As we gear up for a star-studded World Series between the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers, let’s not lose sight of the free-agency picture still taking shape. You’ll surely hear a lot about it every time Yankees superstar Juan Soto or Dodgers slugger Teoscar Hernández approach the plate during the World Series. There are also multiple other Dodgers and Yankees who will hit the open market once the Series concludes.
Throughout the regular season, Yahoo Sports’ Jake Mintz kept track of the field with a top 25 listing. Here’s a look at the top crop of free agents heading into the Fall Classic. This list will evolve and expand as we approach hot stove season.
Juan Soto, Yankees OF, age 26
He has already established himself in Yankees lore with his AL-pennant clinching homer against the Guardians. His deal is expected to be record-breaking.
Mintz: Soto is the best player on the market, and it’s not close. His free-agent contract will start with a five; remember, he turned down a 15-year, $440 million offer from the Nats in 2022.
Willy Adames, Brewers SS, age 29
Mintz: Dansby Swanson hit free agency in the winter of 2022 with an inferior track record and received a seven-year, $177 million contract. That feels like Adames’ floor. People around the game also view the Dominican-born shortstop as an elite clubhouse presence.
Corbin Burnes, Orioles SP, age 30
Burnes gave the Orioles a gem in the AL wild-card round that was squandered by Baltimore’s short-lived playoff run. He’ll enter free agency as the top arm available.
Mintz: Burnes’ contract number probably starts with a two.
Max Fried, Braves SP, age 31
Mintz: There’s an argument to have Fried grouped with Blake Snell, further down this top 10, but I think the southpaw’s long track record of success is a separator.
Alex Bregman, Astros 3B, age 31
Mintz: Bregman is no longer the MVP candidate he was a few years back, but he’s also not the listless ghost we saw for the first six weeks of 2024. That all points to a number right around $200. Bregman will be highly sought after.
Blake Snell (opt-out), Giants SP, age 32
Mintz: All the reigning NL Cy Young needed was time. After a stop-start first few months during which he fended off a series of nagging injuries, Snell rediscovered his peak form. Expect him to opt out of the contract he signed last winter with San Francisco.