The Mets<\/a> signed Juan Soto<\/a> to a record-breaking $765 million deal<\/a>, the Yankees landed Max Fried with a $218 million deal<\/a>, and the Diamondbacks once again shocked the baseball world, adding ace Corbin Burnes on a $210 million pact<\/a>.<\/p>\n However, there are still several teams \u2014 including the Royals<\/a>, Twins<\/a>, Padres<\/a>, Mariners<\/a> and Cardinals<\/a> \u2014 that haven\u2019t spent a single penny in free agency, although that could change soon. The free-agent market is still filled with talent. So where will these players sign?<\/p>\n Here are the top 15 remaining free agents and my predictions on where each will land.<\/p>\n (WAR is according to Baseball Reference. All statistics are from the 2024 season unless otherwise noted.)\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Age:<\/strong> 23 Seven teams have reportedly met with Sasaki and his agent, Joel Wolfe of Wasserman, in Los Angeles, including the Dodgers<\/a>, Padres<\/a>, Cubs<\/a>, Yankees<\/a>, Mets, Rangers<\/a> and Giants. Other teams still could be added to the list, but in all probability Sasaki is probably going to sign with one of those seven.<\/p>\n Of that group, most in the industry believe he\u2019ll end up signing with the Dodgers. However, I\u2019m not in that camp because I think endorsement deals with Japanese companies are going to be important for him financially since he won\u2019t be eligible for arbitration for three years or eligible for free agency for at least six years. In Los Angeles, he\u2019d be in the shadow of both Shohei Ohtani<\/a> and Yoshinobu Yamamoto<\/a>, lessening his endorsement ceiling. And there are other reasons I don\u2019t believe he\u2019s destined for the Dodgers<\/a>.<\/p>\n (Sasaki can only be signed through each team\u2019s international bonus pools, which range from roughly $5.1 million to $7.5 million.)<\/p>\n I don\u2019t think the Giants make a lot of sense for him based on their weak farm system and mediocre major-league roster. I view the Rangers as a long shot, though they would\u00a0be a good fit because of their strong pitching room and leadership group. The Cubs also seem like a stretch to me. That leaves both New York teams and the Padres.<\/p>\n Wolfe recently provided an update<\/a> on the 23-year-old star\u2019s unusual free agency, but none of us know how this ends or what exactly Sasaki is thinking. His favorite player growing up was Masahiro Tanaka, which would lead me to guess he was at least somewhat of a Yankees fan. He considers Yu Darvish a godfather-type influence<\/a>, and the Padres veteran mentored Sasaki during Japan\u2019s championship run in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Therefore, for no other reason, I\u2019ll predict he signs with either the Yankees or San Diego.<\/p>\n Prediction: Yankees or Padres<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n GO DEEPER<\/p>\n What’s next for Roki Sasaki? Agent provides update on coveted free agent<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Age:<\/strong> 30 I was surprised Bregman reportedly turned down six years and $156 million<\/a> to stay in Houston, because I thought he and his family were happy there and I didn\u2019t think he\u2019d necessarily take the most money and years in free agency. However, when he spurned the Astros\u2019 offer, they pivoted<\/a>, trading for third baseman Isaac Paredes and signing first baseman Christian Walker, which closed the door<\/a> on a possible return to Houston.<\/p>\n I think Bregman would fit nicely at third base with the Mets, who could move Mark Vientos<\/a> to first base. But there doesn\u2019t seem to be much traction there. The Mariners could really use him at third base, but they don\u2019t seem to want to spend any money. I also think the Phillies<\/a> \u2014 and their ballpark \u2014 could work well for him, but they\u2019d have to trade Alec Bohm<\/a> first, and by all indications they never came close to making a swap.<\/p>\n That leaves the Tigers<\/a> and Blue Jays<\/a> as the most likely landing spots for Bregman, but neither one seems ideal. So he might want to sign a shorter deal with a higher average annual value and opt-outs, then look to go back on the free-agent market\u00a0next offseason or after the 2026 season.<\/p>\n That said, Boston is my favorite spot for Bregman, who will turn 31 in March. They need a right-handed power pull hitter, and he would do significant damage to the Green Monster in left field. They could move Rafael Devers<\/a> to first base and put Triston Casas<\/a> at DH or they could just put Bregman at second base full-time. His leadership and ability to grind at-bats would help this young roster. He could be the final piece in getting the Red Sox<\/a> back to the postseason.<\/p>\n Prediction: Red Sox<\/strong><\/p>\n Age:<\/strong> 30 The Santander market has been strangely quiet, but all indications are he\u2019ll end up on a non-contending team and get his long-term contract. There is a lot of buzz in the industry about the Blue Jays being all-in on him, and they definitely need his 44-home run power in between Vladimir Guerrero Jr.<\/a> and Bo Bichette<\/a> in their lineup. The Angels<\/a> and Giants have also been said to have some level of interest.<\/p>\n Prediction: Blue Jays<\/strong><\/p>\n Age:<\/strong> 30 The staredown between the Mets\u2019 brass and Scott Boras over an Alonso contract is starting to become epic. Who blinks first \u2014 owner Steve Cohen and president of baseball operations David Stearns or the superstar agent? The Mets do not want to move beyond their last offer and don\u2019t think they have to because the first-base market has dried up. There are not a lot of options left for Alonso after the Yankees traded for Paul Goldschmidt<\/a>, the Guardians<\/a> signed Carlos Santana<\/a>, the Diamondbacks<\/a> traded for Josh Naylor<\/a> and the Astros<\/a> inked Christian Walker<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Mariners would be a great fit, but they\u2019re not in on any of the big free agents. The Angels have been mentioned as a possibility, but does anyone think they\u2019d do another big \u2014 and potentially bad \u2014 contract for a 30-year-old power hitter after the Anthony Rendon<\/a>, Josh Hamilton and Albert Pujols contracts all failed?<\/p>\n The Giants might be the only other viable option. Signing Alonso to a three-year deal with a high AAV and opt-outs might make some sense for them if they can stomach losing the draft pick compensation. (Alonso was one of 12 players to turn down the qualifying offer<\/a>.) Maybe Alonso would go that type of route and prove a point to the Mets in the process.<\/p>\n However, at the end of the day, I just can\u2019t see the Polar Bear in another uniform \u2014 at least not this year.<\/p>\n Prediction: Mets<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n GO DEEPER<\/p>\n Mets mailbag: What’s the holdup with Pete Alonso? Are the Mets done in the rotation?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Age:<\/strong> 29 He\u2019s the best starting pitcher left on the market, apart from Sasaki, and a potential difference-maker for a contending team. But Flaherty\u2019s medical reports<\/a> are going to determine whether he gets a long-term contract or has to take a similar deal to that of Walker Buehler, who signed a one-year, $21 million contract<\/a> with the Red Sox.<\/p>\n I haven\u2019t heard about Flaherty being connected much with the Braves<\/a>, but I think that would be an ideal match for him. They lost Max Fried<\/a> and Charlie Morton<\/a> in free agency. Spencer Strider<\/a>, who is recovering from internal-brace elbow surgery<\/a>, won\u2019t be ready for Opening Day. They have a lot of strong young arms for the back of their rotation but could really use another veteran.<\/p>\n I\u2019ve heard a reunion with the Tigers is not out of the question. Flaherty pitched well for them last season, posting a 2.95 ERA over 18 starts before the trade deadline deal to the Dodgers.\u00a0Other teams that have been linked to him include the Cubs, Giants and Blue Jays.<\/p>\n Prediction: Braves<\/strong><\/p>\n Age:<\/strong> 30 The most-impactful closer on the market has yet to sign and teams are lining up for him but waiting for the asking price to drop. The Red Sox are the clear front-runners for Scott. Their chief baseball officer, Craig Breslow, was a left-handed reliever in his playing days and seems obsessed with corralling lefty pitchers: He\u2019s already signed three of them in free agency (Patrick Sandoval<\/a>, Aroldis Chapman<\/a>, Justin Wilson<\/a>) and acquired two more via trades (Garrett Crochet<\/a>, Jovani Moran<\/a>).\u00a0Red Sox manager Alex Cora prefers a single closer and Scott is the best one available.<\/p>\n The Blue Jays and Giants are also strong candidates to sign Scott as both could use an upgrade at the closer position. Other possible destinations include the Dodgers, Rangers and Diamondbacks.<\/p>\n Prediction: Red Sox<\/strong><\/p>\n Age:<\/strong> 31 Profar was one of the best under-the-radar signings last offseason, when San Diego inked him for a base salary of $1 million. He rewarded them by slashing .280\/.380\/.459 with 24 home runs, 29 doubles and 10 stolen bases and made his first All-Star team. He\u2019d like to return to San Diego but wants a three-year deal and I\u2019m not sure if that will fit in the Padres\u2019 tight budget.<\/p>\n I think the Braves would be a great match for Profar, but for some reason they seem satisfied with the combination of Jarred Kelenic<\/a> and Bryan De La Cruz<\/a> competing for time in left field. The Red Sox have been mentioned as a possibility too. But, to me, the Padres are by far the best fit for both the player and team, though he\u2019ll likely have to drop his expectations and agree to a deal that works for both sides if he wants to remain in San Diego.<\/p>\n Prediction: Padres<\/strong><\/p>\n Age:<\/strong> 37 Yates might have to wait until Scott signs, then get with one of the teams that misses out on him. A return to the Rangers is possible, a move north of the border to Toronto makes sense, and the Dodgers are always looking for high-leverage relievers. The Braves really missed him last year, the Reds<\/a> could use him to replace Fernando Cruz<\/a>, whom they traded to the Yankees, and the Royals could surprise here too.<\/p>\n However, I like Arizona for Yates. After the splash signing of Burnes and trading for All-Star first baseman Josh Naylor, why not ink Yates to bookend their offseason?<\/p>\n Prediction: Diamondbacks<\/strong><\/p>\n Age:<\/strong> 29 After season-ending shoulder surgery, Kim has discovered his free-agent value isn\u2019t what he had hoped. He\u2019ll need to sign a short-term deal, show that he\u2019s healthy next year and try to replicate his 5.8 WAR season from 2023.<\/p>\n The Giants had interest in Kim until they were able to land Willy Adames<\/a> in free agency. Now, I think he\u2019d fit great with the Red Sox, who could then keep Trevor Story<\/a> at second base, allowing Marcelo Mayer<\/a> and Kristian Campbell<\/a> another year of development at Triple A.<\/p>\n However, the best team for Kim, without a doubt, is still the Padres. They also are a much better team with him at shortstop and Xander Bogaerts<\/a> at second base than if they have to play Bogaerts at shortstop.<\/p>\n Prediction: Padres<\/strong><\/p>\n Age:<\/strong> 32 Like Yates, Est\u00e9vez probably has to wait until Scott signs before he can find his next team. I think the Cubs, who need to build up their bullpen, are the best fit for him. They could use the strike-throwing power righty in high-leverage spots late in games. Teams such as the Blue Jays, Rangers, Red Sox and Giants also make sense for Est\u00e9vez, who logged 26 saves between the Phillies and Angels last year.<\/p>\n Prediction: Cubs<\/strong><\/p>\n Age:<\/strong> 35 Quintana still knows how to win and keep hitters off-balance. He gave the Mets 170 1\/3 innings last season, going 10-10 with a 3.75 ERA over 31 starts. His results have always been better than his raw stuff thanks to his command in and out of the zone.<\/p>\n He\u2019d be a solid signing for the Royals as a rotation replacement for Brady Singer<\/a>, whom they traded to the Reds in November. Although the Royals claim they\u2019re fine moving Kris Bubic<\/a> to the rotation to replace Singer, they don\u2019t have much starting pitching depth and they\u2019ll miss the\u00a0179 2\/3 innings Singer provided last year. Quintana, who turns 36 in January, is the perfect fit. The Giants, Tigers and Padres have also been linked with him.<\/p>\n Prediction: Royals<\/strong><\/p>\n Age:<\/strong> 31 Hoffman wants to follow in the footsteps of Clay Holmes<\/a>, who is attempting to transition from the bullpen to the rotation<\/a>.\u00a0Holmes signed a three-year, $38 million deal with the Mets and that\u2019s what Hoffman thinks he deserves. However, he hasn\u2019t been offered that yet.<\/p>\n I\u2019m told several teams like the idea of signing him and making him a starter, while other teams would prefer to keep Hoffman, who has 50 career starts, in the pen if they acquire him. Hoffman, who turns 32 this week, is coming off two stellar seasons for the Phillies. He posted a 2.41 ERA over 54 appearances in 2023 and backed that up with a 2.17 ERA over 68 appearances last year. A return to Philly would probably be best for Hoffman, but he would not get a chance to start with them. The Braves, Red Sox, Rays<\/a>, Royals, Tigers, Astros and Nationals<\/a> would all be solid landing spots.<\/p>\n Prediction: Nationals<\/strong><\/p>\n Age:<\/strong> 31 I was shocked when Pivetta turned down the $21.05 million qualifying offer from the Red Sox, for two reasons: 1) I don\u2019t think he\u2019ll get close to that on the open market, and 2) tying himself to draft pick compensation weakens his value even more.<\/p>\n Because of that, he\u2019s one of the players who might have to wait a while before finding his next home. The New York Post reported in December that the Reds had checked in on him, but after they signed Nick Martinez<\/a> to the qualifying offer and traded for Singer, I can\u2019t imagine them actually playing on Pivetta. One team that could make sense to salvage his offseason is the Blue Jays, who have struggled to find players willing to take their free-agent offers. Pivetta, who has a career 4.76 ERA over eight seasons, will turn 32 in February.<\/p>\n Prediction: Blue Jays<\/strong><\/p>\n Age:<\/strong> 28 Verdugo was the starting left fielder for the American League champion Yankees but had a subpar year, batting just .233\/.291\/.356 with 13 home runs. He\u2019s a good defender in left field, grinds day in and day out, and is respected in the clubhouse because of the edge with which he plays. If the Padres aren\u2019t able to bring back Profar, they could pivot to Verdugo. Otherwise, he might have to accept a role as a fourth outfielder somewhere. The Giants, Pirates<\/a> and Diamondbacks could make a depth play for him.<\/p>\n Prediction: Padres (if they don\u2019t re-sign Profar)<\/strong><\/p>\n Age:<\/strong> 40 Turner turned 40 in November and wants to keep playing \u2014 and based on last year\u2019s performance, he still has something left in the tank. He slashed .259\/.354\/.383 (114 OPS+) with 11 home runs. His leadership qualities are particularly valuable on a relatively young team. The Mariners, Guardians, Pirates and Diamondbacks are all logical fits for Turner to improve their benches. A return to Seattle might make the most sense based on the positive impact he had on the clubhouse after being traded by the Blue Jays at the deadline.<\/p>\n Prediction: Mariners<\/strong><\/p>\n (Top photo of Roki Sasaki: The Yomiuri Shimbun via Associated Press)\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n1. Roki Sasaki, RHP<\/h2>\n
WAR:<\/strong> N\/A
ERA:<\/strong> 2.35 IP:<\/strong> 111 SO: <\/strong>129 (NPB stats)
Agent:<\/strong> Wasserman<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/uploads\/wp\/2024\/11\/17171348\/GettyImages-2175935811-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\n Houston pivoted away from Alex Bregman. Where will he end up? (Alex Slitz \/ Getty Images)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n2. Alex Bregman, 3B<\/h2>\n
WAR:<\/strong> 4.1
OPS+:<\/strong> 118
Agent:<\/strong> Boras Corporation<\/p>\n3. Anthony Santander, RF<\/strong><\/h2>\n
WAR:<\/strong> 2.9
OPS+:<\/strong> 134
Agent:<\/strong> GSE Worldwide<\/p>\n4. Pete Alonso, 1B<\/h2>\n
WAR:<\/strong> 2.6
OPS+:<\/strong> 123
Agent:<\/strong> Boras Corporation<\/p>\n![\"go-deeper\"\/](\"https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/uploads\/wp\/2024\/10\/19005116\/GettyImages-2178432016-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/div>\n5. Jack Flaherty, RHP<\/h2>\n
WAR:<\/strong> 3.1
ERA:<\/strong> 3.17 IP:<\/strong> 162 SO:<\/strong> 194
Agent:<\/strong> CAA Sports<\/p>\n6. Tanner Scott, LHP<\/h2>\n
WAR:<\/strong> 4.0
ERA:<\/strong> 1.75 SV:<\/strong> 22 IP: <\/strong>72 SO: <\/strong>84
Agent:<\/strong> MVP Sports Group<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/uploads\/wp\/2025\/01\/06055637\/USATSI_24441995-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\n Jurickson Profar had a career year for the Padres, but is a reunion in the cards? (David Frerker \/ Imagn Images)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n7. Jurickson Profar, LF<\/h2>\n
WAR:<\/strong> 3.6
OPS+:<\/strong> 134
Agent:<\/strong> MVP Sports Group<\/p>\n8. Kirby Yates, RHP<\/h2>\n
WAR:<\/strong> 3.3
ERA:<\/strong> 1.17 SV:<\/strong> 33 IP:<\/strong> 61 2\/3 SO: <\/strong>85
Agent:<\/strong> Beverly Hills Sports Council<\/p>\n9. Ha-Seong Kim, SS<\/h2>\n
WAR:<\/strong> 2.6
OPS+:<\/strong> 96
Agent:<\/strong> Boras Corporation<\/p>\n10. Carlos Est\u00e9vez, RHP<\/h2>\n
WAR:<\/strong> 2.1
ERA:<\/strong> 2.45 SV:<\/strong> 26 IP:<\/strong> 55 SO:<\/strong> 50
Agent:<\/strong> Premier Talent Sports and Entertainment<\/p>\n11. Jose Quintana, LHP<\/h2>\n
WAR: <\/strong>2.5
ERA:<\/strong> 3.75 IP: <\/strong>170 1\/3 SO: <\/strong>135
Agent:<\/strong> Wasserman<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/uploads\/wp\/2025\/01\/06055958\/USATSI_23757740-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\n Jeff Hoffman made the All-Star team in 2024. Will he be a starter or reliever this year? (Tim Heitman \/ Imagn Images)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n12. Jeff Hoffman, RHP<\/h2>\n
WAR:<\/strong> 2.0
ERA:<\/strong> 2.17 SV:<\/strong> 10 IP: <\/strong>66 1\/3 SO:<\/strong> 89
Agent:<\/strong> CAA Sports<\/p>\n13. Nick Pivetta, RHP<\/h2>\n
WAR:<\/strong> 1.8
ERA:<\/strong> 4.14 IP: <\/strong>145 2\/3 SO: <\/strong>172
Agent:<\/strong> CAA Sports<\/p>\n14. Alex Verdugo, LF<\/h2>\n
WAR:<\/strong> 0.8
OPS+:<\/strong> 83
Agent:<\/strong> MVP Sports Group<\/p>\n15. Justin Turner, 1B\/DH<\/h2>\n
WAR:<\/strong> 1.5
OPS+:<\/strong> 114
Agent:<\/strong> Vayner Sports<\/p>\n