As Major League Baseball’s 2024 regular season approaches its final weeks, attention will soon shift toward the postseason battles and offseason moves. Before November arrives, evaluating the 2025 MLB free agent market reveals Kyle Tucker as the top prospect for a significant contract, underlining the growing anticipation for the winter’s biggest signings.

Top Prospects Highlighted by Kyle Tucker’s Versatile Skill Set

Kyle Tucker, currently with the Chicago Cubs, stands as the leading figure among next winter’s free agents despite a recent slump potentially linked to a June finger injury. His overall talent—marked by balanced offensive, baserunning, and defensive contributions—sets him apart. While he may not dominate major league stat leaderboards, Tucker is reliably productive, consistently surpassing a five-win WAR in four of his five full seasons. Only two outfielders, Juan Soto and Aaron Judge, have commanded average annual free-agent contracts exceeding $40 million, and Tucker appears poised to join their ranks as the third.

Following Tucker, Alex Bregman of the Boston Red Sox presents a unique situation with a three-year deal structured as effectively three consecutive one-year contracts. Bregman can opt out after the current or next season, foregoing a $40 million salary opportunity. This season finds him on track to improve key hitting metrics, positioning him to seek a longer-term agreement in free agency.

Outfielder Cody Bellinger, now with the New York Yankees, holds a $25 million player option for 2025 but is likely to opt out after a third straight above-average campaign. Bellinger’s offensive game has shifted towards more consistent contact and enhanced in-zone batting, although his home run totals may fluctuate depending on ballpark factors. Notably, his defensive versatility allows him to cover multiple positions, including both outfield corners and first base.

Strong Left-Handed Arms and Impact Infielders Among Top Free Agents

Among pitchers, Houston Astros’ lefty Framber Valdez aims to secure a long-term pact reminiscent of Max Fried’s recent eight-year, $218 million contract with the New York Yankees. While Fried showcased better ERA+ and strikeout-to-walk ratios over their three-year comparison period, Valdez’s greater innings pitched could sway offers near or above a $27 million annual average. Teams that value a dependable left-handed starter with strong strikeout ability and ground ball tendencies should find Valdez highly appealing.

Toronto Blue Jays’ shortstop Bo Bichette, the youngest player in this free-agent cohort at 27, has rebounded from a down year by reinforcing his strong contact skills and power output, with more than 20 home runs this season. Though defensive grades cast some doubt on his fielding, potential interest from teams looking to deploy him at second base could influence his offseason market.

First baseman Pete Alonso of the New York Mets is expected to surpass his career high in OPS+ this season and likely will decline his $24 million player option. Despite improved strikeout rates, Alonso’s underlying swing metrics raise questions that may push clubs toward offering a short-term deal worth between $27 million and $30 million annually rather than a long-term contract.

Power Pitching and Offensive Depth Shape Free Agent Trends

San Diego Padres’ right-hander Dylan Cease entered the season as a candidate to headline the starting pitcher free-agent class but has yet to fully meet expectations. Nonetheless, his electric pitching arsenal and advanced metrics support a strong financial return, likely exceeding the $21 million contract Walker Buehler earned last offseason despite Buehler’s inferior health and performance.

Philadelphia Phillies’ lefty Ranger Suárez, though not on Valdez’s level in either quantity or quality, has emerged as an above-average starter. Recent adjustments to his pitch mix—including increased emphasis on his changeup and cutter—have led to weaker contact from hitters, positioning him favorably for teams seeking solid production from southpaws.

Seattle Mariners‘ third baseman Eugenio Suárez is on track for his second 40-home run season and was the most notable offensive player traded at the recent deadline. However, his advanced age (34), swing-and-miss tendencies, and defensive limitations are expected to temper interest, with a short-term deal likely reflecting those concerns. Among third basemen, only Alex Bregman and Kris Bryant have signed free-agent contracts averaging over $20 million annually in recent years, placing Suárez in a similar category for contract expectations.

Unique Cases Add Intrigue to the 2025 Free Agent Market

Kyle Schwarber of the Philadelphia Phillies presents an intriguing profile as a 30-something designated hitter known for both elite power and significant swing-and-miss rates. Despite the general reluctance of teams to allocate large contracts to players with his characteristics, Schwarber’s stellar recent season and demonstrated skills—such as barrel control and strike-zone discipline—could break precedent. Outside of Shohei Ohtani, who remains an outlier, no designated hitter has surpassed $20 million annually, but Schwarber appears positioned to shatter that ceiling this offseason.

Anticipated Impact and Future Outlook for Free Agency

The 2025 MLB free agent class, led by Kyle Tucker top MLB free agent status, promises a dynamic winter marketplace shaped by versatile hitters, dependable starters, and intriguing contract structures. Players such as Tucker and Valdez point toward significant multi-year deals, while options and uncertainties—like Bregman’s re-entry clauses and Alonso’s performance indicators—ensure shifting landscapes in the months ahead. As teams prepare for postseason runs, they also begin strategizing for offseason spending that could redefine rosters heading into 2025 and beyond.