Just weeks after the Los Angeles Dodgers triumphed over the New York Yankees in the 2024 World Series, teams are already strategizing on ways to attract some of baseball’s top stars for the upcoming season.

Last year’s free-agent market boasted some of the biggest names in baseball, including MVP and Cy Young Award winners. Will this year’s class generate similar excitement?

While there aren’t any former MVPs available, there are two MVP runners-up in Yankees outfielder Juan Soto and Astros third baseman Alex Bregman. Additionally, Yoshinobu Yamamoto caught attention last year; this time, it’s Roki Sasaki. Not to mention, Blake Snell is once again on the market alongside fellow former Cy Young winners Corbin Burnes and Shane Bieber.

With sluggers, left-handed relievers, reliable pitchers, and multiple World Series champions in the mix, teams have plenty to choose from. However, the real question is whether your favorite team can successfully acquire these players.

Here’s the latest gossip surrounding the most sought-after free agents in MLB this winter.

Latest MLB Rumors:

Dodgers aiming for top pitchers

With limited elite pitching options available in free agency, the price tag for these players could be exceedingly high. Nevertheless, several teams remain determined to pursue these coveted arms.

According to MLB.com, the Cubs, Dodgers, Red Sox, Orioles, Giants, Mets, and Yankees are the top contenders for pitchers Blake Snell, Roki Sasaki, Max Fried, and Corbin Burnes.

Insider Jon Heyman suggests that the Dodgers are keen on bringing in Snell, saying the current champions are quite interested in him but are primarily focusing on Sasaki. Nevertheless, Heyman believes the Dodgers will also make a move for one of the other prominent pitchers even if it means spending substantially on Sasaki.

Cubs interested in acquiring Max Fried

The Chicago Cubs appear to be the team most intent on acquiring Fried. The Cubs are diligently working to enhance their pitching staff for 2025 and Fried has been frequently mentioned in connection with this effort, as three out of four experts from MLB Trade Rumors consider Chicago the most likely landing spot for the former Braves pitcher.

Juan Soto’s decision is imminent

Unlike last year’s top free agents, who waited until the last minute to make their decisions, Soto is expected to act more swiftly. The former Yankees outfielder is likely to announce his decision prior to the winter meetings set for December 9, according to Mark Feinsand.

Soto has reportedly already spoken with several East Coast teams, including the Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, and Blue Jays, with a meeting scheduled with the Dodgers next. Jon Heyman has indicated that Soto has yet to receive any formal offers.

Moreover, Feinsand mentions a “mystery team” that could also be vying for Soto’s services, highlighting that Soto has already met with another undisclosed team. Possible contenders may include the Giants, Phillies, and Rays, although the Rays’ chances seem slim given their stadium issues following Hurricane Milton.

Orioles considering re-signing Corbin Burnes

According to John Conahan of Sports Illustrated, the Orioles are “ready to spend” to retain Burnes, who will demand a hefty salary in 2025. ESPN’s Jeff Passan concurs, indicating that the Blue Jays, Red Sox, and Yankees are also expected to invest heavily this winter, and that the Orioles, who showed signs of regression in 2024, must keep pace with these aggressive spending strategies.

Fortunately for Orioles fans, competing financially with teams like New York or Boston would have been an impossible task in the past. However, new owner David Rubenstein has publicly stated his intent to significantly invest in the team. In September, he remarked that he didn’t purchase the franchise to profit but to “build a great baseball team.”