The MLB off-season is an exciting time for fans. Free agency can change team rosters a lot. Teams carefully think about what they need. They are considering signing experienced free agents. They also look at their draft picks and trade options. The qualifying offer system makes things more complex. Teams must decide whether to give this offer to their departing free agents. If they do not, they might lose them without getting anything in return.
The 2025 free-agent class features Juan Soto as its biggest star, along with several players potentially available through a club option, including Nick Ahmed, Jorge Polanco, and RHP Nick Martinez, as well as SS Amed Rosario, INF Jose Iglesias, and Clay Holmes. After his amazing contract with the Mets last time, everyone will be watching him, including Caleb Thielbar. In his late twenties, he wants to build his legacy as one of the greats. Could he be part of a trade deal?
Along with Soto, Pete Alonso is a powerful hitter. His ability to hit home runs will surely attract many teams that need more runs, including the interest of teams looking into players like Tommy Pham, Paul DeJong, and Adam Frazier. The competition for these players will be intense, making this free agency period very exciting.
The 2025 free-agent market is full of strong hitters, including Kyle Higashioka, Donovan Solano, Connor Joe, Yasmani Grandal, 1B/OF Joey Gallo, Mark Canha, and Jesse Winker, as well as C Danny Jansen and Curt Casali, who can boost a team's scoring. Christian Walker, who recently had a multi-year deal with the Astros, will be a top choice for teams needing a steady run scorer in their lineup.
Alex Bregman’s possible availability makes things even more interesting. His great discipline at the plate and skill to hit both for average and power make him very desirable during free agency.
Also adding to the excitement is the potential return of Paul Goldschmidt, Josh Bell, and Anthony Santander to free agency. Their past success and ability to change a game with one swing will surely cause teams to bid against each other for their talent.
The market for pitchers looks very good. Many talented players, including OF Alex Verdugo, RHP Justin Verlander, OF Randal Grichuk, 2B Brandon Drury, and RHP Luis Severino, as well as OF Jason Heyward and Adam Duvall, are ready to enter free agency. RHP Trevor Williams and Corbin Burnes are standout options. After his recent success, Burnes is the top choice. His skill in striking out players and making good starts will attract teams who want to improve their lineups.
Max Fried and Blake Snell are also strong pitchers. They are both proven leaders who can support a team well.
Here are some key pitchers expected to be available:
Corbin Burnes
Max Fried
Blake Snell
Shane Bieber
Teams searching for pitching help will have many choices. This will create more competition and interesting signings ahead.
Each team's way of handling free agency depends on many things. These include what players they already have, how much money they can spend, and what their long-term goals are.
Teams that think they can win pay attention to getting experienced players to fill important spots and aim for the championship.
On the other hand, teams that are rebuilding may look to sign younger players who have potential. They might also use their budget to take on bad contracts in exchange for good prospects. It helps to know these market trends and what each team needs to make sense of free agency.
The Red Sox, Blue Jays, and White Sox are looking to be very active in the free-agent market. They have a strong group of young players. Now, they might want a veteran, like Nathan Eovaldi, Roki Sasaki, Sean Manaea, Joe Ross, Joc Pederson, RHP Walker Buehler, or even RHP Shawn Armstrong and Nick Pivetta, to bring stability and leadership to their teams.
Also, finding a strong closer could be very important for them. A dependable bullpen is key for any team that wants to compete well. These teams plan to work hard to add important players that can speed up their rebuilding. This will help them aim for a spot in the postseason.
Teams that want to win a championship will be searching for the last pieces they need. A team that needs more depth in their infield might look at Gleyber Torres for his skills and hitting or Gio Urshela for his strong defense.
Also, bringing in a left-handed starter like Yusei Kikuchi could help balance the pitching team. Teams that want to win, like those that didn’t sign Willy Adames before and are considering players like Travis Jankowski, might spend a lot to get these key players and improve their chances to win the World Series.
In the changing world of MLB free agency, 2025 is going to be an exciting year. Many top power hitters are looking for new teams, while pitchers want big contracts. This creates a thrilling offseason for all. Teams are planning to fix their weak spots and make smart signings to improve their players. Fans will want to keep an eye on the news and what the drafts mean for teams. It will help them understand what players are moving and how teams are making their plans. Get ready for all the drama and fun as MLB free agency in 2025 happens.