We’ve seen a few startlingly big deals — including the biggest deal ever by far (for any sport) and too many lucrative deals for starting pitchers to recount here — but a vast majority of free agents remain free as we head toward the new year. That includes several stars. Here we’ll assess the markets of the top five guys remaining:
1. Corbin Burnes
One of the game’s most dynamic and durable starters surely has received big offers, but apparently none to his liking so far. The Blue Jays and Giants have been most prominently connected to Burnes, who should land above Max Fried’s $218 million Yankees deal. Some thought the Californian, who resides in Phoenix, likes the Giants, but it’s been three weeks since new Giants honcho Buster Posey met with Burnes’ agent, Scott Boras. The Red Sox still have their Juan Soto money, but would they go for a third starter after Garrett Crochet and Walker Buehler? Mets baseball president David Stearns is philosophically against very long deals for starters, and they’re pretty well set in the rotation.
2. Alex Bregman
The Tigers, with his old Astros manager A.J. Hinch, and Red Sox, with his old Astros coach Alex Cora, have often been linked to this terrific all-around third baseman with a big postseason resumé. The Mariners could use him but would any self-respecting right-handed hitter put themselves in T-Mobile?
3. Pete Alonso
The Mets still make the most sense even though a gap exists now. After a 48-hour frenzy of 1B signings/trades (Paul Goldschmidt, Carlos Santana, Josh Naylor, Nathaniel Lowe), potential options include the Giants, Mariners, Rangers and Angels, and possibly the Cubs or Red Sox if they open up 1B via trade. But then, shouldn’t the Mets bring back the NL’s home run leader since 2019 to support their prized $765M pickup, Juan Soto?
4. Teoscar Hernandez
He flat told me “1,000 percent” he wanted to return to the Dodgers. And who wouldn’t? But the Red Sox and his old Jays (and possibly his old Mariners) are apparently giving him something to think about. A great bat and terrific clubhouse guy who should capitalize on his huge year in LA.
5. Anthony Santander
Power hitters, even good ones like Santander, are one constituency not getting their due yet. Understandably, he’s been looking to crack $100M. The Jays are nearly everyone’s best guess, followed by Boston.
