Top 2025 MLB Free Agents Rumors, Predictions amid ALCS, NLCS Bracket
With only four MLB franchises still standing in the race for the 2025 World Series title, it's effectively offseason time for most of the baseball world.
And while it's too early for the hot stove to really heat up, there are enough rumblings to think the burners have at least been ignited.
Difference-makers are available, at least to deep-pocketed organizations. We'll break down their latest buzz (and include predictions on where they'll end up) around three of the best free agents in this class.
Munetaka Murakami Heading Stateside?
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Another Japanese star could soon join the MLB ranks.
Per MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, slugger and corner infielder Munetaka Murakami is expected to be posted by the Yakult Swallows of Nippon Professional Baseball this winter.
This was to be expected. Murakami has made plenty of buzz with his bat, slugging 246 home runs in 892 career games, including a 56-homer effort in 2022. He has primarily played third base, but he has experience at first base, too.
Just 25 years old, Murakami is the kind of free agent who might hold nearly universal appeal in the big leagues. That said, our predictions see him ultimately signing with the Seattle Mariners, who could lose both first baseman Josh Naylor and third baseman Eugenio Suárez to free agency.
Prediction: Murakami signs a 10-year, $225 million deal with the Mariners.
Mets Are a Possible Landing Spot for Kyle Tucker?
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Kyle Tucker's first season with the Chicago Cubs was an obvious success, even if its second half was an injury-riddled grind. Despite the slowdown, he still produced a solid stat line—22 homers, 25 steals and a .266/.377/.464 slash line—and helped the club snap a four-year playoff drought.
And yet, it's entirely possible this could've been his last season in Chicago, too. The Cubs have internal options to replace him and may not want to pay the premium it would cost to keep him.
One NL executive recently opined that the New York Mets could consider adding Tucker, per Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Adding Tucker would require some reshuffling in the outfield, but that might be worth it to get a 28-year-old who's been an All-Star in four consecutive seasons.
The Mets might prefer to spend their money elsewhere, though. Tucker's list of landing spots is a lengthy one, but our crystal ball sees the Philadelphia Phillies making an aggressive splash signing to extend their championship window.
Prediction: Tucker signs a 10-year, $400 million deal with the Phillies.
Pete Alonso Seeking 7+ Years on Next Contract
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Free agency once again awaits Alonso, whose last trip to the open market saw him stick with the New York Mets on a short-term deal (two years, $54 million with an opt-out after the first season). After belting 38 home runs while hitting a career-high .272, he's hoping to receive a much longer contract this time around.
Per Mike Puma of the New York Post, Alonso is expected to seek at least seven years on his next deal.
With his 30th birthday behind him, it's possible that a lengthy contract wouldn't age well, although he's shown no decline as of yet. He's had at least 34 home runs in each of the past five seasons, averaging 111.4 RBI and 89.2 runs over this stretch.
Alonso has said he wants to stay in New York, and there's surely some level of mutual interest. That said, the Mets could be ready for a change after collapsing down the stretch and missing out on the playoffs. Maybe that limits what New York is comfortable offering, thus opening the door for a power-needy team to bring him onboard.
Prediction: Alonso signs a five-year, $115 million contract with the Boston Red Sox.
