With 2023 drawing to a close, let’s take a look ahead to 2024 —and the offseason. The hot stove is still going in the 2023-24 MLB offseason, but it’s not too early to think about next year’s class. It is set to be a deep one, headlined by a former MVP, multiple Cy Young Award winners, and a superstar outfielder. Here’s an early look at our picks for the top ten tentative 2024-25 MLB free agents that are slated to go to market next year.
Related: When is the start date for the 2024 MLB season?
Corbin Burnes
The 2024-25 class of MLB free agents is loaded. What better way to start this list than with arguably the best pitcher that will likely be available come next November in Corbin Burnes? Burnes had the second-most strikeouts (677) in MLB from 2021-23 and the Milwaukee ace has turned in a stellar 2.94 ERA (141 ERA+) in that span.
The 2021 NL Cy Young Award winner appears poised to test free agency and given that Burnes will be 30 comes next November, he should be in line for a hefty deal.
Max Fried
It’s hard to consider Braves left-hander Max Fried underrated, but perhaps the runner-up for the 2022 NL Cy Young Award doesn’t get enough credit. The 29-year-old’s been one of the game’s more consistent and effective starters, and Fried had a strong 2023 — 2.55 ERA, 80 K over 77.2 IP — despite numerous stints on the IL. Oh, and the 2021 World Series ring helps pad his potential free agent resume.
The Braves did reportedly have extension talks before the 2023 season. Given Atlanta’s competitive window, it’ll be interesting to see how the Braves handle Fried over the next 11 months.
Shane Bieber
The past three seasons have been a rollercoaster for 2020 AL Cy Young Award winner Shane Bieber. The Guardians ace battled injuries in both 2021 and 2023 but did log a healthy 2022 and was sharp that season for Cleveland. Yet, Bieber’s strikeout numbers and fastball velocity have dipped in recent years.
Bieber still has his dominant cutter/slider combo, but one has to wonder what the market will look like for the 28-year-old come 2024.
Zack Wheeler
Very few pitchers have been able to do what Zack Wheeler has done over the last three seasons. Wheeler — who had the sixth-most strikeouts (622) between 2021-23 — recorded the best fWAR (17.3) among pitchers and played a key role in Philly’s playoff runs in 2022 and 2023. Needless to say, the Phillies’ decision to sign him in 2019 has worked out well.
The Phillies have reportedly made it a priority to re-sign Wheeler before the start of 2024. Philadelphia went through this process in 2023 with Aaron Nola, who did ultimately stay with the Phillies.
Gerrit Cole
This is where things get a bit complicated. Technically, 2023 AL Cy Young Award winner Gerrit Cole can become a free agent, as he’ll be able to opt out of the last four years of his 2019 megadeal after 2024. However, the Yankees can void that option if New York adds a 10th year to cover the 2029 season.
Cole’s agent Scott Boras stated in December that he anticipates the righty will opt out and the Yankees will void that decision. Nonetheless, the possibility of Cole heading back to free agency in 2024 remains and is why he’s on this list.
Paul Goldschmidt
Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt has been one of the game’s more consistent hitters and his seven 30+ home run campaigns are proof of that. At 36 years of age, Goldschmidt can still pack more than a punch. His 2023 batted ball metrics were well above league average, even though his .810 OPS was his lowest since 2011.
Like with the Phillies with Zack Wheeler, the Cardinals would reportedly like to keep the 2022 NL MVP in town past 2024. St. Louis is reportedly set to engage in extension talks this offseason with Goldschmidt.
Alex Bregman
Since his arrival in the Majors in 2016, Alex Bregman‘s been one of the game’s most impactful bats. No, Bregman hasn’t been able to replicate his incredible campaigns in 2018 and 2019, a span that saw him hit 72 home runs and a .970 cumulative OPS. Still, he can hit for above-average pop and has one of the game’s best eyes.
USA Today reported in November that Astros brass had some skepticism about getting a deal done with Bregman. It doesn’t mean that it’s impossible, but Houston will also need to contend with extensions with both Kyle Tucker and this superstar second baseman.
Jose Altuve
Bregman isn’t the only notable Astro set to hit the market in the winter of 2024. Second baseman Jose Altuve, who’s only behind Freddie Freeman in total hits (2,047) since 2011, is also set to hit free agency. The 33-year-old hit .311 with a .915 OPS across 90 games in 2023 and tallied 21 home runs — 17 in the regular season, four in the playoffs — this year.
Scott Boras indicated in November that the Astros reached out regarding an extension.
Pete Alonso
It’s hard to find a player in the game with as much power as Pete Alonso. No player in the game has hit as many home runs (192) and RBI (498) as Alonso, who owns a career .870 OPS (136 OPS+) and has formed a strong duo in the Mets’ lineup with Francisco Lindor. However, questions regarding whether Alonso is in the Mets’ plans beyond 2024 have been abound for months.
The Mets have the money to re-sign Alonso. But, will New York will be willing to work out a deal with the star slugger?
Juan Soto
Out of all the potential 2024 MLB free agents, no player in the class may have as much earning power as Juan Soto. Soto, who owns the league’s best OBP (.424) is well-known for his ability to get on base. Couple that with his bat — he finished tied for 21st in the league in hits (647) and tied for 12th in home runs (138) over the last five seasons — and one will find a true impact bat.
Soto famously turned down a 15-year, $440MM extension in 2022 with the Nationals. The new Yankee will enter free agency at 26 years of age, meaning that any team that signs him will get him during his prime. But, which team will be willing to pay the price for Soto?