Another year brings yet another free agent ready to make waves.

This time, the spotlight is on Juan Soto, who stands a strong chance of surpassing Shohei Ohtani’s massive 10-year, $700 million contract through its current valuation. However, Soto’s recruitment process is expected to extend deep into winter unless the New York Yankees take decisive action first.

Before final decisions occur, many players will find new homes or possibly extend with their current teams. Anticipation also surrounds potential talents from Japan and South Korea joining the mix.

YSL News Sports presents a breakdown of the top 120 free agents, ranked from the most sought-after to those expected to receive major league offers. The rankings consider projected future performance and current market value:

Ages as of April 1, 2025

1. Juan Soto (26, OF, Yankees)

Soto is one of the greatest free agents in baseball history. With his age, stellar output comparable to Hall of Famers like Ted Williams and Ken Griffey Jr., and a phenomenal season where he hit 41 home runs, Soto’s outstanding postseason performance further cements his status. He is set to break records for the largest contract from the non-Ohtani category.

2. Blake Snell (32, LHP, Giants)

This year’s market should be much more favorable for Snell, who faced a long wait last year until March and eventually signed a $64 million deal over two years. After posting a career-high strikeout rate of 12.5 per nine innings and achieving a no-hitter in 20 starts, he made the smart choice to opt out. The Giants are eager to retain him but will face competition.

3. Corbin Burnes (30, RHP, Orioles)

The market dynamics between Burnes and Snell are compelling: both clients of Scott Boras, both holding Cy Young Awards, and both should be on track for nine-figure contracts come February. After winning the 2021 NL Cy Young with a 2.94 ERA and 1.63 FIP in just 167 innings, Burnes has consistently pitched over 190 innings in the subsequent seasons while keeping his performance in line with those top levels.

4. Alex Bregman (31, 3B, Astros)

Will Jim Crane allow another key player from this successful team to slip away as they face challenges? With Bregman’s $100 million contract now complete, he enters free agency with his first Gold Glove and a strong recommendation from fellow player Jose Altuve. His impressive career .848 OPS will attract numerous suitors, and action is required to prevent him from joining the ranks of ex-Astros like Carlos Correa and George Springer.

5. Pete Alonso (30, 1B, Mets)

How much does Alonso’s future depend on the fate of Soto? It’s uncertain whether Mets owner Steve Cohen will pursue Soto and how badly he wants to retain Alonso as well. New baseball chief David Stearns might need to bid aggressively to keep him. Alonso’s value rose after an impressive postseason performance, hitting 226 homers over six seasons and being instrumental in a playoff surge.

6. Max Fried (31, LHP, Braves)

Fried marks the first non-Boras client on our list. While he has dealt with forearm issues in recent years, his pitching remains effective, and he continues to refine his six-pitch arsenal each season. Fried boasts a career ERA of 3.07 and an excellent 140 adjusted ERA.

7. Teoscar Hernández (32, OF, Dodgers)

Hernández played on a one-year, $23 million contract—loaded with deferred payments—and made a huge impact. He clubbed 33 home runs, achieved an .840 OPS, made his second All-Star appearance, and contributed significantly in the Dodgers’ playoff campaign with three homers and twelve RBIs. Los Angeles is eager to keep him, but it won’t come cheap.

8. Willy Adames (29, SS, Brewers)

Adames is a crucial player for a playoff team, having hit 31, 24, and 32 home runs in his last three seasons. However, his market value may be slightly dampened by concerns regarding how his batting will age. His lifetime .322 OBP is a point of hesitance, even as he recorded 166, 165, and 173 strikeouts in those same three seasons. Nonetheless, he is a strong player capable of influencing team culture.

9. Anthony Santander (30, OF, Orioles)

A well-timed opportunity for Santander, who belted 44 home runs last season — ranking third in the league and the highest among switch-hitters — along with an .814 OPS. Despite his age and a .307 career on-base percentage, which may impact the duration of his contract, numerous teams are likely interested in a deal lasting between three to five years at a respectable annual value.

10. Gleyber Torres (28, INF, Yankees)

Torres is arguably the most frustrating player on this list. Having been a two-time All-Star by age 22, he fell below the league average just two years later but appears to have stabilized with a career 112 adjusted OPS. His last season mirrored this pattern: a poor first half followed by a fantastic second half, although his playoff performance was slightly tainted by a couple of mistakes. He ranks highest on this list without a qualifying offer among those eligible.

11. Nathan Eovaldi (35, RHP, Rangers)

Having opted out of his $20 million player option, Eovaldi remains one of the most dependable starters in baseball, despite not quite matching his impressive 2023, where he shone as a World Series champion for the Rangers. Over the last four seasons, he’s maintained averages of 27 starts, 152 innings, a 3.76 ERA, and a 1.16 WHIP. This presents an opportunity for one last significant free agency contract.

12. Yusei Kikuchi (33, LHP, Astros)

After trading for Kikuchi, Houston benefited from his performance, highlighted by a 2.70 ERA across 10 starts, winning the first nine of those outings. The key question now is whether teams will bet on this version of Kikuchi or the one who struggled with a 4.75 ERA in 22 starts with Toronto.

13. Tyler O’Neill (29, OF, Red Sox)

Much of O’Neill’s success could be attributed to Fenway Park, where he hit 31 home runs in just 113 games, only three seasons after smashing 34 homers in St. Louis. Finding a younger player with that kind of power on the market is rare.

14. Jack Flaherty (29, RHP, Dodgers)

Flaherty’s journey has taken him through two trades and four different teams in as many years, but he may now be close to settling down. With a 3.17 ERA over 162 innings between Detroit and Los Angeles, his performance has improved since 2019. Although he experienced some ups and downs, his impressive playoff outings during the NLCS and World Series showcased his potential.

15. Tanner Scott (30, LHP, Padres)

While not your standard closer, Scott is arguably the top reliever available. He successfully saved 18 games with Miami before being dealt to San Diego. His true strength lies in his ability to neutralize key opponents regardless of the inning, posting a remarkable 188 strikeouts over 150 innings with a 1.05 WHIP over the last two seasons.

16. Christian Walker (34, 1B, Diamondbacks)

Walker is a prime option at first base, second only to Pete Alonso. Coming off three stellar seasons in Arizona with home run counts between 26 and 36 and adjusted OPS scores from 121 to 125, he is an excellent veteran choice for teams looking for a vital addition.

17. Walker Buehler (30, RHP, Dodgers)

This section of the rankings is where things get risky. Buehler has faced challenges with both his health and performance during his recovery from a second Tommy John surgery, yet he remains the only player actively competing this winter — having struck out two batters on one day’s rest to clinch the World Series.

18. Ha-Seong Kim (29, INF, Padres)

Kim enjoyed 5- and 6-WAR seasons before injuries limited him to 121 games last year. Nevertheless, given his age and peak performance — including 17 home runs, 38 steals, and exceptional ability to play multiple positions — he represents a smart investment.

19. Sean Manaea (33, LHP, Mets)

After years of short-term deals, Manaea had a standout season that propelled him to free agency, making 32 starts with a career-best ERA of 3.47, a 1.08 WHIP, and winning consecutive playoff games against the Phillies and Dodgers in the NLDS and NLCS.

20. Shane Bieber (29, RHP, Guardians)

What’s the plan for Bieber? By opening day, he’ll be nearly a year post-Tommy John surgery, suggesting that a standard one-year deal with an option could be beneficial for both him and the team. Given this is his first Tommy John procedure, he should be in better shape than he’s been since winning the Cy Young Award in 2020. While a shorter contract may provide some security, there are also opportunities for both sides to explore more engaging possibilities.

21. Carlos Estévez (32, RHP, Phillies)

The classic closer may be less common these days, but Estévez comes close to meeting that standard, boasting an 86% success rate on saves over the last two seasons while lowering his ERA from 3.90 to 2.45 in 2024, even with a drop in strikeouts from 11.3 to 8.2 per nine innings.

22. Nick Pivetta (32, RHP, Red Sox)

Pivetta is a curious case: he boasts a solid 10.0 strikeouts per nine innings yet has a 4.76 ERA. With a career-low walk rate of 2.2 in 2024, his adjusted ERA barely kept pace with the league average. Nonetheless, Pivetta’s strong strikeout potential makes him a player worth taking a chance on, as he has pitched over 179 ⅔ innings two seasons ago and has struck out more than a batter per inning in three of the last four seasons on his top-notch curveball and eliminate the “enigmatic Canadian” label for good.

23. Jeff Hoffman (32, RHP, Phillies)

An All-Star in 2024 who struggled during September and the playoffs, Hoffman is still one of the more impressive relief pitchers in this group. He posted a 1.12 ERA in the first half of the season and a 3.81 in the second, while maintaining a 2.28 ERA and a 0.94 WHIP across two seasons with the Phillies.

24. Justin Verlander (42, RHP, Astros)

With 38 wins needed to reach 300 and three years away from potentially playing at 45, Verlander’s future is uncertain. A series of injuries restricted him to just 90 ⅓ innings last season, which means his 2025 option at $35 million didn’t kick in. How much are teams willing to offer a Hall of Famer who is now more likely to deliver five strong innings 20 to 25 times a season?

25. Luis Severino (31, RHP, Mets)

Severino has turned around his fortunes with a “pillow contract”, after experiencing one of the toughest seasons in baseball in 2023. He thrived at Citi Field, showcasing his health by making 31 starts and pitching 182 innings, a feat he hadn’t accomplished since 2018, marking his second consecutive All-Star season.

26. Blake Treinen (36, RHP, Dodgers)

Having spent five years with the Dodgers, excluding the 2023 season due to shoulder surgery, Treinen ended his time on a high note with 2 ⅓ scoreless innings that helped L.A. stage a remarkable comeback in Game 5 of the World Series. Both parties might have recognized their mutual success, as Treinen boasts a 2.29 ERA across 154 career innings with the team.

27. Matthew Boyd (34, LHP, Guardians)

Boyd has faced several arm problems over the last four years, restricting him to between eight and 15 starts each season. However, he has the potential to turn a playoff opportunity into a lucrative contract. He didn’t pitch for Cleveland until August 8, yet recorded a 2.72 ERA in his eight starts, followed by three playoff appearances where he allowed just one earned run in 11 ⅔ innings. A multi-year deal seems likely for him.

28. Nick Martinez (34, RHP, Reds)

Martinez shone in a flexible role during his lone season with the Reds, leading him to pass on his 2025 player option. He pitched 142 innings with 16 starts, achieving a 1.02 WHIP while walking less than one batter per nine innings. He fits well into the versatile playing style that modern teams seek from their top pitchers.

29. José Quintana (36, LHP, Mets)

Much like Manaea and Severino, Quintana also seemed to rejuvenate in Queens, making 31 starts and surpassing 170 innings for the first time since 2019. Although his age might limit any significant salary increase from the $13 million he earned over the last two seasons, Quintana will definitely have options moving forward.

30. Paul Goldschmidt (37, 1B, Cardinals)

There’s a first baseman available who hit 22 home runs with a .302 OBP and tied his career high with 173 strikeouts. Would perceptions change if it’s Goldschmidt, who was the NL MVP just two years ago? In 2024, Goldschmidt’s performance dipped below league average, but he still contributed a value of 1.3 WAR. His market appeal may reflect his potential for a bounce-back, but the right situation – perhaps returning to his hometown of Houston? – could boost his production.

31. Kirby Yates (38, RHP, Rangers)

A remarkable comeback story continues for Yates, who appeared in only nine games in 2021-22 due to injuries but made 61 appearances each in the last two seasons. He earned All-Star recognition, achieved a 1.17 ERA, and saved 33 games for Texas last season. While he may be more inclined towards closing roles than other relievers, plenty of contenders would welcome him.

32. Clay Holmes (32, RHP, Yankees)

Holmes is the American League counterpart to Jeff Hoffman, transitioning from an All-Star to a late-season puzzle. However, he bounced back nicely in the postseason, adapting to a set-up role after losing the closer spot and delivering 11 scoreless innings in 13 appearances, including five in the World Series where he allowed just one hit and two walks.

33. Max Kepler (32, OF, Twins)

Injuries have prevented Kepler from playing more than 105 games this season, resulting in only eight home runs, a stark contrast to his 24 home runs in 2023 and 36 during the juiced-ball season of 2019. Despite the ups and downs, Kepler maintains a slightly above-average career hitter status with a 102 adjusted OPS and can capably fill a corner outfield spot.

34. Anthony Rizzo (35, 1B, Yankees)

The Yankees chose to decline Rizzo’s $17 million team option, which raises the question of whether he and the team will reconnect for a third time following his trade from the Cubs in 2021. The situation is complex: Rizzo is a close friend of franchise player Aaron Judge and a key clubhouse figure, but he has played only 99 and 92 games over the past two seasons (with an OPS of .673), which raises concerns about roster flexibility.

35. Max Scherzer (40, RHP, Rangers)

The question remains, how much does Scherzer have left in the tank? His nine starts in 2024 might not fully reflect his abilities, given his back surgery followed by shoulder fatigue and hamstring issues. Even so, he’s still managed an impressive 3.16 ERA and 1.03 WHIP over 59 starts since 2022, but his physical condition can be unpredictable. A solid contractual guarantee alongside achievable incentives could make him an attractive option for potential contenders.

36. Hye-Seong Kim (25, 2B, Kiwoom Heroes)

Kim is the only player from Korea or Japan confirmed to be entering the majors, and he’s reportedly a solid defender with decent power, having caught the attention of the Dodgers during an exhibition game last March. The domestic second base market could significantly benefit from adding a promising and still-developing talent like Kim.

37. Michael Lorenzen (33, RHP, Royals)

This may not be the year Lorenzen secures a multi-year deal, but he will surely be of value to upper-tier teams. After midseason trades in the past two years, he made playoff rosters with Philadelphia and Kansas City. Last year, he posted a commendable 3.31 ERA (121 adjusted) over 130 ⅓ innings pitched for Texas and the Royals.

38. Carlos Santana (38, 1B/DH, Twins)

Carlos Santana, who is highly regarded for his exceptional on-base abilities and experienced presence, is now also a Gold Glove winner. At 38, he proved to be a valuable player with a 2.5 win rating and hit 23 home runs. He remains a sought-after first baseman due to his excellent defensive skills and ability to hit from both sides.

39. Joe Ross (31, RHP, Brewers)

There might be some optimistic projections here, but after struggling with injuries in the past, Ross found his rhythm as a versatile pitcher with Milwaukee last season. He posted a 3.77 ERA supported by a 3.83 FIP over 74 innings, allowing only nine home runs. Investing in his future potential seems sensible.

40. Michael Conforto (32, OF, Giants)

Despite a challenging two-year stint in San Francisco, Conforto showed improvement after a shoulder injury prevented him from playing in 2022. From 2023 to 2024, he increased his home runs from 15 to 20 and improved his hard-hit ball rate from 39.8% to 46%, participating in 130 games, the most since 2019. The big question is if teams see him as a regular starter.

41. Andrew Heaney (33, LHP, Rangers)

Heaney performed as an average starter during his two seasons in Texas, contributing to a World Series championship.

42. Jurickson Profar (32, OF, Padres)

After making it to the All-Star team at 31, Profar became a key player for one of the strongest teams in the second half of the season. He had the most productive year of his career with a 3.7 WAR and 24 home runs—both personal highs. Now, teams will consider whether he fits best with San Diego or if he can showcase his skills elsewhere.

43. Joc Pederson (32, OF, Diamondbacks)

Pederson had an impressive season with 23 home runs, a 151 adjusted OPS, and nearly 3 WAR, marking his best performance since 2019. His limited opportunity against left-handed pitchers (42 plate appearances) indicates the Diamondbacks used him wisely.

44. Alex Verdugo (28, OF, Yankees)

Verdugo is athletic and young, but remains inconsistent. His performance in one of the most challenging markets showed resilience; however, his contrasting half-seasons in New York (.764 OPS before June 2, .575 after) might dampen interest from potential suitors.

45. Kyle Gibson (37, RHP, Cardinals)

With a reputation as an innings eater, Gibson returns to the market in search of a fourth team in as many years. His recent performances included 167 ⅔, 192, and 169 ⅔ innings pitched across stints with Philadelphia, Baltimore, and St. Louis, along with a 4.68 ERA and 1.33 WHIP—appealing for teams with young pitching rotations.

46. Tommy Pham (37, OF, Royals)

Pham, known for his postseason successes, shone again with Kansas City, performing well in the ALDS and lifting his career postseason OPS to .823 over 136 plate appearances. Notably, he also held a .710 OPS while playing for the struggling White Sox.

47. Charlie Morton (41, RHP, Braves)

The veteran pitcher, in his 17th season, had a solid run, making 30 starts as he reached 40 years of age. It seems like it’ll either be the Braves or retirement for Morton.

48. Jose Iglesias (35, INF, Mets)

Iglesias has long been appreciated for his skill, yet he found himself in minor-league deals despite consistent production earlier. After a strong comeback with the Mets in June, leading to a second-place finish in WAR (3.1) for the NL runners-up, he shouldn’t be without a job for long.

49. Spencer Turnbull (32, RHP, Phillies)

Turnbull experienced a successful revival in Philadelphia, achieving a 2.65 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP while part of their starting rotation until an injury cut his season short. He’ll be a useful addition to any pitching staff.

50. A.J. Minter (31, LHP, Braves)

After hip surgery ended his season in September, Minter, a part of the Night Shift, was effective in his 39 appearances, sporting a 1.02 WHIP and 35 strikeouts, while consistently exceeding 60 appearances in four of his seven full seasons.

51. Colin Rea (34, RHP, Brewers)

Rea unexpectedly found himself on the market after the Brewers waived him and opted out of his $5.5 million deal. He is likely to find similar opportunities since he was a reliable starting option last year, achieving 12 wins and 167 ⅔ innings pitched with Milwaukee.

52. Kenley Jansen (37, RHP, Red Sox)

Jansen continues to perform well, converting 56 out of 64 save opportunities (88%) during his two seasons with Boston. He’s just 31 saves away from reaching 478 for his career, tying him with Lee Smith for third place on the all-time saves list.

53. Martín Pérez (33, LHP, Padres)

After leaving Pittsburgh, Pérez thrived in San Diego, sporting a 3.46 ERA over 10 starts, which topped his previous 5.20 record from 16 starts with the Pirates. Though he has an All-Star past, bidders should remain cautious given his 1.45 career WHIP.

54. David Robertson (39, RHP, Rangers)

Robertson opted out of his player option, believing he could secure a better deal elsewhere, and given that he logged a career-high 72 innings with a 1.11 WHIP and 2.65 FIP, he has reason to be confident.

55. Andrew Kittredge (35, RHP, Cardinals)

A former All-Star, Kittredge had a strong showing in his only year in St. Louis, with a 2.80 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP. While he may not have the strikeout rate he did in Tampa Bay, he has remained effective.

56. Trevor Williams (32, RHP, Nationals)

Williams experienced a remarkable comeback in his second year with the Nationals, boasting an impressive 2.03 ERA and significantly reducing his home runs allowed from 34 in the previous year (2.1 per nine innings) to just three (0.4). Due to a shoulder injury, Williams was limited to 13 starts and 66 2/3 innings, but he managed to return towards the end of the season for two additional starts, making him a reliable option for the rotation.

57. Harrison Bader (30, OF, Mets)

Known for his energy and athleticism, Bader has struggled offensively, with his adjusted OPS dropping from 114 in 2021 to 80 over the last three seasons. However, he still brings defensive value as a supplementary outfielder or as a platoon player against left-handed pitchers.

58. Kyle Higashioka (34, C, Padres)

Originally seen as a minor addition in the Juan Soto trade, Higashioka made a name for himself by hitting 17 home runs and earning significant playing time as a catcher in San Diego. Although he has a career batting average of only .212, he is valued for his receiving skills and veteran leadership.

59. Jesse Winker (31, OF, Mets)

After being relegated to a minor-league contract last February, Winker proved effective enough for Washington, leading to his trade to New York, where he became a fan favorite and playoff hero. He supported his solid adjusted OPS of 118 with seven hits in 22 at-bats during the postseason, and he’s still capable of playing a competent left field.

60. Travis d’Arnaud (36, C, Braves)

It was unexpected that Atlanta chose not to exercise d’Arnaud’s $8 million option given his history of leadership in the clubhouse and stable performance over the years. A 2022 All-Star, d’Arnaud may be most useful in a shared-catching role, potentially contributing significantly to a contending team.

61. Chris Martin (38, RHP, Red Sox)

This may be the final stretch for the towering Texan at 6-foot-8. Despite only logging 44 ⅓ innings, he still managed to strike out 50 batters and recorded a 1.13 WHIP. Martin has hinted that he might retire after the 2025 season.

62. Aroldis Chapman (37, LHP, Pirates)

Unlike his experience in 2023 when he was traded from Kansas City to Texas and won a World Series, Chapman found himself stuck in Pittsburgh this season, achieving a 1.35 WHIP, which is among the worst in his illustrious 15-year career. His fastball velocities have decreased from the previous season, averaging 101.1 mph for his sinker and 99mph for his four-seam fastball to 99.8 mph and 97.8 mph in 2024.

64. Josh Bell (32, 1B, Diamondbacks)

Bell had a disappointing season for a player of his stature, with a .720 OPS marking his lowest for a complete year. Nevertheless, the Diamondbacks saw value in acquiring him from Miami, as he still hit 19 home runs and 23 doubles, along with achieving a league-average OPS.

65. Tommy Kahnle (35, RHP, Yankees)

During his two years with New York, Kahnle experienced a resurgence in his career, recording an impressive 10.2 strikeouts per nine innings and a 179 adjusted ERA. He played a vital role during the postseason, achieving eight scoreless outings before conceding the tying and go-ahead runs in Game 5 of the World Series.

66. Jason Heyward (35, OF, Astros)

Heyward is set to receive another World Series ring after the Dodgers released him in late August, yet he still managed to make an impact during his six weeks with Houston. He may have batted .211 with an adjusted OPS of 98, but his defensive contributions were still valued, earning him 1.2 WAR in 87 games.

67. Randal Grichuk (33, OF, Diamondbacks)

Grichuk remains a formidable asset as a platoon outfielder, having hit 12 home runs and posted an .875 OPS, which includes an impressive .914 OPS against left-handed pitchers.

68. Danny Jansen (29, C, Red Sox)

Jansen has faced several challenging seasons characterized by injuries, and his walk year was no exception. After being traded from Toronto to Boston, he saw a decline in performance, with his OPS falling from .671 to .623. However, being young for a free-agent catcher, he can promote himself as a valuable option, considering he had a 3-win season with an .855 OPS just two years ago.

69. Buck Farmer (34, RHP, Reds)

Farmer averaged 66 appearances over the last two years with a solid 3.64 ERA and 8.6 strikeouts per nine innings during that time frame.

70. Scott Alexander (35, LHP, Athletics)

Alexander was effective against left-handed hitters, holding them to a .161 batting average, a .419 OPS, and no home runs in 67 plate appearances.

71. Yimi Garcia (34, RHP, Mariners)

Garcia thrived in Toronto, striking out 42 batters across 30 innings, but struggled in his ten appearances following a trade to Seattle before being sidelined due to right elbow inflammation.

72. Kiké Hernández (33, INF/OF, Dodgers)

One of the most accomplished postseason players ever, Hernández managed to maintain his performance during the regular season despite a .229 batting average and an 85 adjusted OPS, contributing 1.2 WAR through his defensive skills and versatility. Come the postseason, he shone with an .808 OPS, including two home runs in 14 games alongside key hits in the decisive Game 5 of the World Series.

73. Carson Kelly (30, C, Rangers)

Kelly performed slightly above a replacement-level catcher, putting up a .716 OPS in Detroit before a midseason trade to Texas where he dropped to a .634 OPS.

74. Justin Turner (40, INF, Mariners)

Reports suggest that J.T. is not ready to retire just yet and continues to offer valuable contributions: with a .354 OBP and an adjusted OPS of 114 while playing with Toronto and Seattle. However, his 11 home runs were the lowest he has recorded since 2014.

75. Lance Lynn (37, RHP, Cardinals)

Another player in question regarding retirement, Lynn still managed to push through 23 starts and 117 ⅓ innings while achieving a 3.84 ERA. Matching a contending team with one that has a need for a low-end innings-eater may prove difficult.

76. Jacob Stallings (35, C, Rockies)

A strong candidate for a timeshare, Stallings had a career-best .357 OBP and .810 OPS with nine home runs in 81 games.

77. Danny Coulombe (35, LHP, Orioles)

It came as a surprise when the Orioles opted not to pick up Coulombe’s 2024 option, considering he had been one of the most dependable left-handed options in the AL over the last two seasons, posting a 2.56 ERA and 0.95 WHIP. After undergoing elbow surgery in June to remove bone spurs, he returned to pitch four scoreless outings in September, including one in the wild-card series.

78. Gio Urshela (31, INF, Braves)

Urshela has been a crucial player for the Braves this year, especially after Austin Riley’s injury. He has shown he can be a valuable asset as both a part-time player and as a dependable defender.

79. Lucas Sims (30, RHP, Red Sox)

Teams are hoping to harness Sims’ career average of 10.4 strikeouts per nine innings and improve on his 6.43 ERA from 15 games following his trade from Cincinnati to Boston.

80. Mark Canha (36, OF, Giants)

Having been traded at the deadline in each of the last two seasons, Canha has transitioned through the Mets, Brewers, Tigers, and now the Giants. Throughout these changes, he’s maintained a .350 on-base percentage and a 104 adjusted OPS.

81. Drew Smyly (35, LHP, Cubs)

Smyly did not start any games for the first time since 2013, appearing in 50 games with a 3.84 ERA as a reliever. While his walk rate increased to 3.8, he remains a flexible and valuable left-handed option.

82. Mike Clevinger (34, RHP, White Sox)

After undergoing neck surgery in August, which was linked to elbow issues, Clevinger’s season ended early after just four starts. Despite this, he had recorded a respectable 3.77 ERA over 24 starts in 2023.

83. Jakob Junis (32, RHP, Reds)

Junis may not always dominate but remains effective, with his performance improving as his innings pitched have decreased significantly from 177 in 2018 to just 67 last season, showing adaptability to the game’s evolution.

84. Kyle Hendricks (35, RHP, Cubs)

Hendricks, affectionately known as “The Professor”, isn’t ready to retire yet, even though he’s moved on from Wrigley Field. Last season, he faced struggles, posting the highest ERA of his career at 5.92 and allowing 10.1 hits per nine innings, although he achieved a much better 3.74 ERA the year prior.

85. J.D. Martinez (37, DH, Mets)

With retirement on the horizon, Martinez could step away after hitting 331 career homers, especially following a mediocre season in Queens. He may need a solid offer from a contender and sufficient playing time, which could be possible given his recent performance, including a 33-homer, 103-RBI season with the Dodgers.

86. Andrew McCutchen (38, OF, Pirates)

Consider this a contract that emphasizes personal connections alongside solid performance. McCutchen looks set for another one-year deal in Pittsburgh, having hit 20 home runs over 120 games and registering a 105 adjusted OPS.

87. Alex Cobb (37, RHP, Guardians)

After recovering from hip surgery, Cobb was traded to the Guardians but didn’t return to pitching until August 9. He managed three effective starts and made two appearances in the playoffs before a back strain sidelined him. It’s unlikely he wants to finish his career in this manner.

88. Kevin Newman (31, INF, Diamondbacks)

Newman proves the value of solid defense, hitting .278 in 2024. He’s recognized by players as a go-to shortstop.

89. Kendall Graveman (34, RHP, Astros)

Graveman was close to returning for Houston, but after their early playoff exit, he’s now looking ahead. Having recuperated from shoulder surgery in January, he’s ready to make an impact in 2025.

90. Yasmani Grandal (36, C, Pirates)

Grandal played in only 72 games last season and has surpassed the 100-game mark just once since 2019.

91. Joe Kelly (36, RHP, Dodgers)

After missing almost three months due to shoulder injuries, Kelly did not pitch during the World Series run. He plans to return in 2025, and a reunion with the Dodgers could be likely, as he can still throw up to 98 mph, although his other stats have declined over the years.

92. Jorge López (32, RHP, Cubs)

Following a difficult time in New York, López found success with Chicago after joining in June, posting an impressive 2.03 ERA in 26 ⅔ innings.

93. Chris Flexen (30, RHP, White Sox)

Flexen often bore the brunt of the losses on the South Side, being the pitcher of record for 15 of the White Sox’s 121 defeats. However, completing 30 starts and logging 160 innings in such circumstances is a noteworthy achievement.

94. Hunter Strickland (36, RHP, Angels)

After a 2023 season where he only made 14 minor league appearances, Strickland made a commendable return to the majors, recording a 1.09 WHIP over 72 outings with the Angels.

95. Héctor Neris (35, RHP, Astros)

Neris returned to the Astros after being acquired from Chicago for the playoff push. Unfortunately, both he and the team had challenges, with Neris finishing the season with a 4.70 ERA and allowing four homers in just 15 ⅓ innings pitched in Houston.

96. José Leclerc (31, RHP, Rangers)

Leclerc’s WHIP soared to 1.32, his highest in a full season since 2019, although he managed to strike out 89 batters in 66 1/3 innings, showing that he can still make batters swing and miss.

97. Paul Sewald (34, RHP, Diamondbacks)

Sewald’s season had a tough ending due to a neck injury, which placed him on the injured list. This disappointing finish followed a year where he lost his closer role, finishing with a 7.71 ERA over his last seven innings. A change of scenery could be beneficial for him.

98. Tim Hill (35, LHP, Yankees)

After being released mid-season by the White Sox, Hill thrived with the Yankees, achieving a 1.02 WHIP and allowing only two home runs in 44 innings. He contributed to 10 of their 14 postseason games, retiring 25 out of 32 batters faced, with only one earned run allowed.

99. James McCann (34, C, Orioles)

McCann is appreciated in Baltimore for his resilience, skills in pitch calling, and leadership. He also managed to hit eight homers, equating his performance to a league-average level at the plate. While his numbers are modest, his qualities make him a strong candidate for a backup catcher role.

100. Ryne Stanek (33, RHP, Mets)

Stanek experienced a year of ups and downs, struggling initially in Seattle, then being traded to New York where he faced challenges yet still secured a spot in their playoff bullpen. He can still reach 98 mph, making him a candidate for another one-year deal.

101. Ryan Yarbrough (33, LHP, Blue Jays)

Known as the original ‘Bulk Guy’, Yarbrough will receive a World Series ring from L.A. but was traded to Toronto in exchange for Kevin Kiermaier. He’s a rare pitch-to-contact pitcher who still finds plenty of outs, finishing with a 3.19 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP.

102. Travis Jankowski (33, OF, Rangers)

Jankowski’s offensive performance dipped significantly this season (.508 OPS in ’24, down from .689 in ’23). However, his defensive prowess still makes him a valuable player as a supplementary option.