center field makes him a building block for the White Sox. Despite Chicago’s rebuilding phase, it would make sense for the White Sox to lock up Robert for a long-term extension to keep him as the centerpiece of their offense and defense.
6. Max Scherzer (SP)
Current Team: New York Mets
Predicted Landing Spot: Texas Rangers
Contract Prediction: 2 years, $80 million
Max Scherzer’s velocity and competitiveness have remained elite, but his age is beginning to catch up with him. Scherzer is likely to land with a contender looking to bolster their rotation for a short-term boost. The Texas Rangers, with their recent success, are a potential fit, offering him a multi-year deal to slot in behind their other top pitchers.
7. Corey Seager (SS)
Current Team: Texas Rangers
Predicted Landing Spot: Texas Rangers
Contract Prediction: 7 years, $210 million
Corey Seager has found a perfect home in Texas, where his bat has flourished in the hitter-friendly ballpark. The Rangers will likely make him a long-term fixture at shortstop, locking him up for another seven years. Given his steady play and leadership qualities, expect the Rangers to offer him a big extension worth around $210 million.
8. Juan Soto (OF)
Current Team: San Diego Padres
Predicted Landing Spot: New York Mets
Contract Prediction: 10 years, $400 million
Juan Soto is one of the most complete hitters in the game, and despite the Padres’ financial struggles, the Mets are well-positioned to make a run at Soto. A 10-year, $400 million deal seems possible for the left-handed slugger, as the Mets could slot him into their lineup as an immediate cornerstone.
9. Pete Alonso (1B)
Current Team: New York Mets
Predicted Landing Spot: Chicago Cubs
Contract Prediction: 8 years, $250 million
Alonso’s home run power is undeniable, and while the Mets have been unable to reach an agreement on an extension, the Chicago Cubs could make a splash to acquire the slugging first baseman. A deal worth $250 million over eight years would solidify the Cubs’ offense for the next decade.
10. Trea Turner (SS)
Current Team: Philadelphia Phillies
Predicted Landing Spot: Philadelphia Phillies
Contract Prediction: 7 years, $210 million
Trea Turner’s speed, defense, and offensive consistency make him a key figure in the Phillies’ lineup. His contract is already in place, but the team could look to extend Turner for a few more years at a sizable raise to keep him in Philadelphia for the long haul.
11. Randy Arozarena (OF)
Current Team: Tampa Bay Rays
Predicted Landing Spot: Tampa Bay Rays
Contract Prediction: 6 years, $120 million
Randy Arozarena’s electric postseason performances have cemented his status as a key player for the Rays. Tampa Bay will likely extend him on a mid-tier contract to keep his unique skill set within their affordable framework, though a deal that values him at $120 million over six years seems appropriate.
12. Marcus Semien (2B)
Current Team: Texas Rangers
Predicted Landing Spot: Texas Rangers
Contract Prediction: 5 years, $125 million
Marcus Semien has been a vital cog in the Rangers’ success, providing stability at second base and pop in the lineup. A contract extension with Texas for another five years and $125 million would keep him in place as one of the league’s top middle infielders.
13. Freddie Freeman (1B)
Current Team: Los Angeles Dodgers
Predicted Landing Spot: Los Angeles Dodgers
Contract Prediction: 5 years, $180 million
Freddie Freeman’s consistency and leadership have been indispensable for the Dodgers. Expect the team to continue its commitment to Freeman, offering him a significant extension as he enters his mid-30s.
14. J.D. Martinez (DH)
Current Team: Los Angeles Dodgers
Predicted Landing Spot: New York Yankees
Contract Prediction: 2 years, $45 million
Martinez remains one of the top designated hitters in baseball, and the Yankees could be a perfect fit for his bat as they seek more offensive production. A short-term, high-value contract worth $45 million could be on the table.
15. Zack Wheeler (SP)
Current Team: Philadelphia Phillies
Predicted Landing Spot: New York Yankees
Contract Prediction: 4 years, $120 million
Wheeler’s ability to eat innings and dominate with strikeouts make him a valuable commodity. The Yankees, with a need for additional pitching depth, could pursue Wheeler, offering him a four-year deal worth around $120 million.
Conclusion
- The 2024-25 MLB free agent class is packed with talent, and as teams look to position themselves for success in the coming years, the top 25 free agents will play a pivotal role in reshaping rosters across the league. Whether it’s the multi-talented Shohei Ohtani or established stars like Aaron Judge and Mookie Betts, this offseason promises to bring major changes and exciting moves. As baseball fans eagerly await the next chapter, all eyes will be on where these stars land and what kind of contracts they sign.
