Final MLB Landing-Spot Predictions for Top Free Agents Before 2025 Regular-Season Ends

The eyes of the baseball world are currently on the MLB Playoffs and the teams who will compete for a World Series title, but for the organizations out of contention, their focus has turned to the upcoming off-season and the players who will test free agency.

Those superstar star starters, big hitters, and game sealers could shape championship-hopeful rosters and give organizations on the outside looking in a realistic chance of competing for the most coveted prize in the game.

Who are those hot free agents to keep an eye on and where might they end up?

Find out in this preview.

Dylan Cease, SP, San Diego Padres

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Stats: 8-12, 4.55 ERA, 215 K, 1.33 WHIP

Cease remains a workhorse on the mound, starting a Major League-leading 33 games in 2025 while striking out the sixth-most batters in the bigs with 215. His ERA could use some help and his win-loss record was not pretty, but that is as much a reflection of the team around him as it is his own performance.

Regardless of those two down statistics, Cease is still a quality starter who will have teams jumping at the chance to bring him on-board this off-season.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post noted that Philadelphia, Atlanta, Boston, Texas, Detroit, and Baltimore are all teams who could be in on acquiring the right-handed pitcher.

All are potential playoff contenders next season but with pressure on the Rangers, Orioles, and Braves to get back to competing for a World Series, expect those three to approach any potential negotiations more aggressively.

The Braves, out of the playoffs in consecutive seasons, feel like the best potential landing spot for a team that needs more depth in the starting rotation to go along with Spencer Strider.

Of course, sticking with the Padres is also an option.

Prediction: Cease signs with Atlanta on a $160 million deal, just north of his projected market value, according to Spotrac.

Kyle Schwarber, DH, Philadelphia Phillies

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Stats: 145 hits, 111 runs, 132 RBI, 56 HR, .231/.346/.501

The National League MVP candidate, Schwarber, has been extraordinary, fueling the Phillies' offense and positioning his team for a No. 2 seed in this year's playoffs. He is fourth in the majors in slugging percentage and the type of hitter who can change the course of a game with the single swing of the bat.

He energizes his team and its fans, shined bright on the All Star Game stage by giving his league the win in the extra innings swing-off, and has risen to the moment in nearly every scenario.

While it remains to be seen what he will accomplish in the postseason, when it matters most, there is little doubt that the designated hitter for one of baseball's most popular franchises is going to command a huge contract this off-season.

The Phillies will likely due whatever it takes to re-sign him, but the master of the Schwarbomb will have options. His former team, Chicago, could use a big-time bat, as could the Orioles at the DH position.

Still, the 33-year old fits the culture of the Phillies, is as popular among fans as even Bryce Harper, and has the potential to stay with the club through the end of the career if he so pleases.

Prediction: Schwarber remains in Philadelphia

Edwin Diaz, RP, New York Mets

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Stats: 6-3, 1.71 ERA, 28 saves, 96 K, 0.916 WHIP

Diaz is arguably the best closer in the game, as close to a sure-thing as there is when he takes the mound for the Mets. He also carries a player option into the off-season, where he will likely opt-out of his current deal in pursuit of a higher payday.

If that is the case, he will field big-money offers from teams desperately seeking that shutdown closer who can throw a few quick strikeouts and win them the game. Most will likely be big-market teams, with large checkbooks, including his current squad.

It would be a shock if he ended up anywhere but Queens and with the Mets, though. Diaz has become synonymous with the organization and is as consistent a star player for that team as any of similarly high-priced players Steve Cohen has signed in recent years.

He lives up to the billing and has more than earned his contract.

While Diaz may opt out, imagining him in any uniform but the blue and orange next season is impossible.

Prediction: Diaz opts out, chooses free agency, but signs a bigger deal to stay in New York.