MLB Free Agents 2024: Latest Predictions Before ALDS, NLDS Bracket Games
The arrival of the divisional series in the American and National Leagues not only means we are one step closer to determining a World Series champion but also that we are one step closer to one of the busiest and most frenzied periods on the baseball calendar, free agency.
This offseason's market is brimming with superstars, from top sluggers to organization-altering pitchers.
Ahead of Saturday's kickoff of the AL and NLDS, find out some of the players who are up for grabs and where they may land with this preview.
Pete Alonso
Down two with one out, in the top of the ninth inning of Thursday's NL wild-card game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Pete Alonso stepped up to the plate and proceeded to blast a three-run homer that catapulted his New York Mets to the NLDS and a date with the Philadelphia Phillies.
It was the most important home run of his career and a moment that will live on in Mets lore forever.
It was also a reminder of his ability to change any game with the swing of the bat, something that will intrigue potential suitors as the Polar Bear enters free agency for the first time in his career this offseason.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today already linked Alonso to the Cubs and Mariners as potential landing spots if he leaves the Mets organization.
That is a big "if."
After a sub-par month of swinging the bat, and a season in which he underperformed (.240/.329/.788 and 34 homers), Alonso's game-clinching hit Thursday, and the energy he brought to the team in the closing moments of the game, may be all the organization needs to convince it to bring their star slugger back for the foreseeable future.
If not, it should.
Alonso is the Mets organization. He is one of its most beloved players and someone fans have watched grow over the years. Unless it has a better prospect ready to play and contribute to the lineup every day, or is eyeing a free agent at that position, bringing him back feels like a must.
Prediction: Alonso re-signs with the Mets
Gleyber Torres
Gleyber Torres underperformed for the Yankees in 2024 and entering free agency, faces the real possibility of playing somewhere other than New York for the first time in his career.
His 15 home runs were his fewest since 2021, as were his 63 RBI, and his 136 strikeouts were the most of his career.
Torres also struggled defensively, with a .969 fielding percentage that was the lowest amongst players with at least 30 starts at his position. He also committed a position-high 18 errors.
On the surface, there is not much to love about Torres' 2024, which is likely why he is not garnering the same attention as a premiere free agent that others are. Still, his play improved down the stretch and there will still be teams clamoring for the opportunity to add Gleyber's bat, traditionally strong as it is, to their lineups.
The San Francisco Giants need a second baseman and could always use the spark of offense that Torres provides when he is "on." Conversely, the seven-year man could use a change of scenery.
It is a mutually beneficial pairing, at least on paper, and one the Giants can likely make happen at a lower price than they would have had Torres hit the market a season or two ago.
Prediction: Torres leaves New York, joins a second baseman-needy organization like the Giants
Corbin Burnes
Corbin Burnes was the pitcher the Orioles needed in 2024.
The ace for the AL East runners-up went 15-9 in 32 appearances with an ERA of 2.92, a WHIP of 1.10, 181 strikeouts, and a WAR of 3.4. Outside of an iffy August, he was everything that the organization could have asked for in a season where injuries decimated the starting rotation.
In the playoffs, he turned in his finest performance.
Burnes went eight innings against the Kansas City Royals, allowing five hits and one run while striking out three. He was brilliant but the Orioles' nonexistent offense cost him a postseason win. One day later, the once-promising O's season was over and the future of Burnes in Charm City was uncertain.
The Orioles under Mike Elias have never offered a free agent a multi-year contract. It would seem rather unlikely, even with new ownership in David Rubenstein, that a trend dating back to 2018 suddenly changes.
Meanwhile, Burnes' former manager Craig Counsell, for whom he had his best season professionally in 2021, will be looking for another ace out in Chicago with the Cubs.
Such a move would be a statement one and, with Shota Imanaga, Burnes would prove the Cubbies with a one-two punch that would rank among the strongest in the league.
A reunion between Counsell and Burnes is one the Cubs will almost certainly do their diligence on this offseason.
Prediction: Burnes leaves Baltimore, reunites with Counsell in Chi-Town