2024 MLB Free Agents: Rumors and Predictions for Top Available Players
News of Max Fried's deal with the New York Yankees begs the question: where will Corbin Burnes land in this offseason of record deals?
The right-handed pitcher is the best player on the market and has several teams interested in acquiring him in their pursuit of the postseason and a World Series title.
Who are they and which other free agents are making headlines as teams circle?
Find out with this collection of insider reports, as well as predictions for where each will ultimately land.
Yankees Interested in Christian Walker
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The New York Yankees are in the market for a first baseman after letting Anthony Rizzo walk in free agency. The team has its eyes on free agent Christian Walker, last of the Arizona Diamondbacks, with Joel Sherman of the New York Post writing, "Walker is a player the Yankees have more than glancing interest in."
One of the best players in his position, Walker hit .251 with 26 home runs, 84 RBI, and a .803 OPS. He was good for 2.6 wins above replacement.
As important as his offense is his defensive play. In 2024, he led the majors in fielding percentage with .998.
Sherman admits that Walker would be a better fit for the Bronx Bombers if he were a lefty hitter. The team can work around that to benefit from his excellent defensive play and his ability to drive in runs, of which he has 187 over the last two seasons.
Pete Alonso is another option at the position and given his connection to New York City via his time with the Mets, he may be welcome with open arms. He is a power hitter whose glove has improved over the last two seasons, but Walker is the better all-around player at this point and is rightly the player the organization has its eyes on.
Prediction: The Yankees, vengeful after losing Juan Soto to the crosstown Mets, get their man at first base
Multiple Teams in on Corbin Burnes
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Corbin Burnes is the best pitcher still on the market, a legitimate Cy Young contender for the Baltimore Orioles last season. While the incumbent team may still find a way to get a deal done, they are not among the teams mentioned by MLB.com as potential suitors for the righty.
Those teams include the Yankees, Red Sox, Blue Jays, and Giants, though New York's signing of Max Fried on Tuesday night may eliminate it from the conversation.
Mark Feinsand's report that Boston is likely hesitant to pay Burnes what it would cost to acquire him amid Fried's $217 million deal, a record for a lefty, suggests the Red Sox are more talk than anything this offseason as they have yet to make a significant deal to both improve the team and silence a fan base demanding some movement.
Burnes went 15-9 in his first season in Baltimore, with a 2.92 ERA, 181 strikeouts, and a 1.10 WHIP.
He was one of the best pitchers in the American League and may have won his second Cy Young if it was not for Detroit's Tarik Skubal and his dominant performance.
The Blue Jays need a few key pieces and after missing out on Juan Soto, will likely look to spend money elsewhere. Acquiring an ace would be a step in the right direction. Ditto the Giants, who would add Burnes to a rotation that includes Logan Webb and Robbie Ray.
The Red Sox may be "hesitant" to spend but that by no means indicates that they will not.
Given the pressure to do something this offseason, and with a clear need in the starting rotation, acquiring a pitcher in his prime such as Burnes would be a definitive move that silences some of the criticisms of the front office.
Prediction: Boston signs Burnes
Red Sox Eyeing Veteran Catcher
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Beyond starting pitching, the Red Sox are also monitoring veteran catcher James McCann, whom they saw plenty of over his last two seasons in Baltimore, per Chris Corelli of MassLive.com.
In 136 games for Baltimore, McCann delivered 96 hits, 57 RBI, and 14 home runs. He came through in clutch situations for the O's and after taking a pitch to the face that left him with an obviously broken nose in 2024, came back out and finished the game, showing a toughness and leadership that earned him respect around the majors.
Connor Wong is the expected starter at the catcher position in 2025 but the organization has questions about whether top prospect Kyle Teels is ready to slot in behind Wong this season.
Whatever the case, the veteran is a great clubhouse guy and someone who will benefit any team he signs with.
Given Boston's needs, from a depth perspective if nothing else, he would be a great signing for a team desperate to climb back into playoff and championship contention.
Prediction: Boston signs an insurance policy at catcher. Whether McCann is willing to take a one-year deal to be that guy is the question.
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