Stay Ahead of the Game: 2025 MLB Free Agents to Watch

Get ready, baseball fans! The 2025 MLB free agency period is going to be exciting. As the current season comes to an end, everyone is thinking about the future. People are curious about which teams will spend money to get the best players. Many well-known players will be free agents soon. This may change the league a lot. This off-season could have some big surprises. Get ready as we look at what might happen in free agency and what will affect team choices in their goal for the World Series.

Key 2025 MLB Free Agents by Position

The free-agent class in 2025 is very strong and includes well-known stars like Brendan Rodgers and Adam Frazier, along with new talent across many positions, with several players having a club option. Pitching is very important for many teams. Several top starting pitchers are about to join the market. The offensive power is also high, so watch for heated bidding for top infielders and outfielders.

This group of free agents can change how teams plan. It may alter the power dynamics in the league. Let's look at some of the top players by their position.

Top Pitchers Hitting Free Agency

The upcoming free agency period features many top pitchers, including Shane Bieber and Max Fried, giving teams a chance to improve their line-ups. At the top is future Hall of Famer Max Scherzer. Even as he approaches his 40s, Scherzer’s drive and powerful slider make him a key target for teams looking to win.

The excitement grows with Blake Snell. This left-handed pitcher is famous for his fastball and sharp breaking ball. If he keeps performing well, he could get a big, long-term deal.

We also have Justin Verlander, another experienced player with World Series experience, RHP Luis Severino, and possibly Yusei Kikuchi, who knows how to get strikeouts and has strong leadership skills. Teams looking for a winner and a leader in the locker room will surely want to sign him, and some may even extend a qualifying offer.

Infielders to Keep an Eye On

The infield market is full of talent. Teams that need some extra power will find many good choices. Get ready for excitement when Pete Alonso, Jesse Winker, and first baseman Anthony Rizzo become free agents alongside outfielder Harrison Bader. He is one of the biggest home run hitters in baseball, alongside pitchers like Nick Pivetta. His ability to hit long balls will start a competition among teams wanting to sign him for their lineups.

Also, Alex Verdugo and Alex Bregman are entering free agency. He has a strong reputation for getting hits and driving in runs. He can help any team that needs to strengthen its core lineup.

The free-agent market will also include some great middle infielders, like:

1. Gleyber Torres: He is a skilled shortstop with a strong bat. He also has a talent for hitting at key moments.

Outfielders Making Waves

The outfield is set to be an exciting place during free agency, featuring well-known stars, including Jason Heyward and Adam Duvall, along with new talents ready to shine. Leading the pack is Juan Soto, along with other notable players like Willy Adames and Brandon Drury. He is still in his prime and is viewed as one of the top hitters in baseball. Soto’s skills to hit well and with power will likely get him a record contract, beating all past free-agent deals.

Another top outfielder is Christian Walker. He consistently brings power and plays strong defense. This makes him very attractive to teams looking for a complete player. Also in the mix are Michael Conforto and Donovan Solano. He is known for his skills in getting on base and bringing in runs, alongside Connor Joe.

Teams with the Most to Gain or Lose in 2025

The new free-agent class gives teams a chance to improve their chances of winning the World Series. Teams that are rebuilding may find that the 2025 free-agent class helps them become better quickly.

But teams with important players who might become free agents have big choices to make. They can re-sign their stars or possibly lose them, which could hurt their chances of winning a championship.

Rebuilding Teams Poised for a Splash

Several rebuilding teams are ready to make big moves during the 2025 free agency, and one name that has caught attention is Roki Sasaki, RHP Jacob Webb, LHP Andrew Chafin, and LHP Patrick Sandoval. The Boston Red Sox, known for their strong history and loyal fans, will want to get back to being one of the best teams. The Toronto Blue Jays, with their group of young stars, might see this free agency as a chance to get closer to winning a championship.

At the same time, the Chicago White Sox, already eager to spend money, could use free agency to fix important gaps and speed up their return to being competitive, especially considering players like 1B Gavin Sheets, RHP Griffin Canning, and RHP Corbin Burnes. Aiming for a better future, these teams may be willing to offer big contracts to attract top free agents like Chris Flexen. This shows they are serious about competing in the coming years.

Contenders Looking to Fill Gaps

The 2025 free-agent market is not just for teams that are rebuilding. Good teams will also look for players like 1B/OF Joey Gallo, OF Ben Gamel, and Josh Bell, who can help them win a World Series title, while players like SS Amed Rosario may also catch their interest. Teams in search of a strong first baseman will probably consider Paul Goldschmidt.

They might also want a solid pitcher like Clay Holmes to improve their bullpen. We should also remember how useful a flexible player like Trevor Williams can be. He can help any pitching staff.

The Economics of the MLB Free Agency in 2025

As we get ready for the 2025 free-agency period, we need to think about the money factors that affect what teams decide. Will there be changes to the salary cap? And how will that affect talks and team plans? The changing money situation in the league makes free agency even more exciting.

It will be interesting to see how teams balance the chance to get a big free agent with the costs involved. This can be tough for teams that have to stick to strict budgets.

How Salary Cap Adjustments Influence Team Strategies

The possibility of a salary cap change is a big topic for the 2025 free agency market. If the league makes big moves, teams will have to rethink their strategies. Teams may be more careful about giving out large contracts. They might worry about going over the cap and facing penalties.

Teams will look at their choices closely. They want to get the best talent while also keeping their finances flexible. Whether contracts have team or player options will also be important in these decisions. So, we might see teams doing shorter deals or finding hidden gems in free agency. They could avoid bidding wars for the top players.

Impact of TV Rights and Sponsorships

Beyond salary cap considerations, lucrative TV contracts and sponsorship deals will also play a significant role in shaping free agency decisions. Teams benefiting from substantial revenue streams might be more willing to spend big and attract marquee players.

On the other hand, clubs with less financial muscle might need to be more strategic, targeting players who offer value relative to their cost. The following table illustrates the potential financial landscape: