Yankees, Dodgers, Red Sox's Top MLB Free-Agent Targets After Juan Soto, Mets Contract

One of the most sought-after free agents in recent MLB history has made his decision.

Juan Soto signed with the New York Mets for a record 15-million, $765 million deal on Sunday, per The New York Post's Jon Heyman. The contract is the largest in sports history.

A handful of teams were in the mix for Soto over the last few weeks, namely his former team, the New York Yankees, and the Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox. While those teams couldn't land Soto, there are still a handful of free agents available this offseason.

Here's a look at the top free-agent targets for the Yankees, Dodgers and Red Sox.

Christian Walker, 1B

One of the Yankees' biggest needs coming into the offseason was a strong first baseman who can provide a spark at the plate.

Walker fits both of those categories and could be worth pursuing after Soto's departure.

Walker, who has spent most of his career with the Arizona Diamondbacks, hit 26 home runs and 84 RBI while recording a .251 batting average and .803 OPS in 130 games.

Walker Buehler, SP

Walker Buehler gave the Yankees a few good reasons to sign him in October when he helped the Dodgers win the World Series.

The free-agent starting pitcher had 64 strikeouts with a 5.38 ERA and 1.55 WHIP last season before stepping things up and recording a 3.60 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP across four postseason appearances.

Tanner Scott, RP

A tradeoff of the Yankees missing out on the Soto sweepstakes is that they now can spend money elsewhere.

Reliever Tanner Scott could be the player they sign to make a splash this offseason.

After New York's bullpen struggled in the World Series last season, a dominant left-handed pitcher could do wonders for the bullpen in 2025. Scott is one of the best and currently available.

Scott, who was traded from the Miami Marlins to the San Diego Padres halfway through the season in 2024, had a 1.75 ERA and 84 strikeouts, recording 22 saves on the year.

Teoscar Hernández, OF

The Yankees lost one of their best players when Soto walked, but they could at least somewhat make up for his departure in free agency.

Teoscar Hernández, who had 33 home runs, 99 RBI and a .272 batting average, is one of the best free agents available. Of course, the Yankees would need to be willing to give him a significant contract to lure him to the Bronx.

Jose Iglesias

The Los Angeles Dodgers might not have landed a top shortstop in Willy Adames, who signed with the San Francisco Giants, but they could still pick up a solid player at that position in free agency if they decide to keep Mookie Betts in right field.

Veteran shortstop Jose Iglesias could be a relatively affordable option for the Dodgers. The former Met had four home runs and 26 RBI with a .337 batting average and .830 OPS a season ago, helping the Mets reach the NLCS, where they fell to Los Angeles.

Kenley Jansen

The Dodgers filled a need in their rotation when they signed Blake Snell, but their bullpen could use some reinforcement this offseason.

A reunion with reliever Kenley Jansen could be in order as the veteran nears the end of his career.

Jansen, 37, converted 27 of 31 save opportunities in 2024, posting a 3.29 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 10.2 K/9 in 54 appearances.

Teoscar Hernández

Re-signing Teoscar Hernández should be a priority for the Dodgers after missing out on the Soto sweepstakes.

Though Los Angeles signed outfielder Michael Conforto earlier on Sunday, bringing back Hernández is still on the table. The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reported after the Conforto deal that the Dodgers are "still in on" Hernández, so don't rule out his return just yet.

Teoscar Hernández, OF

Even before Juan Soto signed with the Mets, the Red Sox had their eye on another talented outfielder.

Teoscar Hernández, who had one of the best seasons of his career on his way to a World Series with the Dodgers in 2024, is still available in free agency and could be interested in coming to Boston.

Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reported that Hernández has long been intrigued by the idea of playing at Fenway Park and he's a fan of Alex Cora," which could bode well for the Red Sox.

Hernández had 33 homers, 99 RBI, a .272 batting average and a .840 OPS in 2024.

Nathan Eovaldi, SP

The Red Sox could turn to an old friend to get some rotation help this offseason.

Veteran starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi is a free agent after two seasons with the Texas Rangers and could be happy to come back to Fenway for the latter half of his career.

Eovaldi, who will be 35 at the start of the 2025 season, still has plenty left in the tank, posting a 3.80 ERA and 1.11 WHIP with 166 strikeouts across 29 appearances in 2024.

Boston could have to act quickly, though, as the Mets have reportedly shown interest in Eovaldi, per The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon.

Max Fried, SP

The Red Sox could land one of the top free-agent starting pitchers if they make a push for Max Fried.

The Atlanta Braves star is coming off a season in which he had 166 strikeouts with a 3.25 ERA and 1.16 WHIP across 29 appearances. The 30-year-old had picked up some valuable experience with the Braves and could be a valuable addition to the Red Sox rotation.

Boston would certainly need to make an aggressive push to get Fried, but the Red Sox have the capital after missing out on Soto.