{"id":5130,"date":"2024-09-28T05:47:02","date_gmt":"2024-09-28T05:47:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.drinkfood.info\/?p=5130"},"modified":"2024-09-28T05:51:05","modified_gmt":"2024-09-28T05:51:05","slug":"exclusive-ranking-the-top-25-mlb-free-agents","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.drinkfood.info\/?p=5130","title":{"rendered":"Exclusive: Ranking the top 25 MLB free agents"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ac_91638247\" class=\"article_chunk type_50\">\n<div class=\"froala-view custom-theme first_text_block\">\n<p>The 2023-24 MLB offeason was a record breaker, led by Shohei Ohtani&#8217;s mammoth contract with the Dodgers. This offseason should have plenty of big contracts and surprises in store, as well. Here&#8217;s a look at the top 25 free agents entering the offseason.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"ac_91638248\" class=\"article_chunk type_49\">\n<div id=\"slideshow_slide_516215\" class=\"slideshow_slide proper-ad-delimiter\" data-item-number=\"1\">\n<p><a class=\"slide_anchor\" name=\"slide_1\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"slideshow_title_bar\">\n<div class=\"slide_count\">1 of 25<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"slide_title\">1.\u00a0<a class=\"yard_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.yardbarker.com\/mlb\/players\/juan_soto\/510673\">Juan Soto<\/a>, OF<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"slideshow_image_div\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"float-center\" src=\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/0\/d\/0ddd446ed139c9e6aa8a7994e12f6e51d40abb9a\/1-juan-soto.jpg\" alt=\"Juan Soto, OF\" width=\"700\" height=\"466\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"slide_credit\">Bob Kupbens \/ USA Today Sports Images<\/div>\n<div class=\"slide_description\">\n<p>Soto is the clear prize of 2025 free agency. A generational talent only entering his age-26 season, Soto has finished with an OPS above .900 in six of seven seasons and won the World Series in only his second MLB season. It could take upwards of $500 million to land Soto, with the Yankees, Mets, and Dodgers among the teams in play.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slideshow_slide_516216\" class=\"slideshow_slide proper-ad-delimiter\" data-item-number=\"2\">\n<p><a class=\"slide_anchor\" name=\"slide_2\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"slideshow_title_bar\">\n<div class=\"slide_count\">2 of 25<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"slide_title\">2.\u00a0<a class=\"yard_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.yardbarker.com\/mlb\/players\/blake_snell\/450535\">Blake Snell<\/a>, SP<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"slideshow_image_div\">\n<div class=\"lzy loading it-article_inline\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyloaded\" src=\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/5\/3\/5354bca6c66c25075434efebf31cacaa1c66e2bb\/2-blake-snell-sp.jpg\" alt=\"Blake Snell, SP\" data-src=\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/5\/3\/5354bca6c66c25075434efebf31cacaa1c66e2bb\/2-blake-snell-sp.jpg\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"slide_credit\">Tommy Gilligan \/ USA Today Sports Images<\/div>\n<div class=\"slide_description\">\n<p>Despite winning his second Cy Young Award in 2023, Snell failed to land the long-term deal that he sought last offseason. He settled for a one-year deal with a player option that he will likely opt out of after finishing 2024 with a bang. The biggest concerns for Snell have been his lack of control and durability, but the supply of pitchers of Snell&#8217;s ability is limited.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slideshow_slide_516217\" class=\"slideshow_slide proper-ad-delimiter\" data-item-number=\"3\">\n<p><a class=\"slide_anchor\" name=\"slide_3\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"slideshow_title_bar\">\n<div class=\"slide_count\">3 of 25<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"slide_title\">3.\u00a0<a class=\"yard_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.yardbarker.com\/mlb\/players\/corbin_burnes\/545273\">Corbin Burnes<\/a>, SP<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"slideshow_image_div\">\n<div class=\"lzy loading it-article_inline\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyloaded\" src=\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/e\/f\/eff0687df734637b8f37a2179580df07d0417c5c\/3-corbin-burnes-sp.jpg\" alt=\"Corbin Burnes, SP\" data-src=\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/e\/f\/eff0687df734637b8f37a2179580df07d0417c5c\/3-corbin-burnes-sp.jpg\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"slide_credit\">Reggie Hildred \/ USA Today Sports Images<\/div>\n<div class=\"slide_description\">\n<p>Burnes has been an All-Star in four consecutive seasons, and won the Cy Young with Milwaukee in 2021. Over that stretch, he&#8217;s been one of the most reliable starters in the game, though the right-hander has shown signs of slippage over the last two years with a decline strikeout rate and ERA above 3.00. The lack of strikeouts could be enough to put Burnes on the backburner for some teams, but he&#8217;s still likely to get an enormous contract going on age 30.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slideshow_slide_516218\" class=\"slideshow_slide proper-ad-delimiter\" data-item-number=\"4\">\n<p><a class=\"slide_anchor\" name=\"slide_4\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"slideshow_title_bar\">\n<div class=\"slide_count\">4 of 25<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"slide_title\">4.\u00a0<a class=\"yard_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.yardbarker.com\/mlb\/players\/max_fried\/508207\">Max Fried<\/a>, SP<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"slideshow_image_div\">\n<div class=\"lzy loading it-article_inline\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyloaded\" src=\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,h_1320,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/e\/0\/e00fe4c26965377c7cc4e4f73360a768fcbf589e\/4-max-fried-sp.jpg\" alt=\"Max Fried, SP\" data-src=\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,h_1320,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/e\/0\/e00fe4c26965377c7cc4e4f73360a768fcbf589e\/4-max-fried-sp.jpg\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"slide_credit\">Rhona Wise \/ USA Today Sports Images<\/div>\n<div class=\"slide_description\">\n<p>Fried&#8217;s career ERA is just a touch above 3.00 over eight seasons, which is all that needs to be said about his ability. The lefty has been a consistency ace for the Braves since 2020, and finished second in the Cy Young race in 2022. Still, there are durability concerns with Fried having elbow issues in each of the last two seasons, which could limit teams&#8217; willingness to give him a long-term deal.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slideshow_slide_516239\" class=\"slideshow_slide proper-ad-delimiter\" data-item-number=\"5\">\n<p><a class=\"slide_anchor\" name=\"slide_5\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"slideshow_title_bar\">\n<div class=\"slide_count\">5 of 25<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"slide_title\">5. Roki Sasaki, SP<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"slideshow_image_div\">\n<div class=\"lzy loading it-article_inline\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyloaded\" src=\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/7\/1\/71a0ccc0fe75394bbbfe4758a2190302f4d92ff7\/5-roki-sasaki-sp.jpg\" alt=\"Roki Sasaki, SP\" data-src=\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/7\/1\/71a0ccc0fe75394bbbfe4758a2190302f4d92ff7\/5-roki-sasaki-sp.jpg\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"slide_credit\">Sam Navarro \/ USA Today Sports Images<\/div>\n<div class=\"slide_description\">\n<p>As of the fall, it&#8217;s unclear if Sasaki will be available in the offseason. Chiba Lotte could opt not to post the 22-year-old starter, but he&#8217;s been terrific in his early pro career with an ERA near 2.00 over four seasons. It&#8217;s reasonable to rank Sasaki No. 2 on the list if he is posted.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slideshow_slide_516219\" class=\"slideshow_slide proper-ad-delimiter\" data-item-number=\"6\">\n<p><a class=\"slide_anchor\" name=\"slide_6\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"slideshow_title_bar\">\n<div class=\"slide_count\">6 of 25<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"slide_title\">6.\u00a0<a class=\"yard_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.yardbarker.com\/mlb\/players\/willy_adames\/483514\">Willy Adames<\/a>, SS<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"slideshow_image_div\">\n<div class=\"lzy loading it-article_inline\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyloaded\" src=\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/9\/4\/940d5d40fda3f8296d6b961ee98bb68009008f9b\/6-willy-adames-ss.jpg\" alt=\"Willy Adames, SS\" data-src=\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/9\/4\/940d5d40fda3f8296d6b961ee98bb68009008f9b\/6-willy-adames-ss.jpg\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"slide_credit\">Joe Camporeale \/ USA Today Sports Images<\/div>\n<div class=\"slide_description\">\n<p>Adames reached 30 home runs for the second time in three seasons, and right on time as he enters free agency. The shortstop has been an all-around leader for the Brewers, regularly producing clutch hits while playing solid defense. He also still has some time left in his prime at age 29.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slideshow_slide_516223\" class=\"slideshow_slide proper-ad-delimiter\" data-item-number=\"7\">\n<p><a class=\"slide_anchor\" name=\"slide_7\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"slideshow_title_bar\">\n<div class=\"slide_count\">7 of 25<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"slide_title\">7.\u00a0<a class=\"yard_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.yardbarker.com\/mlb\/players\/alex_bregman\/481423\">Alex Bregman<\/a>, 3B<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"slideshow_image_div\">\n<div class=\"lzy loading it-article_inline\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyloaded\" src=\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/b\/e\/be62ff4b50b21125dc8c1fe54e8efc98358d8139\/7-alex-bregman-3b.jpg\" alt=\"Alex Bregman, 3B\" data-src=\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/b\/e\/be62ff4b50b21125dc8c1fe54e8efc98358d8139\/7-alex-bregman-3b.jpg\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"slide_credit\">Orlando Ramirez \/ USA Today Sports Images<\/div>\n<div class=\"slide_description\">\n<p>One of the faces of Houston&#8217;s dynasty, Bregman is at risk of going elsewhere after nine seasons with the Astros. His offense got on track in 2024 after a very slow start, though his on-base percentage is easily his worst since his rookie campaign. That&#8217;s certainly a concern for a hitter in his early 30s, though Bregman&#8217;s defense and power remain strong. Bregman will likely seek to at least equal the recent six-year, $151 million contract that fellow hot corner Matt Chapman received from the Giants recently.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slideshow_slide_516225\" class=\"slideshow_slide proper-ad-delimiter\" data-item-number=\"8\">\n<p><a class=\"slide_anchor\" name=\"slide_8\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"slideshow_title_bar\">\n<div class=\"slide_count\">8 of 25<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"slide_title\">8.\u00a0<a class=\"yard_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.yardbarker.com\/mlb\/players\/jack_flaherty\/483691\">Jack Flaherty<\/a>, SP<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"slideshow_image_div\">\n<div class=\"lzy loading it-article_inline\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyloaded\" src=\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/7\/e\/7e3ebb528bb15a7a85862307a8eb2212fa48cd17\/8-jack-flaherty-sp.jpg\" alt=\"Jack Flaherty, SP\" data-src=\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/7\/e\/7e3ebb528bb15a7a85862307a8eb2212fa48cd17\/8-jack-flaherty-sp.jpg\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"slide_credit\">Kiyoshi Mio \/ USA Today Sports Images<\/div>\n<div class=\"slide_description\">\n<p>A former ace early in his career with the Cardinals, Flaherty was sidetracked by injuries for several seasons. He&#8217;s made the most of a one-year deal in 2024, revitalizing his career with the Tigers and Dodgers with a sub-4.00 ERA in both homes. His K\/BB ratio above 6.00 shows a true ace, and Flaherty has reached 150 innings for the third time in his career. A long injury history, including a chronic shoulder problem, make Flaherty a risk on a long-term deal, but there are few pitchers in the game with as much ability.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slideshow_slide_516220\" class=\"slideshow_slide proper-ad-delimiter\" data-item-number=\"9\">\n<p><a class=\"slide_anchor\" name=\"slide_9\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"slideshow_title_bar\">\n<div class=\"slide_count\">9 of 25<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"slide_title\">9.\u00a0<a class=\"yard_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.yardbarker.com\/mlb\/players\/anthony_santander\/509026\">Anthony Santander<\/a>, RF<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"slideshow_image_div\">\n<div class=\"lzy loading it-article_inline\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyloaded\" src=\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,h_1351,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/2\/b\/2b8f873275b1a8a677bf4807a9619f1c0c55c548\/9-anthony-santander-rf.jpg\" alt=\"Anthony Santander, RF\" data-src=\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,h_1351,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/2\/b\/2b8f873275b1a8a677bf4807a9619f1c0c55c548\/9-anthony-santander-rf.jpg\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"slide_credit\">David Butler II \/ USA Today Sports Images<\/div>\n<div class=\"slide_description\">\n<p>Santander is ready to cash in after a mammoth season, making his first All-Star appearance and finishing with more than 40 home runs. While limited defensively, Santander has emerged as a middle-of-the-order bat over the last three years and also has a strong contact rate for a power bat. He does have age (30) and limited defensive range going against him.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slideshow_slide_516221\" class=\"slideshow_slide proper-ad-delimiter\" data-item-number=\"10\">\n<p><a class=\"slide_anchor\" name=\"slide_10\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"slideshow_title_bar\">\n<div class=\"slide_count\">10 of 25<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"slide_title\">10.\u00a0<a class=\"yard_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.yardbarker.com\/mlb\/players\/pete_alonso\/510820\">Pete Alonso<\/a>, 1B<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"slideshow_image_div\">\n<div class=\"lzy loading it-article_inline\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyloaded\" src=\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,h_1334,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/5\/e\/5eabe264c303dfb391e31e0ed856dc05fb4bf358\/10-pete-alonso-1b.jpg\" alt=\"Pete Alonso, 1B\" data-src=\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,h_1334,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/5\/e\/5eabe264c303dfb391e31e0ed856dc05fb4bf358\/10-pete-alonso-1b.jpg\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"slide_credit\">Brad Penner \/ USA Today Sports Images<\/div>\n<div class=\"slide_description\">\n<p>The Mets have yet to give in to Alonso&#8217;s contract demands, even as he remains a fan favorite since he won Rookie of the Year in 2019. The four-time All-Star has been a consistently big thumper with five seasons hitting well over 30 home runs. Still, the overall production has declined over the last two years with Alonso&#8217;s batting average plummeting in 2023 (with a slight bounce-back in 2024), and his profile doesn&#8217;t project well for the long-term as he nears age 30. There&#8217;s certainly some risk here if Alonso is given more than three years.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slideshow_slide_516226\" class=\"slideshow_slide proper-ad-delimiter\" data-item-number=\"11\">\n<p><a class=\"slide_anchor\" name=\"slide_11\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"slideshow_title_bar\">\n<div class=\"slide_count\">11 of 25<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"slide_title\">11.\u00a0<a class=\"yard_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.yardbarker.com\/mlb\/players\/cody_bellinger\/372539\">Cody Bellinger<\/a>, CF\/1B<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"slideshow_image_div\">\n<div class=\"lzy loading it-article_inline\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyloaded\" src=\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,h_1334,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/4\/3\/438cf78c439749c3f7cda8737750e9a11b26e388\/11-cody-bellinger-cf1b.jpg\" alt=\"Cody Bellinger, CF\/1B\" data-src=\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,h_1334,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/4\/3\/438cf78c439749c3f7cda8737750e9a11b26e388\/11-cody-bellinger-cf1b.jpg\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"slide_credit\">Kiyoshi Mio \/ USA Today Sports Images<\/div>\n<div class=\"slide_description\">\n<p>Unsigned heading into free agency, Bellinger signed a one-year, $30 million contract with the Cubs with two player options. He hasn&#8217;t had a great year in 2024, but it&#8217;s likely good enough that he will opt out. After a pair of terrible seasons with the Dodgers in 2021-2022, the former Rookie of the Year and MVP has put that slump behind him with his career getting back on track over the last two seasons. His injuries and sub-.800 OPS this season don&#8217;t show the elite player we saw earlier in his career, but great defense and big upside add intrigue for a team looking to get value from their signings.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slideshow_slide_516228\" class=\"slideshow_slide proper-ad-delimiter\" data-item-number=\"12\">\n<p><a class=\"slide_anchor\" name=\"slide_12\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"slideshow_title_bar\">\n<div class=\"slide_count\">12 of 25<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"slide_title\">12.\u00a0<a class=\"yard_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.yardbarker.com\/mlb\/players\/yusei_kikuchi\/588062\">Yusei Kikuchi<\/a>, SP<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"slideshow_image_div\">\n<div class=\"lzy loading it-article_inline\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyloaded\" src=\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,h_1397,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/7\/3\/73f3486697ef7c9860892eabbdd5faeedae4d9bc\/12-yusei-kikuchi-sp.jpg\" alt=\"Yusei Kikuchi, SP\" data-src=\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,h_1397,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/7\/3\/73f3486697ef7c9860892eabbdd5faeedae4d9bc\/12-yusei-kikuchi-sp.jpg\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"slide_credit\">Thomas Shea \/ USA Today Sports Images<\/div>\n<div class=\"slide_description\">\n<p>Houston&#8217;s acquisition of Kikuchi from Toronto at the trade deadline, moving two strong prospects, was a head-scratcher given his performance. It&#8217;s made more sense after Kikuchi has improved over the last two months, and the lefty has likely added significant future money to his bank account in the process. His ERA has inched downward toward 4.00, and his command has never been better, with a K\/BB ratio well above 4.00 after the trade. Kikuchi can look like an ace when he&#8217;s at his best, and the peripherals back up that potential.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slideshow_slide_516222\" class=\"slideshow_slide proper-ad-delimiter\" data-item-number=\"13\">\n<p><a class=\"slide_anchor\" name=\"slide_13\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"slideshow_title_bar\">\n<div class=\"slide_count\">13 of 25<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"slide_title\">13. Christian Walker, 1B<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"slideshow_image_div\">\n<div class=\"lzy loading it-article_inline\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyloaded\" src=\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/2\/c\/2cfe461bcea2619181830ab0fd681cab532b1647\/13-christian-walker-1b.jpg\" alt=\"Christian Walker, 1B\" data-src=\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/2\/c\/2cfe461bcea2619181830ab0fd681cab532b1647\/13-christian-walker-1b.jpg\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"slide_credit\">Jeff Hanisch \/ USA Today Sports Images<\/div>\n<div class=\"slide_description\">\n<p>A late bloomer who didn&#8217;t find his footing in MLB until his age-28 season, Walker has quietly been one of the best first basemen in the game over the last three years. He&#8217;s trying to win his third straight Gold Glove this season, and he kept up his strong home run pace despite missing time to injury. Father Time is the enemy for Walker&#8217;s contract as he enters his age-34 season, yet he&#8217;s shown no sign of slowing down.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slideshow_slide_516224\" class=\"slideshow_slide proper-ad-delimiter\" data-item-number=\"14\">\n<p><a class=\"slide_anchor\" name=\"slide_14\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"slideshow_title_bar\">\n<div class=\"slide_count\">14 of 25<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"slide_title\">14.\u00a0<a class=\"yard_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.yardbarker.com\/mlb\/players\/teoscar_hernandez\/319174\">Teoscar Hernandez<\/a>, OF<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"slideshow_image_div\">\n<div class=\"lzy loading it-article_inline\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyloaded\" src=\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,h_1337,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/c\/e\/ce2d7c524c51ca3e3ba5b3e0b3ec0a8159f661c4\/14-teoscar-hernandez.jpg\" alt=\"Teoscar Hernandez, OF\" data-src=\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,h_1337,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/c\/e\/ce2d7c524c51ca3e3ba5b3e0b3ec0a8159f661c4\/14-teoscar-hernandez.jpg\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"slide_credit\">Dale Zanine \/ USA Today Sports Images<\/div>\n<div class=\"slide_description\">\n<p>Coming off a subpar offensive season in Seattle, Hernandez revived his value on a one-year deal in L.A. during 2024. He remains a premium power bat who has posted an OPS above .800 in four of the last five seasons, and is also seemingly well-liked by teammates. The high-strikeout, power profile does make Hernandez a risk on a long-term deal heading into his age-32 season, but premium power is in short supply.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slideshow_slide_516227\" class=\"slideshow_slide proper-ad-delimiter\" data-item-number=\"15\">\n<p><a class=\"slide_anchor\" name=\"slide_15\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"slideshow_title_bar\">\n<div class=\"slide_count\">15 of 25<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"slide_title\">15.\u00a0<a class=\"yard_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.yardbarker.com\/mlb\/players\/sean_manaea\/371534\">Sean Manaea<\/a>, SP<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"slideshow_image_div\">\n<div class=\"lzy loading it-article_inline\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyloaded\" src=\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/2\/5\/25cc01dbefd8da69f08259c8e0bc21f8688ef626\/15-sean-manaea-sp.jpg\" alt=\"Sean Manaea, SP\" data-src=\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/2\/5\/25cc01dbefd8da69f08259c8e0bc21f8688ef626\/15-sean-manaea-sp.jpg\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"slide_credit\">Brad Penner \/ USA Today Sports Images<\/div>\n<div class=\"slide_description\">\n<p>Manaea opted out of his contract with the Giants last offseason, and is likely to press his luck again with an opt-out this offseason. The lefty is arguably having a career year, and has done his best work down the stretch. Control remains an issue for Manaea, but he continues to fan more than one batter per inning and show plus durability with over 150 innings for the fifth time in his career.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slideshow_slide_516235\" class=\"slideshow_slide proper-ad-delimiter\" data-item-number=\"16\">\n<p><a class=\"slide_anchor\" name=\"slide_16\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"slideshow_title_bar\">\n<div class=\"slide_count\">16 of 25<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"slide_title\">16.\u00a0<a class=\"yard_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.yardbarker.com\/mlb\/players\/tanner_scott\/482866\">Tanner Scott<\/a>, RP<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"slideshow_image_div\">\n<div class=\"lzy loading it-article_inline\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyloaded\" src=\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/b\/e\/be26e725c1575dbefd1ff9897f65f6254eb063c7\/16-tanner-scott-rp.jpg\" alt=\"Tanner Scott, RP\" data-src=\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/b\/e\/be26e725c1575dbefd1ff9897f65f6254eb063c7\/16-tanner-scott-rp.jpg\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"slide_credit\">Orlando Ramirez \/ USA Today Sports Images<\/div>\n<div class=\"slide_description\">\n<p>The control can be erratic, but the combination of elite stuff and strong groundball numbers have made Scott one of the best late-inning relievers in baseball. He emerged as an extremely reliable closer for the Marlins over the last two seasons, and hasn&#8217;t let up since being traded to the Padres. While the control slipped this season, Scott made his first All-Star appearance and will likely finish with an ERA below 2.00. Long-term deals for relievers are always risky, but Scott is deserving.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slideshow_slide_516229\" class=\"slideshow_slide proper-ad-delimiter\" data-item-number=\"17\">\n<p><a class=\"slide_anchor\" name=\"slide_17\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"slideshow_title_bar\">\n<div class=\"slide_count\">17 of 25<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"slide_title\">17. Tyler O&#8217;Neill, OF<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"slideshow_image_div\">\n<div class=\"lzy loading it-article_inline\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyloaded\" src=\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,h_1320,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/e\/8\/e89751505acc656c59377b1b91aa699cafd03c8b\/17-tyler-oneill.jpg\" alt=\"Tyler O'Neill, OF\" data-src=\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,h_1320,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/e\/8\/e89751505acc656c59377b1b91aa699cafd03c8b\/17-tyler-oneill.jpg\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"slide_credit\">David Butler II \/ USA Today Sports Images<\/div>\n<div class=\"slide_description\">\n<p>A change of scenery has done O&#8217;Neill wonders this season, tallying 30 home runs for the second time in his career after being traded from St. Louis to Boston. The former Gold Glover doesn&#8217;t have the range that he did earlier in his career, but O&#8217;Neill remains capable on defense. It&#8217;s the elite power that should make teams so interested, as he reached the 30-HR milestone in just over 100 games played. On the other hand, O&#8217;Neill&#8217;s injury history could give some teams pause.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slideshow_slide_516236\" class=\"slideshow_slide proper-ad-delimiter\" data-item-number=\"18\">\n<p><a class=\"slide_anchor\" name=\"slide_18\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"slideshow_title_bar\">\n<div class=\"slide_count\">18 of 25<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"slide_title\">18.\u00a0<a class=\"yard_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.yardbarker.com\/mlb\/players\/shane_bieber\/580598\">Shane Bieber<\/a>, SP<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"slideshow_image_div\">\n<div class=\"lzy loading it-article_inline\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyloaded\" src=\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/8\/5\/85311ff4dd00e3b7841d5667ebfb814d4faf7dc1\/18-shane-bieber-sp.jpg\" alt=\"Shane Bieber, SP\" data-src=\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/8\/5\/85311ff4dd00e3b7841d5667ebfb814d4faf7dc1\/18-shane-bieber-sp.jpg\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"slide_credit\">Joe Camporeale \/ USA Today Sports Images<\/div>\n<div class=\"slide_description\">\n<p>Bieber was headed for an enormous payday this offseason before tearing his elbow ligament early in the year. The good news is that early-season Tommy John surgery should allow Bieber to return fairly early in the 2025 season if his rehab goes well. He won the Cy Young in the abbreviated 2020 season and has mostly been a frontline starter during his career, though slipping velocity, strikeout rates, and durability in recent seasons are a major concern. He could opt for a short-term deal to rehab his value.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slideshow_slide_516238\" class=\"slideshow_slide proper-ad-delimiter\" data-item-number=\"19\">\n<p><a class=\"slide_anchor\" name=\"slide_19\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"slideshow_title_bar\">\n<div class=\"slide_count\">19 of 25<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"slide_title\">19. Ha-Seong Kim, SS\/2B<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"slideshow_image_div\">\n<div class=\"lzy loading it-article_inline\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyloaded\" src=\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/4\/a\/4aeba281f7990633c19edbe7cb2a14ccc4da2ad5\/19-ha-seong-kim-ss2b.jpg\" alt=\"Ha-Seong Kim, SS\/2B\" data-src=\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/4\/a\/4aeba281f7990633c19edbe7cb2a14ccc4da2ad5\/19-ha-seong-kim-ss2b.jpg\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"slide_credit\">David Frerker \/ USA Today Sports Images<\/div>\n<div class=\"slide_description\">\n<p>It&#8217;s been a frustrating year for Kim between injuries and struggles at the plate, but that shouldn&#8217;t stop him from opting out of his contract. The Korean infielder continues to field at an elite level after moving to shortstop, and he&#8217;s also mostly shown plus on-base skills. There&#8217;s some risk the performance will slip as he nears age 30, but a more hitter-friendly home ballpark can&#8217;t hurt.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slideshow_slide_516230\" class=\"slideshow_slide proper-ad-delimiter\" data-item-number=\"20\">\n<p><a class=\"slide_anchor\" name=\"slide_20\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"slideshow_title_bar\">\n<div class=\"slide_count\">20 of 25<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"slide_title\">20.\u00a0<a class=\"yard_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.yardbarker.com\/mlb\/players\/gleyber_torres\/372254\">Gleyber Torres<\/a>, 2B<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"slideshow_image_div\">\n<div class=\"lzy loading it-article_inline\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyloaded\" src=\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,h_1334,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/2\/c\/2ccab088ecfce0672ee624312016a824c934e407\/20-gleyber-torres-2b.jpg\" alt=\"Gleyber Torres, 2B\" data-src=\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,h_1334,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/2\/c\/2ccab088ecfce0672ee624312016a824c934e407\/20-gleyber-torres-2b.jpg\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"slide_credit\">Cary Edmondson \/ USA Today Sports Images<\/div>\n<div class=\"slide_description\">\n<p>Torres is one of the most interesting free agent cases this offseason. At his best, Torres has been a star, including a 38-home run campaign in 2019. However, he struggled for most of 2024 and was pulled from the Yankees lineup multiple times for lack of hustle. It&#8217;s become clear New York is ready to move on, but Torres is young enough to make noise as he enters his age-28 season.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slideshow_slide_516231\" class=\"slideshow_slide proper-ad-delimiter\" data-item-number=\"21\">\n<p><a class=\"slide_anchor\" name=\"slide_21\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"slideshow_title_bar\">\n<div class=\"slide_count\">21 of 25<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"slide_title\">21.\u00a0<a class=\"yard_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.yardbarker.com\/mlb\/players\/carlos_estevez\/450601\">Carlos Estevez<\/a>, RP<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"slideshow_image_div\">\n<div class=\"lzy loading it-article_inline\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyloaded\" src=\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/b\/8\/b8b13d1287b1f7d5f0db2ffad696fabe41c2426c\/21-carlos-estevez-rp.jpg\" alt=\"Carlos Estevez, RP\" data-src=\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/b\/8\/b8b13d1287b1f7d5f0db2ffad696fabe41c2426c\/21-carlos-estevez-rp.jpg\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"slide_credit\">Gregory Fisher \/ USA Today Sports Images<\/div>\n<div class=\"slide_description\">\n<p>Estevez is having a career year at the right time, showing uncharacteristically elite control as closer for the Angels and Phillies. He&#8217;s been at least an adequate closer over the last two seasons since moving on from Colorado, and has plenty of velocity as he enters his age-32 season. The two-year, $13.5 million contract that he signed in his last free agency could see a multiplier.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slideshow_slide_516232\" class=\"slideshow_slide proper-ad-delimiter\" data-item-number=\"22\">\n<p><a class=\"slide_anchor\" name=\"slide_22\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"slideshow_title_bar\">\n<div class=\"slide_count\">22 of 25<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"slide_title\">22.\u00a0<a class=\"yard_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.yardbarker.com\/mlb\/players\/kenley_jansen\/41714\">Kenley Jansen<\/a>, RP<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"slideshow_image_div\">\n<div class=\"lzy loading it-article_inline\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyloaded\" src=\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/a\/3\/a3c104820c712b66755e50d3e4593236105103ee\/22-kenley-jansen-rp.jpg\" alt=\"Kenley Jansen, RP\" data-src=\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/a\/3\/a3c104820c712b66755e50d3e4593236105103ee\/22-kenley-jansen-rp.jpg\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"slide_credit\">Paul Rutherford \/ USA Today Sports Images<\/div>\n<div class=\"slide_description\">\n<p>Jansen is arguably the best closer of his generation, as he approaches 500 career saves. Random injuries in recent seasons show Jansen&#8217;s age, yet he&#8217;s remained very reliable overall in his mid-30s. Each passing year brings more risk for the 37-year-old, but his track record could earn him another multi-year contract.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slideshow_slide_516233\" class=\"slideshow_slide proper-ad-delimiter\" data-item-number=\"23\">\n<p><a class=\"slide_anchor\" name=\"slide_23\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"slideshow_title_bar\">\n<div class=\"slide_count\">23 of 25<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"slide_title\">23.\u00a0<a class=\"yard_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.yardbarker.com\/mlb\/players\/michael_wacha\/255688\">Michael Wacha<\/a>, SP<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"slideshow_image_div\">\n<div class=\"lzy loading it-article_inline\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyloaded\" src=\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,h_1397,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/4\/9\/49c36880ee4a0b36fd6de554d1d535819867a6ac\/23-michael-wacha-sp.jpg\" alt=\"Michael Wacha, SP\" data-src=\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,h_1397,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/4\/9\/49c36880ee4a0b36fd6de554d1d535819867a6ac\/23-michael-wacha-sp.jpg\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"slide_credit\">Charles LeClaire \/ USA Today Sports Images<\/div>\n<div class=\"slide_description\">\n<p>Wacha&#8217;s recent resurgence continues, going on his third straight season with a low-3.00&#8217;s ERA. There are certainly more durable pitchers, but Wacha was able to reach 150 innings for the third time in his career while also continuing to show near-elite control. There are no major signs of slowing down for the right-hander.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slideshow_slide_516234\" class=\"slideshow_slide proper-ad-delimiter\" data-item-number=\"24\">\n<p><a class=\"slide_anchor\" name=\"slide_24\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"slideshow_title_bar\">\n<div class=\"slide_count\">24 of 25<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"slide_title\">24.\u00a0<a class=\"yard_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.yardbarker.com\/mlb\/players\/paul_goldschmidt\/126074\">Paul Goldschmidt<\/a>, 1B<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"slideshow_image_div\">\n<div class=\"lzy loading it-article_inline\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyloaded\" src=\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/3\/d\/3dd9073b59bd0e508ea5de0c07311257a8421227\/24-paul-goldschmidt-1b.jpg\" alt=\"Paul Goldschmidt, 1B\" data-src=\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/3\/d\/3dd9073b59bd0e508ea5de0c07311257a8421227\/24-paul-goldschmidt-1b.jpg\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"slide_credit\">Brad Rempel \/ USA Today Sports Images<\/div>\n<div class=\"slide_description\">\n<p>Hitters with Hall of Fame resumes don&#8217;t grow on trees, which is part of Goldschmidt&#8217;s case as he enters free agency at age 37. The 2022 MVP is in clear decline, with easily the worst offensive season of his career in 2024, but he still produced an OPS above .800 in the second half to help him reach 20 home runs. He could have at least one more year left as a regular, and is also known as a positive clubhouse presence.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slideshow_slide_516237\" class=\"slideshow_slide proper-ad-delimiter\" data-item-number=\"25\">\n<p><a class=\"slide_anchor\" name=\"slide_25\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"slideshow_title_bar\">\n<div class=\"slide_count\">25 of 25<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"slide_title\">25.\u00a0<a class=\"yard_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.yardbarker.com\/mlb\/players\/kirby_yates\/255217\">Kirby Yates<\/a>, RP<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"slideshow_image_div\">\n<div class=\"lzy loading it-article_inline\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyloaded\" src=\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/c\/d\/cd2e1eba74aed8750eea0927055db1ecf7215ed1\/25-kirby-yates-rp.jpg\" alt=\"Kirby Yates, RP\" data-src=\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0\/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700\/v1\/m\/c\/d\/cd2e1eba74aed8750eea0927055db1ecf7215ed1\/25-kirby-yates-rp.jpg\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"slide_credit\">Jerome Miron \/ USA Today Sports Images<\/div>\n<div class=\"slide_description\">\n<p>While Yates had a good year as a setup man for the Braves in 2023, he wasn&#8217;t seen as a great closing option entering free agency last year. That changed for the Rangers when Jose Leclerc faltered, and Yates has emerged as arguably the best closer in baseball this season. His home run rate is likely to regress in the future, if his history is any indication, but Yates has earned himself a nice pending payday in his age-38 season with the splitter never showing more life.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author_bio\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The 2023-24 MLB offeason was a record breaker, led by Shohei Ohtani&#8217;s mammoth contract with the Dodgers. This offseason should have plenty of big contracts and surprises&#8230; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":5136,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5130","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mlb"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Exclusive: Ranking the top 25 MLB free agents - Sport News<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/sportnews.drinkfood.info\/?p=5130\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Exclusive: Ranking the top 25 MLB free agents - Sport News\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The 2023-24 MLB offeason was a record breaker, led by Shohei Ohtani&#8217;s mammoth contract with the Dodgers. 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