At this level within the offseason, each crew might nonetheless use some assist — and loads of prime free brokers stay out there. However taking into consideration age, place, talent set and projected value, who’s the right match for every membership?
To reply that query, we enlisted the assistance of MLB.com’s 30 beat reporters. Here is who they selected as sensible free-agent targets who would match every crew greatest.
Blue Jays: RHP Anthony SantanderPlayers who match the Blue Jays preserve flying off the board, however Anthony Santander stays. The Blue Jays know Santander nicely from his days with the Orioles — maybe too nicely, after a few of his efficiency in opposition to them — and he profiles nicely to suit their lineup. Whereas Teoscar Hernández was beloved in Toronto, Santander has all the time felt like a cleaner match for what Ross Atkins is chasing because of the 30-year-old outfielder’s capacity to hit left-handed, in addition to his higher contact charges to pair together with his energy. The time period Santander seeks might be a much bigger problem than the general cash right here for the Blue Jays, however they clearly want an influence bat to placed on both aspect of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and people choices are starting to run skinny in free company. — Keegan Matheson
Orioles: LHP Tanner ScottWith Corbin Burnes becoming a member of the D-backs, the free-agent marketplace for beginning pitchers has dried up. The Orioles’ almost definitely path to buying an ace this offseason is by trying to find a commerce accomplice and swinging a deal much like the one for Burnes that they pulled off with the Brewers final offseason. However Baltimore might nonetheless look so as to add a high-leverage arm to the again finish of its bullpen combine through free company. One potential match is the 30-year-old Scott, who would function a powerful left-handed complement to the right-handed trio of nearer Félix Bautista, Yennier Cano and Seranthony Domínguez. Scott started his large league profession with the O’s, recording a 4.73 ERA over 170 appearances in 5 seasons from 2017-21. The southpaw has improved since then, incomes an All-Star nod for the primary time in ‘24, when he posted a 1.75 ERA in 72 video games with the Marlins and Padres. — Jake Rill
Rays: INF Ha-Seong KimThe Rays appear extra seemingly at this level to guess on inner enchancment, relying on higher well being and bounce-back candidates to improve their lineup (and preserve spots heat for prime prospects within the higher Minors) fairly than going out and signing a free agent. However Kim is a doubtlessly fascinating match, particularly if the questions on his shoulder harm (which can delay the beginning of his season) result in him accepting a fairly inexpensive one-year deal. The 29-year-old is a superb middle-infield defender — he was a Gold Glove-winning utilityman in 2023 earlier than serving as San Diego’s common shortstop final season — and he was a roughly league-average hitter for the Padres the previous 4 years. Kim totaled 15.3 bWAR throughout his time in San Diego. It won’t be that sensible, given the Rays’ appreciation for shortstop Taylor Partitions’ elite protection and prime prospect Carson Williams’ all-around potential, however it’s one thing to consider. — Adam Berry
Crimson Sox: 3B Alex BregmanGiven Boston’s want for an skilled right-handed bat and a veteran chief within the clubhouse, Bregman is nearly as good a match as there may be on the free-agent market. There may be some query about how he would match with the Crimson Sox positionally. Bregman has performed third base his entire profession, the place Rafael Devers is entrenched with Boston. Nevertheless, Bregman has despatched out indicators he would think about transferring to second base for the precise crew, and Boston has a gap there. There have additionally been commerce rumors involving Triston Casas this winter. If Casas was moved, Devers might transfer throughout the diamond to first base with Bregman staying on the sizzling nook. — Ian Browne
Yankees: OF Jurickson ProfarThe Yankees have already made various large strikes (comparable to signing Max Fried, buying and selling for Devin Williams and Cody Bellinger and agreeing to a take care of Paul Goldschmidt), however they may land one other large bat for his or her lineup. The switch-hitting Profar might slot into left discipline however might additionally play a task within the infield, the place he started his profession. As soon as an elite prospect, Profar delivered a breakout 12 months for the Padres, hitting .280 with 24 homers and an .839 OPS and making the NL All-Star crew. He could possibly be simply the precise match for a Yankees crew that would not thoughts including a talented and versatile hitter and has lengthy been a fan of Profar’s recreation. — Theo DeRosa
Guardians: RHP Spencer TurnbullThe Guardians have added Shane Bieber, Luis Ortiz and Slade Cecconi to their beginning combine, however they definitely cannot have too many choices. Turnbull suits the profile of a kind of hurler Cleveland might take an opportunity on: not overpowering together with his stuff however throws strikes. Turnbull proved he could be a dependable starter earlier in his profession, however after lacking the 2022 season attributable to Tommy John surgical procedure, he took a while settling again in. And in ’24, his season ended early due to a proper lat pressure. The Guardians helped Matthew Boyd come again from a critical harm this previous 12 months and get again to the pitcher he was earlier in his profession. They might do the identical with Turnbull. — Mandy Bell
Royals: RHP Michael LorenzenOffensive pursuits apart, the Royals want to add depth to their pitching workers and discover a versatile pitcher who can seem within the rotation or bullpen relying on the membership’s wants. What higher match, then, than Lorenzen, who did precisely that for the Royals final season after they acquired him from the Rangers a day earlier than the Commerce Deadline? Lorenzen made six begins for the Royals earlier than a hamstring harm sidelined him for a bit. In whole, Lorenzen, who turns 33 subsequent week, posted a 1.57 ERA throughout 28 2/3 innings with Kansas Metropolis. If Lorenzen’s plan, as detailed in The Athletic (subscription required), to be a two-way participant for a contender for half of the season doesn’t work out, the Royals have two open rotation spots heading into Spring Coaching. Lorenzen would match nicely into certainly one of them whereas rising the competitors for others — and bringing his bullpen expertise for versatility. — Anne Rogers
Tigers: RHP Justin VerlanderThe rotation is getting somewhat crowded now, however as normal managers wish to say, you’ll be able to by no means have sufficient pitching. The longer Verlander lingers in the marketplace, the extra intriguing the concept of a reunion on a short-term contract turns into. Along with his forty second birthday developing in February, Verlander doesn’t match the profile of free-agent pitcher the Tigers have introduced in on short-term offers to enhance up to now — Jack Flaherty was 28, Michael Lorenzen was 31 — however Detroit’s take care of 37-year-old Alex Cobb on the Winter Conferences exhibits some flexibility on this market. Furthermore, Verlander’s metrics present hints that he may be higher than he confirmed final 12 months and that he isn’t merely growing older out of the sport. — Jason Beck
Twins: LHP Danny CoulombeCarlos Santana appeared like the smartest match right here — that’s, till he agreed to return to the division-rival Guardians, taking him out of the image for a reunion with Minnesota. When it comes to an inexpensive addition that would handle a roster want, left-handed aid would possibly then be the lowest-hanging fruit following the departure of Caleb Thielbar, with the Twins virtually all the time preferring to keep away from multiyear commitments to bullpen arms. Coulombe might maybe match the invoice right here, and we already know the Twins just like the 35-year-old lefty, contemplating it was with Minnesota in 2020 (as a non-roster invitee) that he reestablished himself as an enormous leaguer earlier than his extra profitable stint in Baltimore. — Do-Hyoung Park
White Sox: LHP Jose QuintanaLet’s make a few factors clear up entrance: The White Sox aren’t spending cash this offseason within the early phases of their newest rebuild, and the main target of the 2025 season is to provide prospects an opportunity to indicate themselves after which assess the place they should enhance the roster. However with these ideas in thoughts, the veteran left-hander could be an awesome match for the White Sox rotation. In any case, Quintana’s prolonged run of success actually started with the White Sox in 2012, and he might come again as a frontrunner and innings stalwart to pair with youthful starters comparable to Jonathan Cannon, Davis Martin, Drew Thorpe and Sean Burke. The White Sox have already got signed right-hander Bryse Wilson, and there’s the query of Quintana becoming in at finances. However he’s additionally a participant who could possibly be signed and moved on the Deadline for youthful expertise. — Scott Merkin
Angels: INF Jorge PolancoPolanco would match the Angels nicely as a result of he can play a number of infield positions and is a switch-hitter. He’s coming off a tricky 12 months with the Mariners, hitting .213 with 16 homers and 45 RBIs in 117 video games, however Seattle could be a troublesome place to play offensively and he handled a knee harm that in the end required surgical procedure in October. He’d be an inexpensive short-term possibility for the Angels at second base with Luis Rengifo shifting over to 3rd base and Anthony Rendon serving in a backup function. The Angels don’t need to block prime second base prospect Christian Moore, and Polanco can deal with second till Moore is prepared. He’d enhance their depth and provides the Angels extra infield insurance coverage together with Scott Kingery and Kevin Newman, particularly with shortstop Zach Neto prone to miss time early within the season after present process proper shoulder surgical procedure in early November. — Rhett Bollinger
Astros: OF Randal GrichukThe Astros have a necessity for assist in the outfield, and Grichuk would like to play for his hometown crew. After agreeing to a take care of free-agent first baseman Christian Walker, the Astros are already over the projected CBT for subsequent season, so any additional important offers might require liberating up some payroll (buying and selling reliever Ryan Pressly stays an possibility). Grichuk, 32, slashed .291/.348/.528 final season with 12 homers and 46 RBIs for the D-backs in arguably among the finest years of his profession. The lack of Kyle Tucker makes Houston’s lineup extra right-handed, so the Astros might choose a left-handed bat (Grichuk hits right-handed), in the event that they make any further strikes. — Brian McTaggart
Athletics: RHP Andrew KittredgeAfter fortifying their rotation with Luis Severino and Jeffrey Springs and seemingly addressing their third-base want with the signing of veteran Gio Urshela, the Athletics might look to their bullpen that improved vastly in 2024 however nonetheless is brief on skilled relievers exterior of left-hander T.J. McFarland. Kittredge was a powerful setup man to Cardinals All-Star nearer Ryan Helsley final season, and his 38.9 % chase fee that ranked within the one centesimal percentile of all Main Leaguers would profit the A’s enormously as they put together to maneuver right into a extra hitter-friendly Sutter Well being Park in West Sacramento. — Martín Gallegos
Mariners: RHP Roki SasakiThe Japanese phenom seems on this record greater than any free agent, and for good motive — given the affordability associated to his eventual contract’s limitations, that his agent has instructed the right-hander is extra open to smaller-market groups than was initially forecasted and the intense calls for for beginning pitching inside this 12 months’s free-agent and commerce candidates. However the Mariners imagine they will separate themselves by pitching (pun supposed) the success of their homegrown starters like Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, Bryce Miller and Bryan Woo, their capacity to maintain these arms wholesome, their wealthy relationships with Japanese-born gamers — and their residence setting being one of many least hitter-friendly ballparks within the sport. — Daniel Kramer
Rangers: RHP Roki SasakiPresident of baseball operations Chris Younger mentioned the membership is now not actively pursuing beginning pitching after re-signing Nathan Eovaldi. However that being mentioned, the membership is all the time trying to construct depth and Sasaki could be the No. 1 goal there. Younger emphasised that each crew needs to be in on Sasaki, and the Rangers are not any totally different. With an eight-deep rotation in the intervening time — Jacob deGrom, Eovaldi, Jon Grey, Tyler Mahle, Kumar Rocker, Jack Leiter and extra — the Japanese celebrity might slot proper within the center and be an anchor of the rotation for years to return. — Kennedi Landry
Braves: RHP Charlie MortonVeteran starter Nathan Eovaldi was a possible goal earlier than he signed a three-year, $75 million take care of the Rangers. Outfielder Max Kepler appeared like an excellent match earlier than he agreed to a one-year, $10 million take care of the Phillies. The Braves have understandably checked out different choices. However they might finally have to return again to the 41-year-old Morton, who has made it clear he’s open to pitching not less than another season. Morton has been a key piece of Atlanta’s rotation every of the previous 4 seasons and he has aided the event of younger starters like Spencer Strider and Spencer Schwellenbach. He would possibly now not be a frontline starter. However with a one-year deal price roughly $10 million, he might present the Braves some wanted insurance coverage of their rotation. He has made 30-plus begins every of the previous six 162-game seasons. — Mark Bowman
Marlins: 1B Anthony RizzoAfter choosing a catcher within the Rule 5 Draft, it is unlikely Miami will attempt to usher in a veteran backstop via free company. By transferring Jake Burger, the Marlins’ 40-man roster has only one first baseman with MLB expertise beginning on the place: Jonah Bride. Why not deliver the native child, Rizzo, residence? Miami’s clubhouse might use a veteran place participant. Plus, this may give prospects like Deyvison De Los Santos and Agustin Ramirez extra time to develop within the Minors. — Christina De Nicola
Mets: 1B Pete AlonsoIt’s an ideal match. It’s all the time been an ideal match. The Mets want a primary baseman. Alonso is one of the best one out there. The Mets additionally occur to be the one skilled group he’s ever recognized, taking part in their residence video games in a metropolis he adores. The one query is whether or not the edges will have the ability to agree on cash, contemplating Alonso reportedly rejected a profitable extension provide again in 2023 and the Mets have already dedicated greater than three-quarters of a billion {dollars} to enhancing their offense. Someplace right here, there’s a deal that works for either side. There must be, proper? — Anthony DiComo
Nationals: LHP A.J. MinterMinter is coming off an injury-hampered season with the Braves during which he was restricted to 39 video games and underwent left hip surgical procedure in August. The 31-year-old has a confirmed observe document behind the bullpen, going 24-29 with a 3.28 ERA and 36 saves in 348 2/3 innings over his eight-year profession. The Nats have had current success signing gamers who’ve had bounce-back seasons, together with Jesse Winker, Jeimer Candelario and Kyle Schwarber. After Washington non-tendered All-Star nearer Kyle Finnegan in November, a pitcher like Minter might deliver expertise to the ‘pen whereas southpaw Jose A. Ferrer doubtlessly learns the nearer function. — Jessica Camerato
Phillies: OF Mark CanhaThe Phillies’ heavy lifting is generally completed, following a busy month that included the arrivals of left-hander Jesús Luzardo, outfielder Max Kepler and right-handers Jordan Romano and Joe Ross. The rotation is ready with Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Ranger Suárez, Cristopher Sánchez and Luzardo. The bullpen is generally set with right-handers Romano, Ross, Orion Kerkering and José Ruiz and left-handers Matt Strahm, José Alvarado and Tanner Banks. If there’s a potential match anyplace it is likely to be the outfield. In the meanwhile, the Phillies anticipate Nick Castellanos, Kepler and Brandon Marsh to see the vast majority of taking part in time within the outfield. However a bat like Canha’s might face robust lefties, transferring Kepler to middle every now and then. — Todd Zolecki
Brewers: INF Ha-Seong KimThere’s important danger concerned with Kim as a result of a shoulder harm will delay the beginning of his 2025 season. However there is also important upside in a one-year take care of the 29-year-old, who would have been a distinguished free agent this winter had he not been injured. Kim is coming off 4 years with the Padres during which he compiled 15.3 bWAR, and he gained a Rawlings Gold Glove Award at second base in 2023 whereas additionally beginning video games for San Diego at shortstop and third base. That type of flexibility that might come in useful because the Brewers determine how you can configure their terrific infield within the wake of shortstop Willy Adames’ departure. — Adam McCalvy
Cardinals: RHP Andrew KittredgeYes, Kittredge pitched for the Cardinals final season. And, sure, they may desperately use his grit and veteran savvy again in 2025. Kittredge, who was acquired in a commerce with the Rays final January, was one of many Playing cards’ largest standouts together with his 37 holds, which ranked second in MLB and first within the NL. Kittredge’s regular setup work allowed NL Reliever of the 12 months Ryan Helsley for use virtually completely in ninth innings, and it paved the best way for Helsley to put up a club-record, 49-save season. Moreover, the 35-year-old Kittredge’s veteran management performed closely within the progress of Matthew Liberatore, JoJo Romero and Ryan Fernandez final season. — John Denton
Cubs: RHP Roki SasakiThe 23-year-old Sasaki could be an ideal match for just about each single MLB crew, given his age, expertise degree and affordability on the entrance finish of what could possibly be a star-caliber profession. For the Cubs, particularly, the crew has a necessity for rotation depth and never just for ‘25. The core of Chicago’s workers (Justin Steele, Jameson Taillon, Shota Imanaga and Matthew Boyd) have contracts that would see all of them hit free company inside the ‘26-28 window. The Cubs have younger arms coming, however Sasaki might develop into an ace for the current and future. And the North Siders have labored onerous to make their crew a vacation spot for Japanese gamers. — Jordan Bastian
Pirates: RHP José LeclercCorner outfield is the extra urgent want, however the bullpen remains to be on the Pirates’ buying record after the unit did not reside as much as expectations final 12 months. Leclerc is coming off a down 12 months (4.32 ERA), however nonetheless had some very robust peripherals (36% whiff fee, 30.9% strikeout fee). A one-year deal to rebuild worth may gain advantage him in the long run, and the Pirates might have one other late-inning arm to pair with David Bednar. — Alex Stumpf
Reds: DH/OF Jesse WinkerIt could be a reunion that might deliver the 31-year-old lefty hitter again to the place he began his profession. The Reds payroll has restricted flexibility however there needs to be sufficient room for a lefty bat like Winker’s if they can not swing a commerce elsewhere. A 2021 All-Star for Cincinnati, the place he was a homegrown outfielder from 2017-21, he struggled for a few years with different groups. However Winker had a bounce-back season in 2024 for the Nationals and Mets, batting .253 with a .764 OPS and 14 residence runs whereas being price 2.0 WAR over 145 video games. Winker is not gifted defensively, however he can play each corners and is aware of Nice American Ball Park nicely. — Mark Sheldon
D-backs: RHP Kirby YatesGeneral supervisor Mike Hazen has mentioned certainly one of his objectives this offseason is so as to add a reliever to the again finish of his bullpen that has nearer expertise. Yates definitely suits the invoice, having closed video games for the Padres in 2018-19 and the Rangers final season. He’ll be headed into his age-38 season, so he in all probability could possibly be had on a short-term deal, which might seemingly enchantment to Arizona. He is likely to be pricey on condition that he appeared in 61 video games for Texas final 12 months and compiled a 1.17 ERA whereas saving 33 video games and permitting simply 23 hits in 61 2/3 innings of labor. Do the D-backs need to make investments that form of cash in a better with Justin Martinez and A.J. Puk returning? We’ll see. — Steve Gilbert
Dodgers: RHP Roki SasakiOn paper, the Dodgers and Sasaki look like excellent for one another. With Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Shohei Ohtani within the rotation, the Dodgers are going with a six-man rotation subsequent season, which aligns completely to what Sasaki’s pitching schedule has been all through his skilled profession in Japan. Being in L.A. additionally permits Sasaki to ease into the Majors in a metropolis with an enormous Japanese inhabitants. On the sector, Sasaki would additionally give the Dodgers one other high quality starter to pair with Yamamoto, Ohtani, Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell. The match is sensible for either side; now, it’s a matter of whether or not it finally ends up taking place ultimately. — Sonja Chen
Giants: RHP Max ScherzerWith Corbin Burnes off the board, the Giants might pivot to a different veteran starter comparable to Scherzer, who might give the membership one other established arm to pair with Logan Webb and Robbie Ray within the rotation. Scherzer, 40, missed many of the 2024 marketing campaign attributable to harm, however he was nonetheless efficient when wholesome, recording a 3.95 ERA over 9 begins for the Rangers. — Maria Guardado
Padres: RHP Roki SasakiThe Padres have wants elsewhere. A number of. However their path to contending in 2025 and past will get lots clearer if they will land the 23-year-old Japanese ace. The match is sensible, too. Sasaki is searching for a crew with an opportunity to win. His agent, Joel Wolfe, has hinted Sasaki is likely to be extra inclined to signal with a small- or mid-market crew. The Padres are a corporation with deep ties to Japan. Plus, they’ve confirmed themselves wonderful at pitching growth — significantly in managing the workloads of rising aces underneath pitching coach Ruben Niebla. San Diego nonetheless wants a nook bat, a catcher and an extra starter. However for a rotation with critical query marks, there is no match extra ideally suited than Sasaki. — AJ Cassavell
Rockies: RHP Roki SasakiThe crew’s settlement with second baseman Thairo Estrada for one 12 months and a $4 million assure, plus a 2026 mutual possibility, put the roster at 40. Odds are in opposition to the Rockies spending any extra free-agent {dollars}. However why not swing for Sasaki? His agent, Joel Wolfe, mentioned his shopper will not be essentially wed to groups with Japanese teammates, location isn’t a precedence and he would possibly need to play in a smaller market to cut back the media glare. Plus the Rockies have a wholesome quantity of worldwide signing bonus cash and don’t have to make use of a 40-man roster spot. Wolfe mentioned it’s doable Sasaki has a “trailblazer” in him, so … — Thomas Harding
