MLB's Top Free Agency Storylines to Watch After Dodgers Win 2024 World Series Bracket
The conclusion of the World Series brings with it the arrival of free agency, one of the most exciting periods of the MLB schedule, during which new teams seek out the players and game-changers that will help them remake their rosters and potential guide them to a championship.
The most discussed of those players is Juan Soto, who will make headlines and a boatload of cash when he finally signs on the dotted line.
Pete Alonso and Corbin Burnes, faces of franchises in their previous stops, could find themselves sporting new jerseys when the 2025 season kicks off at the end of March.
Dive deeper into all three of those players with this look at the top free agent storylines worth watching this MLB off-season.
"Sotovember" Is In Full Swing
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By now, there is no denying the runaway train that will be Juan Soto in free agency this off-season.
On the heels of a career-best season in New York that saw him tally 41 home runs, 128 RBI, and 166 hits, all highs for the 26-year-old, he is expected to fetch a near-record deal (potentially in the realm of $600 million) from any number of suitors.
A return to the Yankees is no guarantee, with Soto clearly stating he is open to any and all teams in free agency following Wednesday's World Series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The New York Post's Mike Puma reported that at least a dozen teams have already checked in on Soto, with the New York Mets among them. The team from Queens is expected to battle the Yankees for Soto, with ESPN's Buster Olney insistent that the Steve Cohen-owned team will ultimately outbid the Bronx Bombers for the All-Star.
The Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, and San Francisco Giants are all expected to check in on Soto, too.
Other players will be hot pursued by teams needing an upgrade in their lineup, on the mound, or in the bullpen, but the most attention and buzz will surround the generational player, in his prime, looking for a big payday and a new home.
If, that is, Hal Steinbrenner and the Yankees do not pony up the cash.
Does Pete Alonso Continue His Career Away from Queens?
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Pete Alonso's future with the New York Mets will be another major storyline worth watching this off-season.
After belting a home run off of superb closer Devin Williams in the NL Wildcard that catapulted the Mets in the divisional series, he won back some of the love and admiration of fans who had grown weary during a 2024 season that was his worst, statistically, since the COVID-shortened 2020 campaign.
Was it enough to convince the Mets to sign him long-term, though?
Despite saying all the right things and reiterating his desire to stay in New York, Alonso turned down a seven-year extension that would have paid him $158 million, on par with what the Atlanta Braves paid Matt Olson.
He, instead, signed a one-year deal to remain with the Mets.
Now, at age 29, he is a free agent able to sign anywhere he pleases.
The Chicago Cubs and Seattle Mariners are two organizations that could use an upgrade at first base. With uncertainty surrounding Anthony Rizzo's future, the across-town New York Yankees should not be out of the question, either.
Especially if the Mets sign Soto away from the team.
The question is whether any of those potential suitors are willing to match what the Mets will for a player whose production has gradually dipped the last two seasons. The answer is likely "yes," especially if they feel like they can fix the mechanics that have led to Alonso's downturn.
SNY Mets insider Anthony DiComo reported the Mets will have discussions with Alonso but will not sign him "at any cost."
That sounds like a team that knows the slugger needs it more than it needs him.
What's Next for Corbin Burnes?
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Corbin Burnes was the ace the Baltimore Orioles needed in 2024. He was as-advertised: the best pitcher on the team and a Cy Young candidate capable of winning the AL East squad any game they played.
In the AL Wild Card, against the Kansas City Royals, Burnes pitched eight innings, allowed one earned run, one walk, struck out three, and five hits, only to watch his team's bats go silent en route to a 1-0 loss.
Now, the 2021 NL Cy Young Award winner with the Milwaukee Brewers will enter free agency with the potential of playing for his third team in as many years. He is valued at seven years and $215 million by Spotrac, and rightfully so.
The 30-year-old will be one of the most prominently discussed players this off-season, with the Orioles in the conversation despite never signing a free agent to a multi-year deal since Mike Elias became general manager in 2018.
Another team to watch? The Chicago Cubs, managed by Burnes' former skipper, Craig Counsell. The team is in need of another starter and that previous connection could make it easier for the organization to complete a deal than if there was no established history.
Speaking of which, do not count out the Mets, who will have plenty of money to get any deal done and could see Burnes as the answer in a rotation that played above its talent in 2024.
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