2024 MLB Offseason: Free-Agent Predictions and Top Player Moves Ahead of Winter Meetings
December marks a crucial time in baseball. The Winter Meetings in Dallas are upcoming, where major offseason questions will be addressed. Key discussions include the future of Juan Soto and the highest-paid pitchers.
Some offseason moves have already taken place. Blake Snell joined the Los Angeles Dodgers with a five-year, $182 million deal. Yusei Kikuchi signed with the Los Angeles Angels for three years at $63 million. As the pitching market begins to clarify, teams are looking for additional talent.
Here’s a list of fitting free-agent targets for each MLB team:
Chicago White Sox (41-121)
Kyle Hart, LHP
Focus on trading Garrett Crochet. The White Sox need pitching but prioritizing trades over signings makes sense after a tough season.
Colorado Rockies (61-101)
Mark Canha, IF/OF
The Rockies lack aggression in improving their roster. Canha can provide veteran leadership and versatility.
Miami Marlins (62-100)
Harrison Bader, CF
The Marlins prefer trades for lineup upgrades, making this a less likely signing.
Los Angeles Angels (63-99)
Cavan Biggio, IF/OF
After signing Kikuchi and other players, the Angels may look for bench upgrades with Biggio.
Las Vegas Athletics of Sacramento (69-93)
Yoán Moncada, 3B
Moncada might be a low-cost option to fill the void at third base. He has potential but needs to regain form.
Washington Nationals (71-91)
Anthony Santander, OF
Santander could add power to a struggling lineup, especially after a poor home run season.
Toronto Blue Jays (74-88)
Corbin Burnes, RHP
If the Jays pursue Soto, they should look at Burnes as a key rotation piece for the future.
Pittsburgh Pirates (76-86)
Tyler O’Neill, OF
O’Neill’s power potential makes him an interesting option, despite injury concerns.
Cincinnati Reds (77-85)
Teoscar Hernández, OF
Hernández fits well with the Reds as they look to build around a young core.
Texas Rangers (78-84)
Tanner Scott, LHP
Scott adds depth to the bullpen and has proven to be a dominant reliever.
Tampa Bay Rays (80-82)
Kyle Higashioka, C
The Rays need a reliable catcher, and Higashioka can provide that with his experience.
San Francisco Giants (80-82)
Willy Adames, SS
The Giants need a shortstop, and Adames is one of the best available options.
Boston Red Sox (81-81)
Max Fried, LHP
Fried’s consistency makes him a top candidate in the pitching market.
Minnesota Twins (82-80)
Randal Grichuk, OF
Grichuk could complement their outfield, especially against left-handed pitchers.
Chicago Cubs (83-79)
Jake Flaherty, RHP
Flaherty can stabilize the Cubs’ rotation as they aim for contention.
St. Louis Cardinals (83-79)
Nick Pivetta, RHP
Pivetta’s potential could shine in a new environment after previous struggles.
Seattle Mariners (85-77)
Pete Alonso, 1B
Alonso could greatly improve the Mariners’ offense, despite his on-base issues.
Detroit Tigers (86-76)
Sean Manaea, LHP
Manaea can strengthen the rotation, helping fill gaps after a successful season.
Kansas City Royals (86-76)
Clay Holmes, RHP
Holmes can enhance the bullpen, providing more reliable options in high-leverage situations.
Houston Astros (88-73)
Alex Bregman, 3B
The Astros need to decide whether to keep Bregman, a key player, before the market heats up.
Arizona Diamondbacks (89-73)
Paul Goldschmidt, 1B
A return for Goldschmidt would be poetic, but it depends on his recent performance.
New York Mets (89-73)
Juan Soto, OF
Soto’s market is hot. The Mets have the resources to secure this star.
Atlanta Braves (89-73)
Walker Buehler, RHP
Buehler provides postseason experience, making him a fit for the Braves’ rotation needs.
Baltimore Orioles (91-71)
Nathan Eovaldi, RHP
Eovaldi could serve as a veteran presence in the Orioles’ rotation.
Cleveland Guardians (92-69)
Matthew Boyd, LHP
Boyd brings stability to the rotation after recovering from injury.
San Diego Padres (93-69)
Jurickson Profar, OF
Profar had a strong season and would strengthen the Padres’ lineup if re-signed.
Milwaukee Brewers (93-69)
Michael Soroka, RHP
Soroka’s versatility could benefit the Brewers, especially in a multi-inning relief role.
New York Yankees (94-68)
Christian Walker, 1B
If Soto opts for another team, Walker can upgrade the Yankees’ first base position.
Philadelphia Phillies (95-67)
Jeff Hoffman, RHP
Hoffman’s breakout season makes him a priority for the bullpen as the Phillies look to improve.
Los Angeles Dodgers (98-64)
Roki Sasaki, RHP
Sasaki could be a significant addition to a strong rotation, enhancing the Dodgers’ championship aspirations.