The top 50 potential MLB free agents: Juan Soto, Corbin Burnes to lead strong class (2024)

With the trade deadline behind them, MLB front offices have begun to focus more on impending free agents. Executives, analysts and evaluators throughout the sport will spend the rest of the season finalizing their valuations, target lists and rankings of potential free agents in the 2024-25 offseason class.

This free-agent class is shaping up to include front-line starting pitchers such as Corbin Burnes, Blake Snell and Max Fried. On the position player side, it could feature a generational talent in Juan Soto, the big bats of Pete Alonso and Anthony Santander, and the championship pedigree of Alex Bregman.

Last August, I ranked the top 30 potential free agents in the upcoming class, but this year I had to bump that number to 50 with a deeper pool and so many players having opt-out clauses or various options (player, club or vesting).

This list will change between now and the start of free agency in November. Performance and health over the final two months of the season as well as the playoffs will impact valuations and decisions. Some of these players will sign extensions, others will have their options exercised by clubs or vested, and others could even decide to retire. Some will choose to opt in, others to opt out, depending on their situations. In addition, more international players will join the eventual class.

Here is my updated look at the top 50 potential free agents, starting with Juan Soto, who is considered the top overall free agent, and Corbin Burnes, who is viewed as the top starting pitcher.

Author’s note: WAR and OPS+ are according to Baseball Reference as of Aug. 11. I did not include Yankees starter Gerrit Cole on this list even though he has an opt-out clause because I can’t see a pathway to him walking away from his contract, which has at least four years and $144 million remaining, after his elbow injury and season to date.

1. Juan Soto, RF, Yankees

Age: 25
WAR: 6.7 OPS+: 180

Juan Soto has been a game-changer for the Yankees this season and appears headed for a top-five finish in the American League MVP voting. He’s likely to sign a contract of more than half a billion dollars and both New York teams are expected to bid for his services.

2. Corbin Burnes, RHP, Orioles

Age: 29
WAR: 3.6 ERA+: 141

Corbin Burnes won the National League Cy Young Award with the Brewers in 2021 and now has a chance to join the shortlist of pitchers who have won a Cy Young in both leagues. He’s in a close race for the AL honor with the Tigers’ Tarik Skubal. Burnes will be the most sought-after pitcher in this free-agent class.

3. Roki Sasaki, RHP, Chiba Lotte Marines (unclear if he’ll be posted)

Age: 22

Roki Sasaki is a Japanese superstar pitcher who at some point is expected to join MLB, but it’s unknown if his parent team, Chiba Lotte, will post him this offseason. In 11 starts this year for the Marines, Sasaki has a 2.20 ERA with 10.6 strikeouts per nine innings. He is coming off two seasons in a row, as a 20- and 21-year-old, with an ERA at or below 2.00 and at least 12.0 strikeouts per nine.

4. Pete Alonso, 1B, Mets

Age: 29
WAR: 2.0 OPS+: 125

Pete Alonso has averaged more than 40 home runs per season over his six-year career with the Mets. He’s one of three position-player free agents who is under 30 years old and has hit 25 or more homers this season (the others are Juan Soto and Anthony Santander). Alonso has worked hard to improve his defense at first base. He loves and embraces being a Met, but given his rare game power, his free-agent market will be fascinating to watch.

5. Blake Snell, LHP, Giants (opt-out clause)

Age: 31
WAR: 0.5 ERA+: 91

Blake Snell won the NL Cy Young Award last year but didn’t land the long-term contract he wanted in free agency because of the injuries he’s had during his career and because he was never allowed to pitch deep into games. Those teams that doubted him were proven right at the beginning of the season, as he spent significant time on the injured list once again, but since returning from the IL in July, he’s been dominant. He’ll get that long-term contract this offseason — too many teams are looking for a top-of-the-rotation starter. He has a $30 million player option for 2025 he’s expected to decline.

6. Max Fried, LHP, Braves

Age: 30
WAR: 2.0 ERA+: 118

The Braves have tried to extend Max Fried to a long-term contract for some time but the two sides can’t seem to find common ground and it appears he’ll make it to free agency. The two-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove Award winner will be one of the most sought-after starters on the market. He has a 3.10 ERA over eight years and more than 19 postseason appearances in his career.

7. Anthony Santander, RF, Orioles

Age: 29
WAR: 2.8 OPS+: 137

Anthony Santander is the most underrated free agent in this class. He’s been a stalwart in the middle of the Orioles’ lineup over the last three years, averaging more than 30 homers a season while consistently driving in runs. He made his first All-Star team this year and is the best corner outfielder in this class.

8. Cody Bellinger, CF, Cubs (opt-out clause)

Age: 29
WAR: 1.4 OPS+: 115

Cody Bellinger broke a finger on July 10 in Baltimore when he was hit in the hand with a pitch. He spent three weeks on the IL and has played as a DH since returning because the injury is still painful and he struggles to throw. However, that shouldn’t stop him from getting a big payday in the offseason if he opts out of his three-year deal — he will be the best center fielder available and his ability to play all three outfield positions, first base and DH increases his value.

9. Marcell Ozuna, DH, Braves (club option)

Age: 33
WAR: 3.7 OPS+: 162

Marcell Ozuna is the second-best DH in the sport behind only Shohei Ohtani. He is batting .301/.373/.590 with 35 home runs and 90 RBIs. The three-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger winner leads the Braves’ hitters in most offensive categories. Ozuna has a $16 million club option for 2025 that the Braves will exercise, removing him from this list.

10. Alex Bregman, 3B, Astros

Age: 30
WAR: 2.1 OPS+: 109

Alex Bregman is the epitome of a championship-caliber player. He’s a tremendous teammate and wants to be at the plate with the game on the line. He has elite plate discipline and has finished in the top 22 of MVP voting four times. He’s played in 97 postseason games in his career and won two World Series. His on-base percentage has declined significantly this year, but his power has not.

11. Matt Chapman, 3B, Giants (opt-out clause)

Age: 31
WAR: 5.4 OPS+: 122

Matt Chapman has delivered this season for the Giants, playing Gold Glove-caliber third base while bopping 19 home runs, stealing 12 bases and slugging .450. The four-time Gold Glove Award winner has player options for 2025 and 2026 at $17 million and $18 million, respectively. He’s expected to opt out with a $2 million buyout this offseason and should get the long-term deal he was looking for last winter.

12. Shane Bieber, RHP, Guardians

Age: 29
Made two starts before season-ending surgery

Shane Bieber underwent Tommy John surgery in April and is not expected back on the mound until next summer. He could wait to sign until he is healthy, but it’s more likely that some team gives him a two-year deal at a reduced rate and takes a chance on his rehabilitation since he’s a front-of-the-rotation starter when right. He will be an intriguing pitcher to monitor in free agency, with teams like the Dodgers and Rangers likely to take that type of gamble on a former Cy Young Award winner who won’t turn 30 until next May.

13. Christian Walker, 1B, Diamondbacks

Age: 33
WAR: 2.6 OPS+: 127

I still can’t believe that Christian Walker didn’t make the NL All-Star team this year. It made no sense. He’s hitting .254 with 23 home runs and 71 RBIs and his defense at first base makes him the front-runner to win a third consecutive Gold Glove Award. Walker, who is currently on the IL with an oblique strain, turns 34 in March — which is the only reason he’s not higher on this list.

14. Jack Flaherty, RHP, Dodgers

Age: 28
WAR: 3.0 ERA+: 143

Jack Flaherty was the best starting pitcher traded at the deadline after logging a 2.95 ERA with 133 strikeouts and 19 walks in 18 starts for the Tigers. He had two injections in his lower back in July but has pitched well since. The medicals and his performance the rest of this season will determine the money and years Flaherty will get in free agency. This is the best he has pitched since 2019, when he finished fourth in NL Cy Young voting with the Cardinals.

15. Nathan Eovaldi, RHP, Rangers (vesting option)

Age: 34
WAR: 1.9 ERA+: 107

Nathan Eovaldi has a $20 million vesting option that kicks in if he reaches 300 innings pitched for the 2023 and 2024 seasons. It looks like it’ll be a close call on whether he hits that mark — he threw 144 innings last year and has thrown 120 this season, leaving him 36 innings short to date. He’ll need to stay healthy to make it. The Rangers likely want him to get there but Eovaldi and his representatives surely would prefer for him to fall short to get back into free agency. Of note, Eovaldi exited his last start after just three innings.

16. Jordan Montgomery, LHP, Diamondbacks (player option)

Age: 31
WAR: -1.4 ERA+: 65

Jordan Montgomery surprisingly couldn’t land a long-term contract last offseason, instead signing a one-year, $25-million deal with the Diamondbacks that included a $20 million player option for 2025. He’s battled injuries this year, posting a 6.37 ERA and 1.680 WHIP over 17 starts, likely making that player option more palatable than he would have thought when he signed the contract. How he pitches in August, September and perhaps October will determine whether he enters free agency and gets a longer-term deal.

17. Willy Adames, SS, Brewers

Age: 28
WAR: 2.4 OPS+: 117

Willy Adames is the best shortstop in this year’s class. He’s batting .251/.334/.453 with 21 home runs, 80 RBIs and 13 steals. He plays with high energy and will be only 29 years old for the start of his next contract. He’s hit 20 or more homers in his last five full seasons.

18. Tanner Scott, LHP, Padres

Age: 30
WAR: 3.5 SV: 19 ERA+: 311

Tanner Scott is arguably the best left-handed closer in the National League. He was dominant for the Marlins, posting a 1.18 ERA over 44 appearances with 18 saves in 20 opportunities before being dealt to the Padres at the trade deadline. Opposing batters are hitting just .110 against his four-seam fastball and .169 against his slider.

19. Teoscar Hernández, OF, Dodgers

Age: 31
WAR: 3.4 OPS+: 136

Teoscar Hernández was a shrewd offseason acquisition by the Dodgers, who signed him to a one-year, $23.5 million deal. The corner outfielder should get the long-term contract he didn’t land last offseason thanks to another solid year of power and production. This will be the fourth year in a row he’s hit 25 or more home runs. He ranks in the 93rd percentile in barrel percentage and the 83rd percentile in hard-hit rate. The two-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger winner has been a crucial part of the Dodgers’ lineup this year.

20. Michael Wacha, RHP, Royals (player option)

Age: 33
WAR: 2.0 ERA+: 124

The Royals made a savvy signing in acquiring Michael Wacha last offseason on a one-year, $16 million contract with a player option next year for the same amount. In all likelihood, he will decline the option and return to free agency to get a longer-term deal. Wacha went 11-2 with a 3.32 ERA for Boston in 2022, 14-4 with a 3.22 ERA for San Diego in 2023, and is 9-6 with a 3.50 ERA for Kansas City this year. That consistency should get him a three-year contract in the offseason.

21. Ha-Seong Kim, INF, Padres

Age: 28
WAR: 2.5 OPS+: 94

Ha-Seong Kim had a breakout season last year, reaching base at a .351 clip with 23 doubles, 17 home runs, 60 RBIs and 38 stolen bases while playing mostly second base. However, when Mike Shildt took over as manager, he shifted Kim to shortstop full-time and he’s delivered there this season — he’s ranked in the 88th percentile in outs above average and in the 73rd percentile in arm strength. Offensively, he’s having a solid season but not as good as last year, with a .327 OBP, 15 doubles, 10 home runs and 21 stolen bases in 26 attempts. Kim has a $7 million mutual option for 2025 ($2 million buyout) that he will decline.

22. Carlos Estévez, RHP, Phillies

Age: 31
WAR: 1.8 SV: 21 ERA+: 213

Carlos Estévez converted 20 of 23 save opportunities for the Angels with a 2.38 ERA and 0.735 WHIP before being moved to the Phillies at the trade deadline. Since then, he’s allowed no earned runs in five appearances with Philadelphia. He ranks in the 92nd percentile in BB%.

23. Clay Holmes, RHP, Yankees

Age: 31
WAR: 0.7 SV: 25 ERA+: 154

Clay Holmes has been a solid closer for much of the season for the Yankees. Although he leads the majors with nine blown saves, he’s posted an ERA under 3.00 (2.81) for the third consecutive season. He made the All-Star team for the second time in three years and is considered by evaluators to be one of the best closers available in this class.

24. Robbie Ray, LHP, Giants (opt-out clause)

Age: 32
WAR: 0.2 ERA+: 100 (four starts)

The 2021 AL Cy Young winner has successfully returned from Tommy John surgery and is pitching like he did before his injury, with 28 strikeouts in his first 20 1/3 innings since coming off the IL. Robbie Ray holds $25 million player options for 2025 and 2026 but could opt out of his contract after this season. How he pitches in August and September will drive that decision and determine his free-agent value, but he’s off to a solid start.

25. Brandon Lowe, 2B, Rays (club option)

Age: 30
WAR: 2.0 OPS+: 140

When healthy, Brandon Lowe is one of the best power-hitting second basem*n in baseball, which he showed in 2021 when he hit a career-high 39 homers. Last year, he slugged 21 over 109 games, and this season, he has 14 in just 69 games. The Rays hold a club option for Lowe at $10.5 million, and I can’t see them not exercising it, which would take him off this list.

26. Yusei Kikuchi, LHP, Astros

Age: 33
WAR: 0.4 ERA+: 88

Yusei Kikuchi’s best year was 2023, when he went 11-6 with a 3.86 ERA and 181 strikeouts in 32 starts. The Blue Jays traded him to the Astros at the deadline after he compiled a 4.75 ERA over 22 starts. He struck out 19 and walked six in his first 11 innings with the Astros. He’s always had a good arm and stuff but lack of command and control has been his downfall.

27. Gleyber Torres, 2B, Yankees

Age: 27
WAR: 0.0 OPS+: 86

Gleyber Torres is not having the season he wants for his free-agent walk year as he’s hitting just .238/.310/.354 with 10 homers. However, in each of the two prior years, he hit 24-plus home runs and 28 doubles with double-digit stolen bases.

28. Kenley Jansen, RHP, Red Sox

Age: 36
WAR: 1.3 SV: 21 ERA+: 150

Kenley Jansen continues to perform at a high level even at age 36, converting 21 of 24 save opportunities. He has a 2.95 ERA with 47 strikeouts and just 15 walks in 39 2/3 innings.

29. Tyler O’Neill, LF, Red Sox

Age: 29
WAR: 2.3 OPS+: 144

When healthy, Tyler O’Neill has always been an above-average defender, as shown by his two Gold Glove awards, and a legitimate power threat, as shown by his 34 home runs in 2021 with the Cardinals. However, that was also the only year in his seven seasons that he played 100 or more games and had more than 334 at-bats. He’s been productive this season in Boston, reaching base at a .357 clip with 22 home runs and a .900 OPS. However, he’s back on the IL with a leg infection and his lengthy injury history will likely hurt his chances of getting a long-term contract this winter.

30. Eugenio Suárez, 3B, Diamondbacks (club option)

Age: 33
WAR: 1.5 OPS+: 104

Eugenio Suárez hit 31 home runs in both 2021 and 2022, 22 last year and already has 17 this season. He’s brought power and strikeouts to every lineup he’s been in, and led the league in strikeouts each of the past two years. The Diamondbacks hold a $15 million club option on Suárez with a $2 million buyout.

31. J.D. Martinez, DH, Mets

Age: 36
WAR: 1.2 OPS+: 124

J.D. Martinez is like a nice bottle of cabernet; he just gets better with age. Almost 37, he is not slowing down, reaching base at a .343 clip with 12 home runs and 53 RBIs, and he keeps delivering in clutch moments. He’ll have to go year-by-year, contract-wise, but should attract interest based on his consistent DH production and valuable leadership qualities.

32. Justin Verlander, RHP, Astros (vesting option)

Age: 41
WAR: 0.7 ERA+: 102

Justin Verlander has been limited to 10 starts this season due to injuries. He last pitched for the Astros on June 9 but is rehabbing a neck injury and is expected to return soon. He has posted a 3.95 ERA in 57 innings and will become a free agent this winter if/when he doesn’t reach 140 innings, which would trigger his 2025 vesting option. Verlander will turn 42 next February and it’s unknown if he will want to continue his career.

33. Max Scherzer, RHP, Rangers

Age: 40
WAR: 0.4 ERA+: 104

Max Scherzer has made only eight starts this year due to injuries but has pitched to a 3.89 ERA when available. He is currently on the injured list with shoulder fatigue, and it’s unclear when he’ll be ready to return. When healthy, he’s still a good middle-of-the-rotation starter. The 40-year-old hasn’t shown any indication that he’d be ready to retire at the end of the year, but how he finishes the season could impact his thought process.

34. Charlie Morton, RHP, Braves

Age: 40
WAR: 0.2 ERA+: 94

You know what you’re getting when Charlie Morton takes the mound — five to six innings each start that keep his team in the game. This year he’s made 21 starts and until a poor last outing had kept his ERA under 4.00, something he’s accomplished in six of his past eight seasons. He’s weighed retirement in recent offseasons and will turn 41 in November.

35. Clayton Kershaw, LHP, Dodgers (player option)

Age: 36
WAR: -0.3 ERA+: 94 (three starts)

Prior to undergoing shoulder surgery last November, Clayton Kershaw went 25-8 with a 2.37 ERA over 2022 and 2023. However, he’s made three mediocre starts for the Dodgers since coming off the IL last month. At this point, I’d be surprised if he doesn’t exercise his player option, which includes incentives for health and performance.

36. Paul Sewald, RHP, Diamondbacks

Age: 34
WAR: 0.2 SV: 16 ERA+: 105

Though Paul Sewald recently lost the closer job, the Diamondbacks believe that once he gets his mechanics straightened out, he’ll return to that role. Last year, he had 47 saves and a 3.12 ERA between the Mariners and Diamondbacks and helped lead Arizona to the World Series. This year, in addition to his struggles, his strikeout rate is down from 11.9 per nine innings to 9.1 per nine.

37. Luis Severino, RHP, Mets

Age: 30
WAR: 0.8 ERA+: 97

Luis Severino has delivered a comeback type season after signing a one-year, $13 million deal with the Mets. He’s posted a 4.17 ERA and 1.251 WHIP in 23 starts. However, he hasn’t pitched as well since July and overall has averaged a career-low 7.0 strikeouts per nine innings.

38. Joc Pederson, DH, Diamondbacks

Age: 32
WAR: 2.7 OPS+: 163

Joc Pederson has fared well this season as a DH against right-handers, batting .291 with 18 home runs, 49 RBIs and a .957 OPS.Mixing-and-matching him against pitchers he can handle has required deft moves by Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo. Over the years, the two-time All-Star has been on a lot of winning teams, both in reality and in fantasy leagues.

39. Paul Goldschmidt, 1B, Cardinals

Age: 36
WAR: 0.7 OPS+: 90

Age and decline have caught up with Paul Goldschmidt, who over the last three years has seen his slugging percentage go from a league-leading .578 in 2022 to .447 in 2023 to .393 this year. During that span, his home runs have fallen from 35 to 25 to 18 this year. Although he’s just two years removed from winning the NL MVP Award, the seven-time All-Star, four-time Gold Glove winner and five-time Silver Slugger is nearing the end of a fabulous career. It will be interesting to see if he decides to retire or keep playing.

40. Rhys Hoskins, DH, Brewers (opt-out clause)

Age: 31
WAR: 0.1 OPS+: 111

Rhys Hoskins has 20 homers, 59 RBIs and a career-low .759 OPS this season with the Brewers after missing all of 2023 following ACL surgery that spring training. He should be better in 2025, when he’s another year removed from the surgery. Hoskins signed a 2-year, $34-million deal with Milwaukee last winter and can opt out after this season.

41. Eloy Jiménez, DH, Orioles (club option)

Age: 27
WAR: -0.3 OPS+: 94

I liked the Orioles’ acquisition of Eloy Jiménez at the trade deadline and think he’ll help them down the stretch. Jiménez has a $16.5 million club option ($3 million buyout) from his White Sox tenure and it’s unlikely the Orioles will pick that up. He hit 31 homers as a rookie in 2019 and hasn’t hit 20 in a season since as his career has been curtailed by injuries. However, he’s still only 27 years old and has a career 115 OPS+ so should generate interest as a value bat in free agency.

42. Alex Cobb, RHP, Guardians

Age: 36
Made his first start of the season on Friday

Alex Cobb went a combined 15-11 with a 3.74 ERA over 46 starts in 2021 and 2022 for the Angels and Giants, respectively, then logged a 3.87 ERA over 28 starts in 2023. At the trade deadline, the Giants dealt him to the Guardians, and he made his 2024 debut Friday after working his way back from offseason hip surgery. Provided he stays healthy, Cobb could be an undervalued free agent.

43. José Quintana, LHP, Mets

Age: 35
WAR: 1.5 ERA+: 96

José Quintana is 6-8 this season with a 4.10 ERA over 23 starts. He’s effectively used his five-pitch mix (sinker, four-seamer, curveball, changeup, slurve) to keep hitters off balance. He knows how to pitch and has been able to make the most of average to below-average stuff.

44. Justin Turner, 1B, Mariners

Age: 39
WAR: 0.5 OPS+: 108

I liked the Mariners’ trade deadline pickup of Justin Turner, who is a valuable leader, on the field and in the clubhouse.He’s still getting on base at a .350 clip and is the type of veteran you want around young players because he knows how to win a championship. His best role is as a DH but he can also play some first base.

45. Danny Jansen, C, Red Sox

Age: 29
WAR: 1.0 OPS+: 102

Danny Jansen is a solid defensive catcher who calls a great game. He’s hitting .260 against left-handers and .217 against right-handers but seven of his eight home runs have come versus righties. His best role is as a platoon catcher against lefties.

46. Nick Pivetta, RHP, Red Sox

Age: 31
WAR: 1.2 ERA+: 99

Nick Pivetta’s production has never matched his raw stuff. This season, he has a 4.44 ERA over 18 starts, with 11.0 strikeouts per nine innings and 2.2 walks per nine.He’s still a solid back-of-the-rotation starter or middle reliever.

47. Elías Diaz, C, Rockies

Age: 33
WAR: 1.2 OPS+: 89

Elías Díaz will be one of the top two catchers in free agency. The MVP of the 2023 All-Star Game is batting .270 this year with five homers and 34 RBIs over 82 games.

48. Alex Verdugo, OF, Yankees

Age: 28
WAR: 0.6 OPS+: 88

Alex Verdugo has brought a positive edge to the Yankees clubhouse and teammates have admired his willingness to play hurt. He’s played a decent left field this season, but outside of his 10 home runs hasn’t been as productive offensively as the Yankees had hoped.

49. Walker Buehler, RHP, Dodgers

Age: 30
WAR: -0.7 ERA+: 69

Walker Buehler finished fourth in the NL Cy Young voting in 2021 but underwent his second Tommy John surgery in 2022 and has not been able to return to form. He hasn’t made a start for the Dodgers since June 18 but is set to rejoin their rotation on Wednesday against the Brewers. He posted a 5.84 ERA over eight starts this season before going on the IL and needs a strong close to the season to generate free-agent interest.

50. Andrew Heaney, LHP, Rangers

Age: 33
WAR: 1.2 ERA+: 101

Andrew Heaney went 10-6 with a 4.15 ERA over 28 starts and six relief appearances last year and this year has gone 4-11 with a 3.98 ERA over 23 outings (22 starts). His off-speed run value ranks in the 93rd percentile and his chase rate is in the 86th percentile.

(Top image: Dan Goldfarb / The Athletic. Photos: Blake Snell: Jess Rapfogel / Getty Images; Juan Soto: Daniel Shirey / MLB Photos via Getty Images; Corbin Burnes: Scott Taetsch / Getty Images)