MLB Free Agents 2024: Latest Rumors, Predictions on Juan Soto, Pete Alonso, More

The MLB free agency period figures to be as active as any in reason memory this offseason, with megastars such as Juan Soto and Pete Alonso available to teams looking for game-changing bats.

They are not the only ones.

Former MVPs and All-Stars will seek new deals or new teams, all in the pursuit of a World Series title.

Ahead of the buzzworthy period, these are the latest rumors and predictions for Soto, Alonso, and Cardinals standout Paul Goldschmidt.

Juan Soto headlines the class of free agents seeking new deals, or teams, this offseason.

His first season in New York saw the 26-year-old achieve career highs in hits (166), runs (128), and home runs (41) while compiling a slash line of .288/.419/.569. He was a driving force in the Yankees' American League-best 94 wins and No. 1 seed in the playoffs, but whether he returns to the team long-term is the question.

The Athletic's Brendan Kuty reported that Soto met with Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner and that the outcome was positive, with Soto saying Steinbrenner "really cares for players."

"But, according to a person with knowledge of the conversation, much of the talk was focused on Soto's experience so far with the Yankees," Kuty wrote.

Tim Britton, also of The Athletic, projected Soto's contract to be $560 million, making it one of the richest deals in MLB history.

MLB insider Buster Olney told Pinstripe Nation that the Mets will go "toe-to-toe" with the Bronx Bombers in a bidding war for a free agent, having admitted to him that Soto is their guy (10:36 mark). He also believes the Yankees will be outbid. How much money vs. the "Yankees experience" weighs into Soto's decision will ultimately determine if he is back with the team.

Steinbrenner previously waited until the last minute to give Aaron Judge what he wanted in free agency, ultimately convincing him not to leave. If he waits too long with Soto, the All-Star could very well be on his way across town to a Mets team that could use his bat, especially if they do not re-sign Pete Alonso.

While Soto has had a great time with the Yankees and has had the best season of his career, he has turned down a huge contract extension from Washington in the past in pursuit of even more money.

If he thinks he can get it from the Mets, or any other team, he will leave the Yankees in the rear-view mirror.

Prediction: Mets make Soto an offer too good to turn down

The Athletic's Katie Woo reported that the St. Louis Cardinals "are expected to part ways with" first baseman Paul Goldschmidt this offseason.

It is not particularly surprising.

Goldschmidt is coming off the worst statistical season of his career and while his play picked up in the second half of the season, the team would understandably be hesitant to give him a qualifying offer not knowing for sure if he can build on that momentum or if he will get off to the same slow start that he did in 2024.

Woo stated that the team is "planning to transition to a reset in 2025" by moving on from one of the faces of this era of Cardinals baseball, which begs the question: where might Goldschmidt continue his career?

Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported the Milwaukee Brewers, "are keeping a close eye on St. Louis Cardinals veteran first baseman Paul Goldschmidt if the Cardinals opt not to bring him back. They still believe there's plenty left in the tank."

Rhys Hoskins holds down first base for the Brewers and has a player option for 2025. Considering the team won the NL Central and kicks off its postseason run Tuesday, and his play was likely not dynamic enough to earn him a big payday, there is reason to believe he will execute that opt-in and return to the team next season.

If that is the case, it becomes increasingly unlikely that Goldschmidt plays in Milwaukee, especially considering his stats were not significantly better than Hoskins'.

The Reds, Angels, Mariners, and Twins are all teams that could use upgrades at the position and, with Nightengale reporting the Mariners would be interested in acquiring Pete Alonso, it is an organization Goldschmidt could call home should the Polar Bear opt to sign elsewhere.

Prediction: Goldschmidt signs with Seattle or Chicago, but waits until the Alonso domino falls

It feels like Pete Alonso has been on his way out of New York for the last two seasons.

Last year, amid a horrendously disappointing season for the Mets, his name was constantly in trade talks, with some expecting him to be dealt in a fire sale at the deadline. That did not happen and Alonso remained, with the understanding that he would be a free agent after the 2024 season.

An unexpected Mets playoff run under new manager Carlos Mendoza has extended the team's season but the dark cloud of Alonso's future still hovers overhead. Will the face of the franchise remain with the organization on a new contract or will he take his mighty bat elsewhere?

Nightengale reported that the Cubs and Mariners are interested in signing Alonso.

The 2019 NL Rookie of the Year and two-time Home Run Derby champ has repeatedly expressed his desire to stay in New York, calling it "home" ahead of this summer's All-Star Game.

Alonso is seeking a deal in the neighborhood of $200 million.

If the Mets sign Soto, the likelihood that they bring Alonso back greatly diminishes.

The Cubs would be a realistic possibility, and the idea of Alonso joining a Mariners organization that heated up under new hitting coach Edgar Martinez is intriguing, but the odds of Alonso suiting up for another team giving his sentiments about the Big Apple seems are difficult to fathom.

Prediction: Alonso remains in New York, but only if Soto rejoins the Yankees in 2025