Matchmaking the top 10 MLB free agents with the team where they fit best

With free agency well underway, teams have already told player agents if they are interested in their clients.

The 30 teams across the league have done their homework, understand the market and are preparing contract proposals or have already submitted them.

Agents are informing players about the teams that are in on them and how respective clubs view the players theyre pursuing the pecking order.

Advertisement Juan Soto is the clear headliner of this free-agent class , but the top of the market is also loaded with starting pitching (Corbin Burnes, Roki Sasaki and Max Fried to name a few) and legitimate power (Pete Alonso, Anthony Santander and more).

None of us know where any of the top free agents will sign.

Players consider a teams chances of winning (short term and long term), geography, teammates, continuity, stability and yes money, among many factors, in picking their future team.

As we wait for the first big dominoes to fall, I selected my favorite matches for each of the top 10 free agents, pairing them with the team where they fit best.

Keep in mind that all of these star players fit well with multiple teams.

These are not my predictions for where these free agents will sign, nor am I using inside intel or reading the tea leaves on where theyre headed.

This is simply a fun exercise to discuss the top of the market and what I think the best fits are for both the players and teams.

If you think there are better matches, let me know in the comments section.

(Players ages are as of Nov.

19.

All statistics are from the 2024 season unless otherwise noted.

WAR and OPS+ are according to Baseball Reference.) 1.

Juan Soto, RF Age: 26 WAR: 7.9 OPS+: 178 The Soto sweepstakes has all the offseason drama we dream about.

The New York rivalry between the Yankees and Mets, the AL East rivalry between the Yankees and Red Sox , the East Coast-West-Coast rivalry between the Dodgers and big-market teams on the other side of the country.

To me, Sotos three best landing spots are the Yankees, Mets and Dodgers, in that order.

I love that the Red Sox are back playing with the big teams in free agency and that the Blue Jays are pursuing Soto like they did with Shohei Ohtani a year ago.

I just dont think Boston and Toronto will be able to land him.

I could still see the Phillies and maybe the Giants in the mix as well.

But my favorite fit for Soto is with the Yankees as long as owner Hal Steinbrenner is willing to make the biggest offer or match it because thats likely what its going to take.

Advertisement Watching Soto and Aaron Judge was like watching Ruth and Gehrig or Mantle and Maris, and I just want that dynamic duo to continue.

Yankees fans loved Soto and he loved them back; I dont see any reason for a divorce.

2.

Corbin Burnes, RHP Age: 30 WAR: 3.4 ERA: 2.92 Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns understands the importance of having an ace as they look to build on last seasons success and pursue a World Series championship.

He will always emphasize pitching and defense over everything else and his relationship with Burnes dates back to their Brewers days.

Owner Steve Cohen is not afraid to outbid the marketplace and I just cant imagine the Mets getting outbid for Burnes.

Its a perfect fit for both the player and club.

3.

Roki Sasaki, RHP Age: 23 ERA: 2.35 over 111 innings in NPB Sasaki fits with all 30 teams, but there will be no bidding war in terms of money.

Because of his age, he will be considered an international amateur free agent, so Sasaki will receive only international bonus pool money from whatever club is fortunate enough to sign him.

Hes going to prioritize stability, lifestyle and a teams track record with player development in making his decision.

Another factor: Endorsement potential .

Hell have to wait three years for salary arbitration and six years for free agency, so in the meantime endorsement deals with Japanese companies will be key to maximizing his income if he wants to be paid like the future star that he is.

The Red Sox have a promising pitching program under Andrew Bailey and their leadership team of manager Alex Cora and chief baseball officer Craig Breslow, along with minority owner Theo Epstein working behind the scenes, could provide a solid foundation for Sasaki.

He could maximize endorsements in the large market of Boston and become the face of their pitching staff for years to come.

Regardless of where he signs, he has the potential to become a full-fledged ace and Cy Young Award candidate.

GO DEEPER Why Roki Sasaki, the top prospect with ace upside, isnt necessarily destined for Dodgers 4.

Max Fried, LHP Age: 30 WAR: 3.5 ERA: 3.25 Although the Orioles are fighting to retain Burnes, he is expected to depart in free agency so theyll likely need a top-of-the-rotation starter to replace him.

Fried would fit nicely.

Hes as consistent as they come and one of the best lefty ground-ball pitchers in the league.

The Orioles decision to move in their left-field wall shouldnt hurt Frieds effectiveness much due to his ground-ball rate (58.2 percent in 2024) .

Their plethora of infielders bodes well for the defense behind him.

Frieds postseason experience and ability to perform in the biggest moments are qualities the Orioles need.

Though I also like his fit back with the Braves or with teams such as the Mets and Giants, I just think the Orioles need him more than the other teams.

Advertisement 5.

Pete Alonso, 1B Age: 29 WAR: 2.6 OPS+: 123 How can the Mariners build the best starting rotation in baseball, then not add the offense it takes to get to the postseason and have a chance to win a World Series? I just dont get it.

Alonso would be a huge addition to their lineup behind Julio Rodriguez , making it more difficult to pitch to J-Rod.

That pair of big bats would have a chance at 70 homers between them.

Alonsos personality and team first-approach could also help improve the Mariners culture.

That said, re-signing with the Mets is probably the second-best landing spot for Polar Bear Pete if they dont land Soto.

6.

Alex Bregman, 3B Age: 30 WAR: 4.1 OPS+: 118 I cant imagine Bregman in any other uniform.

Hes been one of the faces of the Astros franchise since they drafted him with the second overall pick in 2015.

As much as I could see Bregman signing with the Red Sox, Mets or Yankees, hes one of those players like Tony Gwynn, George Brett and Barry Larkin who I just cant envision playing for another city.

He and Jose Altuve deserve to retire as Astros.

Well see if Houston does what it takes to keep Bregman, but for this exercise, Im not putting him anywhere else.

GO DEEPER Astros owner: Bregman talks ongoing, team exploring backup plans 7.

Blake Snell, LHP Age: 31 WAR: 2.1 ERA: 3.12 The Blue Jays could struggle to attract players to Toronto given the state of their farm system and their current offensive depth.

However, they might be willing to overpay, in both years and dollars, to add a Cy Young Award talent despite Snells risk of injuries, lack of innings and lack of year-to-year consistency.

The Blue Jays cant be picky in upgrading their offense and pitching if they want to contend in 2025.

Its also important for Toronto to improve the team this offseason to help convince Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

and Bo Bichette to sign long-term contracts.

Advertisement 8.

Anthony Santander, RF Age: 30 WAR: 2.9 OPS+: 134 The Orioles are pushing to re-sign Santander, but hed be a great pickup for several contenders including the Mariners, Astros, Cubs , Guardians and Tigers that are looking for offense.

However, my favorite match for Tony Taters would take him down Interstate 95 from Baltimore to Washington D.C.

The last time the Nationals were building a world championship club, they overpaid for free-agent outfielder Jayson Werth, signing him to a seven-year, $126 million deal in the 2010-11 offseason.

The industry ripped the Nationals for that contract at the time, but it marked the beginning of their run to a World Series title in 2019.

Could history repeat itself? The Nationals arent getting Santander unless they overpay like they did back then.

They want middle-of-the-order impact and adding Santanders 40-home run bat to their lineup of developing hitters would provide a big boost.

9.

Willy Adames, SS Age: 29 WAR: 3.1 OPS+: 118 Teams are lining up for Adames, who is willing to sign as a shortstop, second baseman or third baseman if it gets him the most years and dollars and lands with a club thats a perennial contender.

I love the fit with the Dodgers, especially with the idea of Betts, who is moving back to the infield , at second base.

Beyond upgrading the Dodgers at shortstop, Adames would bring more of the positive energy and enthusiasm that are calling cards of their clubhouse.

His personality is a perfect fit for a Dave Roberts team.

10.

Christian Walker, 1B Age: 33 WAR: 2.6 OPS+: 121 Several teams need a first baseman including the Mariners, Diamondbacks and even the Mets if they dont bring back Alonso.

However, I think the Yankees are the ideal fit for Walker.

Hes a Gold Glove first baseman who would extend their lineup with his power.

(He has averaged more than 30 homers per season over the past three years.) He would be a huge upgrade over Anthony Rizzo, who is not expected back with the Yankees in 2025.

GO DEEPER Fifteen notable MLB players who could be traded this offseason GO DEEPER All-MLB team 2024: Ohtani, Soto only repeat winners as Bowden picks the best at each position GO DEEPER MLB front office check-in: Key offseason needs and goals for all 30 teams (Top image: Juan Soto: Luke Hales / Getty Images; Max Fried: Julio Aguilar / Getty Images).

This article has been shared from the original article on theathleticuk, here is the link to the original article.