The new year is approaching, yet many star free agents are still on the MLB free agent market. Players like Pete Alonso, Corbin Burnes, and Teoscar Hernandez are still available but which teams make the most sense for these names? Since it’s the silly season, let’s take a look at arguably the 10 best free agents left and try to find a home for them.

Pete Alonso

We’ll start with Pete Alonso, arguably the best power hitter remaining in free agency. The right-handed hitting slugger recorded the fourth-most home runs (120) in the league between 2022-24, and his strong MLB Postseason set him up well heading into November.

Alonso, however, is one name whose market has been tough to judge virtually this entire offseason. Since several teams that were in on Juan Soto felt like logical destinations for Alonso, the 30-year-old essentially went to the backburner. But now that the offseason has progress, teams that made sense — the Astros, Nationals, Yankees — went in other directions.

Other logical destinations, like the Twins, don’t make sense for financial reasons.

• Teams that make sense: Mets, Mariners
• Best fit: Mets

The Mets are poised for big things in 2025 after landing Soto. Add in Alonso, a key emotional leader for the Mets over the years, and New York (NL) gets closer and closer to rivaling the Dodgers.

However, where Alonso goes will ultimately depend on what type of deal he’s willing to take. Right-handed hitting first baseman get typecast, as MLB teams have long sought left-handed hitting bats at an offense-first position. Not to mention, Alonso is on the wrong side of 30.

One team outside of New York that would make sense is the Mariners. Seattle enters 2025 with Tyler Locklear as the likely first baseman for the M’s. Alonso would be an upgrade but in order to get him, Seattle would have to expand their payroll. That might not be feasible, especially with looming extensions for Logan Gilbert and George Kirby.

Alex Bregman

The Astros have virtually shut the door on bringing back Alex Bregman. That much was admitted by GM Dana Brown, who said the team looked to act quickly on securing corner infield help in December. Talks stalled with Bregman and Houston opted to get Isaac Paredes from the Cubs, and Christian Walker in free agency.

Bregman has been as steady as they come: a consistent 20+ home run hitter, low strikeouts, and a good glove at third. The 30-year-old won his first AL Gold Glove in November.

• Teams that make sense: Mets, Red Sox, Tigers, Yankees
• Best fit: Tigers

The rumor mill has linked Bregman to several teams, including the Red Sox, Tigers, and Yankees. The Mets, another team that needs another corner infielder, have also been linked to Bregman.

Detroit third basemen finished 23rd in the league last season in wOBA (.283). While the Tigers do have Jace Jung on the roster heading into 2025, Bregman brings a consistent offensive touch that Detroit didn’t have last season.

Corbin Burnes

Arguably the best starter in free agency is still on the board. Corbin Burnes remains available, weeks after Blake Snell (Dodgers) and Max Fried (Yankees) signed.

Aside from a tough August, one that saw Burnes post a 7.36 ERA, the 30-year-old was excellent by and large. No, Burnes didn’t strike out 200+ for the fourth-straight year. But, his cutter/curve/slider combination was impressive yet again. Burnes’ arsenal helped him post strong Chase% (33.0%) and Barrel% (6.7%) figures.

• Teams that make sense: Angels, Blue Jays, Giants, Orioles, Red Sox
• Best fit: Orioles

On paper, Burnes fits best with the team that traded for him in February. Baltimore’s rotation remains thin for a potential World Series contender, especially with no Kyle Bradish next season.

Jack Flaherty

Between Detroit and Los Angeles, Jack Flaherty turned his career around significantly. One year after an up-and-down campaign with the Cardinals and O’s, Flaherty struck out 194 over 162 frames and won a World Series title.

Flaherty missed bats at a rate (32.1%) not seen by the righty in his career over a full season. The 29-year-old regained movement on his fastball, as his IVB jumped 2.0”. And, his knuckle-curve (43.6% Whiff%) was nearly unhittable.

• Teams that make sense: Angels, Dodgers, Tigers
• Best fit: Angels

Flaherty had success with the Dodgers and Tigers, hence why those teams are natural fits. However, another team in SoCal might need Flaherty more.

The Angels signed LHP Yusei Kikuchi to beef up a rotation that finished 28th last season in ERA. That, tentatively, gives the Halos a rotation of Tyler Anderson, Kikuchi, Jose Soriano, Kyle Hendricks, and likely a rookie like Caden Dana or Jack Kochanowicz as the #5.

Flaherty would arguably be the Angels’ best starter in that alignment.

Teoscar Hernandez

It was a career year for Teoscar Hernandez, who hit a career-high 33 home runs for the Dodgers.

Hernandez didn’t get the “big” deal last winter, and took a one-year deal with Los Angeles (NL). The move benefitted both sides. Hernandez got the protection of three superstars around him, while the Dodgers filled out their outfield with a great slugger.

• Teams that make sense: Blue Jays, Dodgers, Red Sox
• Best fit: Dodgers

Yes, it would be fascinating to see how Hernandez were to do at Fenway. However, a reunion with the Dodgers would give Los Angeles seven hitters who’ve cracked at least 25 home runs in a single season before.

Plus, it would give the Dodgers more leeway with their lineup. Rather than force Andy Pages to play everyday, it could allow for a cleaner platoon situation if the Dodgers are fine with Tommy Edman back in the infield against left-handed bats.

Kenley Jansen

Kenley Jansen remained a strong closer last season with the Red Sox. Jansen struck out 62 over 54.2 IP with Boston and notched 27 saves.

The pitch metrics on Jansen were down last season, compared to 2023. Jansen’s cutter lost about two MPH and his cutter lost some induced vertical break. Although, his cutter (17.5” IVB average) remained an incredible weapon, as it moves in ways unseen from other MLB pitchers.

• Teams that make sense: Cubs, Dodgers, Diamondbacks, Rangers
• Best fit: Diamondbacks

At this point of Jansen’s career, it doesn’t make sense for him to sign with a rebuilder. And, there are some contending teams that still need help late in games.

Texas, at this point, does not have Kirby Yates on their roster. The Cubs could enter 2025 with Porter Hodge as their closer, or add a veteran.

The Diamondbacks, though, would be a fascinating fit. The Rangers are rumored to be interested in re-signing Yates If that were to happen, Jansen could easily slot in as Arizona’s closer, while Justin Martinez could shift back into a setup role.

Nick Pivetta

Nick Pivetta is one of the best starters left in free agency after two strong seasons in Boston. The 31-year-old struck out 183 batters in only 142.2 IP in 2023, then followed it up with 172 strikeouts a year later.

Pivetta entered free agency with one of the most intriguing arsenals. A fastball with a mean IVB average of 19.9”, a hammer curveball, and a sweeper that turned Pivetta into a strikeout pitcher.

• Teams that make sense: Blue Jays, Dodgers, Orioles, Padres
• Best fit: Blue Jays

Pivetta has a qualifying offer attached to him, which will likely deter some teams. Nonetheless, there are teams that need pitching.

Toronto is looking to keep up with the powers of the AL East, Pivetta’s stuff would nicely fill out the rotation. But, the Jays might have more pressing needs.

Anthony Santander

Much like Teoscar, Anthony Santander had himself a career season.

Santander hit a career-high 44 home runs for the O’s in 2024. It ended a three-year run where Santander hit 105 home runs, third-most among outfielders, behind only Kyle Schwarber (131) and Aaron Judge (157). While Santander has his flaws – low OBP, average fielder — his bat is legit.

• Teams that make sense: Astros, Blue Jays, Red Sox, Tigers, Yankees
• Best fit: Blue Jays

Santander would be a strong fit for the Jays, a team that needs bats more than arms. Toronto acquired 2B Andres Gimenez in December to start filling out their 2025 lineup. But, Gimenez is not a power hitter and the Jays need another big bat to support Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette.

Guerrero Jr. was the only Jay to hit 20+ home runs last season and aside from Gimenez, are running roughly the same team back for 2025.

There is need in the outfield. But, will Toronto be willing to spend big on Santander, especially with Guerrero Jr.’s free agency looming.

Roki Sasaki

We went over what Roki Sasaki has to offer to MLB teams back in November, so that won’t be the focus here. But here’s a reader’s digest version: Sasaki has the stuff to be an ace.

Because Sasaki is ineligible for a deal like the one Yoshinobu Yamamoto got last winter, money won’t be the draw. Rather, what team fits Sasaki the best.

His agent stated in December that a “smaller” market would suit Sasaki more. But, is that a negotation ploy, or is there something to that.

• Teams that make sense: Dodgers, Padres, Mets, Yankees, Phillies, Rangers
• Best fit: Padres

It’s hard to envision Sasaki going anywhere but Los Angeles or San Diego. In fact, MLB.com polled executives across the league earlier in the offseason. Many of those individuals came to the same conclusion.

If Sasaki wants a smaller market and to complete for a World Series right away, the Padres are the sensible location.

Tanner Scott

Tanner Scott emerged as one of baseball’s best left-handers in 2023. Scott struck out 104 batters over 78 frames and became the Marlins’ closer late that year.

Scott continued to be a reliable arm, as he struck out 53 over 45.2 IP and notched 18 saves with the Fish. The 30-year-old doesn’t have average command but does have great stuff, including a power fastball and a hard, effective gyro slider.

The ex-Marlin’s stuff often bailed him out of tough situations — and got him a ticket out of Miami. Scott was traded to the Padres in July and pitched very well in San Diego. He struck out 31 over 26.1 IP as a Padre. However, he was not the closer in San Diego with Robert Suarez around.

• Teams that make sense: Angels, Giants, Phillies, Yankees
• Best fit: Phillies

The Phillies already added one notable reliever, Jordan Romano, in December. However, Philadelphia could use another high-leverage arm, as the Phillies lost Carlos Estevez and Jeff Hoffman to free agency.

If Scott were to join the Phillies, he’d join Jose Alvarado and Matt Strahm as lefties in the Philadelphia pen. Scott’s two-pitch combo and arm slot would easily fit in to give batters a different look. Plus, the 30-year-old can comfortably pitch in the ninth inning if needed.