The Major League Baseball (MLB) offseason always starts off slow. Depth signings are made early on, but the big name players typically wait to pounce on a big-time offer. This offseason’s free agent market is filled to the brim with stars that can change the direction a franchise is headed. From aces that can take the mound in the biggest games of the year to superstar sluggers that can change the game with one swing of the bat, money could be shelled out in record numbers to some of the best players in baseball.
The story of the offseason starts with two key names: Juan Soto and Corbin Burnes. Both of these pending free agents are the top names at their respective positions and are threatening to leave American League East ball clubs.
Soto is coming off one of the best seasons of his career with the New York Yankees. While the outfielder struggled in the field, he more than made up for it at the plate. He set a new career high with 41 home runs, continued to showcase his unreal eye at the plate and played like one of the best five players in all of baseball. The 26-year-old is expected to become the second highest paid player in baseball, and most signs point to him returning to the Yankees. However, big market teams like the New York Mets and Boston Red Sox are expected to be in play. The highest bidder will likely land the generational talent, and with the Yankees’ rich history, it’s hard not to see him back in the Bronx.
For Burnes, the activity within his market has been much quieter. After being traded to the Baltimore Orioles last offseason, the former Cy Young award winner pitched to a 2.92 earned run average in 32 starts. His strong numbers continued into the postseason, allowing just one run in eight innings of work in his Wild Card start. Now, he could be on his way out of Baltimore. While the Orioles clearly want to bring Burnes back, they have never been known for breaking the bank on many players. However, new ownership could change that theory. Regardless, it’s rumored that the Los Angeles Dodgers will be the top competition for Burnes. The Toronto Blue Jays have also been mentioned as a possible suitor, as they look for a true ace to pair with starter Kevin Gausman.
Japanese sensation Roki Sasaki has been another big talking point as of late. On Nov. 9, the Chiba Lotte Marines of the Nippon Baseball League made the decision to post him to the Major League market. Since, it seems his landing spot has already been determined. Most analysts and general managers believe the Dodgers will land the 23-year-old. After landing two Japanese phenoms in two-way star Shohei Ohtani and starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto last offseason, they seem destined to sign the league’s next Japanese star.
Behind Soto, there’s a load of dangerous sluggers ready to bring their talents to possible suitors. There’s a lot of power in the outfield market and in the infield; there’s players that bring a combination of high volume hitting and gold glove like leather.
Outfielders Anthony Santander and Teoscar Hernández head the group of outfield bats. Santander is coming off the best season of his career and is ready to land a big pay day. After slugging the third most home runs in the league with 44, which included a .506 slugging percentage, the first-time All-Star offers power from both sides from the plate. For Hernández, signing a one-year deal last season might have paid off. After torching the baseball for an .840 on-base plus slugging percentage, the two-time silver slugger earned himself a World Series ring and a big contract. At 32-years-old, he could sign a lucrative deal that could take him through the end of his career.
In the infield, first basemen Christian Walker and Pete Alonso are the top names. Both supply plenty of power from the middle of the order. In Walker’s case, he’s also a gold glove caliber talent. While Alonso is expected to stay with the New York Mets, the market for Walker could heat up quickly. The Yankees could sign 33-year-old after seeing first baseman Anthony Rizzo take a step back last season and the Seattle Mariners could also be an option for either player as they look to fill the first base position and add talent to their lackluster lineup.
While all is quiet right now, whenever the first big name signs, the rest are soon to follow. However, after seeing many big names not sign until spring training last year, that first big signing could take a couple of months.
