Sport

The Hottest Free Agents Still Available in MLB: Where Will They Land?

2024-12-19

Author: Emily

As the 2024-25 MLB offseason heats up, it's astonishing that so many high-profile free agents remain unsigned. While teams have been busy making moves, let's explore the top ten intriguing free agents still on the board and analyze which teams would benefit most from their addition.

1. Ha-Seong Kim (29)

**2024 Stats:** 121 Games, 470 Plate Appearances, 11 HR, 22 SB, .233 AVG, .330 OBP, .370 SLG **Qualifying Offer:** No **Best Fit:** Seattle Mariners The Mariners are in need of an elite bat-to-ball skill player, particularly since they currently lead MLB in strikeouts. Even though they may prefer Christian Walker for first base, Kim would be a valuable asset, especially if he can bounce back from shoulder surgery. His ability to provide solid defense at multiple infield positions makes him an even more attractive addition.

2. Tanner Scott (30)

**2024 Stats:** 72 Games, 72 IP, 84 K, 1.75 ERA **Qualifying Offer:** No **Best Fit:** Los Angeles Dodgers Tanner Scott could be exactly what the Dodgers are looking for to solidify their bullpen. His ability to close games, with 54 saves over the last three years, makes him a exciting prospect. He also offers a strong lefty matchup option, capable of neutralizing key hitters in the playoff landscape.

3. Christian Walker (33)

**2024 Stats:** 130 Games, 26 HR, .251 AVG, .335 OBP, .468 SLG **Qualifying Offer:** Yes **Best Fit:** Houston Astros The Astros have grappled with underperformance at first base for two consecutive seasons, making Walker an ideal solution. He not only brings power with his bat but also elite defense, boasting a remarkable 39 Outs Above Average over the past three seasons.

4. Sean Manaea (32)

**2024 Stats:** 32 GS, 181.2 IP, 184 K, 3.47 ERA **Qualifying Offer:** Yes **Best Fit:** New York Mets Manaea has expressed his fondness for the Mets and could be a strong fit as they continue to bolster their rotation. With the right coaching and a solid relationship with the Mets' staff, a reunion makes sense for both parties.

5. Jack Flaherty (29)

**2024 Stats:** 28 GS, 162 IP, 194 K, 3.17 ERA **Qualifying Offer:** No **Best Fit:** Baltimore Orioles Despite a rocky start with the Orioles, Flaherty is on their radar once again. The team is eager to shore up its rotation, and Flaherty could reclaim his form, especially in a revamped pitching environment that could favor his style.

6. Teoscar Hernández (32)

**2024 Stats:** 154 Games, 33 HR, .272 AVG, .339 OBP, .501 SLG **Qualifying Offer:** Yes **Best Fit:** Boston Red Sox Having previously expressed interest in Hernández, the Red Sox are in a good position to bring him on board. He thrives at Fenway Park, making for an enticing option as they look to bolster their lineup.

7. Anthony Santander (30)

**2024 Stats:** 155 Games, 44 HR, .235 AVG, .308 OBP, .506 SLG **Qualifying Offer:** Yes **Best Fit:** Toronto Blue Jays Santander could address the Blue Jays' need for left-handed power. With the team lacking in this area over the past few seasons, Santander’s return to the AL East seems probable as Toronto looks to strengthen its lineup.

8. Alex Bregman (30)

**2024 Stats:** 145 Games, 26 HR, .260 AVG, .315 OBP, .453 SLG **Qualifying Offer:** Yes **Best Fit:** Detroit Tigers Bregman could potentially reunite with former Astros manager A.J. Hinch in Detroit, a team that is on the rise after a lengthy rebuild. His elite performance could help solidify the Tigers' infield as they aim for a competitive edge.

9. Corbin Burnes (30)

**2024 Stats:** 32 GS, 194.1 IP, 181 K, 2.92 ERA **Qualifying Offer:** Yes **Best Fit:** San Francisco Giants Burnes could thrive in the Giants' pitcher-friendly home park. The team has shown interest in him, believing that with some adjustments he could maximize his potential while being supported by a solid defense.

10. Roki Sasaki (22)