Imagine the impact of adding star free agents like Shohei Ohtani or Yoshinobu Yamamoto to an already successful franchise. Elite talent like this could change a team’s path, maybe even help them break out of a postseason ‘slump’ or go all the way to win a World Series. Now, wouldn’t that be something? For individual players, free agency can drastically alter their fantasy baseball outlook. We saw this with Teoscar Hernandez, a signing by the Dodgers’ front office that proved brilliant. Moving from the marine layer of Seattle to a hitter-friendly lineup with Ohtani, Freeman, and Mookie transformed his performance. This article dives into the top 20 MLB free agents, providing predictions on where they might sign and their fantasy implications.
Note: Players expected to have their options picked up, like Marcell Ozuna, were excluded. Those likely to opt out or not have their options picked up, like Cody Bellinger, are included. Stay tuned for free agents ranked #21-40.
2025 MLB Free Agent Predictions
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Juan Soto OF | 2024 Team: New York Yankees |2025 Age: 26
My Prediction: New York Yankees
Fantasy Impact: In 2025 MLB free agent predictions, Juan Soto’s choice of team will be the most anticipated move of the offseason, setting the market for other top players. His impact on the Yankees, combined with his youth, makes him a unique free agent. While Bryce Harper was also 26 when he signed his 13-year, $330 million contract, Soto is expected to dwarf that deal, likely commanding $600 million or more. Soto’s impact on the Yankees in 2024 was undeniable, especially with his huge postseason home runs. In my opinion, this one is straightforward, he is a 1st rounder. If Brian Cashman lets Soto sign elsewhere, Yankee fans will gladly help him pack his office. Yankee Stadium is the best place for Soto to keep up his production as he moves into his 30s, especially for his long-term fantasy value. Signing elsewhere would be a downgrade.
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Corbin Burnes SP | 2024 Team: Baltimore Orioles | 2025 Age: 30
My Prediction: Baltimore Orioles
Fantasy Impact: With the Orioles’ new ownership group reportedly ready to spend, this offseason will be critical. Their top priority will likely be bringing back their ace, Corbin Burnes. Camden Yards, ranking 20th in Park Factor, is a favorable place to pitch, and the Orioles are set up for long-term success. There’s always a chance a big-market team like the Red Sox or Mets, both in need of pitching, could swoop in with an offer Burnes can’t refuse. However, I expect Mike Elias to go as far as needed to keep Burnes on the roster. For context, Carlos Rodón, one of the top free-agent arms in 2023, signed a six-year, $162 million deal at the same age. Burnes’ contract will likely be in a similar range. His decision is pivotal for 2025 free agency and could greatly influence the Orioles’ future success.
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Blake Snell SP | 2024 Team: San Francisco Giants | 2025 Age: 32
My Prediction: Boston Red Sox
Fantasy Impact: Death, taxes, and second-half Snell dominating to a 1.45 ERA and 103 strikeouts in 68.1 innings with just 27 walks. Snell likely regrets missing the $200 million deal he wanted in 2024 free agency. Wherever he goes, he’s shown he’ll be a fantasy ace when his season heats up. The Red Sox, with young prospects ready, could use him to lead their rotation long-term. His fantasy outlook is still a bit Jekyll and Hyde, but my strategy is to draft, bench, and wait for signs he’s back to top form.
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Alex Bregman 3B |2024 Team: Houston Astros | 2025 Age: 31
My Prediction: Toronto Blue Jays
Fantasy Impact: Alex Bregman is consistent, delivering solid defense, a .250-.270 average, 25-30 home runs, and 150-200 combined runs and RBIs. However, few mid- to large-market teams need a third baseman and can afford his $30 million AAV. The Cubs and Mariners might seem like options, but Chicago recently acquired Isaac Paredes, and the Mariners aren’t spending to resolve their issues. Typically, the Astros extend players they want to keep, but I expect Bregman to move on. Toronto, who missed out on Ohtani, seems like a fit, showing desperation at third base by having Vladimir Guerrero Jr. play there late in the season. Their ownership is committed to spending, and the park factor and lineup production would be similar to Houston.
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Max Fried SP | 2024 Team: Atlanta Braves | 2025 Age: 31
My Prediction: Los Angeles Angels
Fantasy Impact: In Braves circles, there’s speculation that Max Fried, originally from LA and a Harvard Westlake alum, may want to finish his career in California. The Dodgers have a rotation full of injuries, with eight pitchers competing for five or six spots. The Angels, meanwhile, had a rough 2024, but owner Arte Moreno claims they’ll be ‘competitive in 2025.’ To achieve that, they may need to trade Trout and make key signings like Fried. Fried has been a reliable fantasy starter, scoring 400+ points in head-to-head leagues in four of the last five years (excluding 2020). However, a move like this would likely lower his fantasy output. He’s a Tier 2 SP for me, but joining a team like the Angels could push him to Tier 3.
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Pete Alonso 1B | 2024 Team: New York Mets | 2025 Age: 30
My Prediction: Houston Astros
Fantasy Impact: Of Alonso’s 120 home runs between 2022 and 2024, 94 were hit to the left of center or pull side. With the Crawford Boxes so close, his pull-side power could easily produce 50 home runs in Houston. The Astros have had a gap at first base since Gurriel’s departure, and the Jose Abreu experiment failed badly. Their focus on young players like Dezenzo and Shay Whitcomb suggests they’ll prioritize a first baseman over re-signing Bregman, making Alonso the best option on the market. In this lineup, driving in Altuve and Tucker, Alonso could realistically hit 40+ home runs and notch 200 runs + RBIs. This would likely push him back into the top three first basemen in fantasy.
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Anthony Santander OF | 2024 Team: Baltimore Orioles | 2025 Age: 30
My Prediction: New York Mets
Fantasy Impact: Santander has ranked as a top 20 outfielder in each of the last three seasons, with 2024 marking his career year. There’s some reason for caution, though, with a player who just had his best season in a contract year. His average exit velocity (89.8) and xwOBA (.328) are middling and don’t always support strong fantasy production. Logically, you’d assume Santander would perform worse at home in Camden Yards as a right-handed hitter, as it’s the 3rd worst park for RH power. Surprisingly, that’s not the case. Over the last three seasons, he’s hit just .220 with 10 home runs on the road, compared to .294 with 18 home runs at home as a RHH. These unusual reverse splits create uncertainty for his fantasy output if he leaves Camden. Even so, he’s logged 650+ plate appearances three years straight and is a safe bet for a .250 average and 30 home runs in any park. The Mets badly need outfield consistency, and Santander could fill the gaps left by J.D. Martinez and potentially Alonso.
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Willy Adames SS | 2024 Team: Milwaukee Brewers | 2025 Age: 29
My Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers
Fantasy Impact: Willy Adames finished 2024 as the fifth-ranked shortstop, ahead of higher-ADP players like Trea Turner, Corey Seager, Oneil Cruz, and C.J. Abrams. While his performance didn’t show a ‘breakout’ at 28, he did steal 21 bases, up from his previous high of eight. Adames consistently provides a .250-.260 average, 25-30 home runs, 150+ runs and RBIs, a 25% strikeout rate, and a wRC+ over 110. If his stolen base trend continues, he could outvalue Cruz and Abrams in points and roto formats. The Dodgers, lacking a franchise shortstop since Seager’s departure, are seeking to fill that void this offseason. The Braves could also be potential contenders if they’re willing to invest. Both teams offer hitter-friendly environments that could enhance Adames’s fantasy value.
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Teoscar Hernandez OF | 2024 Team: Los Angeles Dodgers | 2025 Age: 32
My Prediction: Minnesota Twins
Fantasy Impact: Teoscar Hernandez signed a one-year ‘prove-it’ deal with the Dodgers in 2024. This decision left many wondering if Seattle’s ballpark had held him back more than his ability as a hitter. In LA, Hernandez looked more like the player we saw in Toronto, outperforming expectations from his Seattle stint. He ended the year as a top 10 outfielder in points leagues and is likely to remain a top 15 option in points and 5×5 leagues for 2025. His high strikeout rate of 30% is a concern, though. For me, he’s a back-end second or third outfielder in most fantasy rosters. Moving from LA would likely mean a downgrade in production. Considering his inconsistencies, I’ll target him in drafts only if I can get a discount in ADP or auction value. Minnesota, needing to replace Max Kepler, could be a good fit. They have a decent lineup, and Target Field, ranked eighth for right-handed hitters, is a solid place for him to hit.
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Jurickson Profar OF | 2024 Team: San Diego Padres | 2025 Age: 32
My Prediction: San Diego Padres
Fantasy Impact: Profar’s career year at 31 raises skepticism, especially given his vastly different batted ball metrics in 2024. Between 2023 and 2024, his barrel rate rose from 15% to 65%, exit velocity from 9% to 80%, max exit velocity from 43% to 64%, and hard-hit rate from 12% to 71%. He simply started hitting much harder than in previous seasons, which paid off. Still, most fantasy players will likely consider this an outlier in 2025 drafts. I might take him as a top-25 OF, but I’d prefer someone like Lawrence Butler with more upside. If this performance becomes Profar’s new norm, he could be a great draft bargain. But for me, he’s likely to be one of, if not the biggest, bust picks in 2025. Returning to San Diego, he’s shown he’s a crucial part of their core and thrives in that environment offensively.
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Jack Flaherty SP | 2024 Team: Los Angeles Dodgers | 2025 Age: 29
My Prediction: Chicago Cubs
Fantasy Impact: In 2024, Jack Flaherty bounced back in a big way, delivering his most complete season since 2019. He pitched 162 innings between Detroit and LA, posting a 10.78 K/9—his highest since 2020—and a 2.11 BB/9, his lowest since 2021. There were no notable changes in velocity, spin rates, or stuff+ to suggest his stuff had improved. Nor was there a major drop-off in quality during his down years from 2020 to 2023. The main difference was a career-low walk rate of 5.9% in 2024, which helped him return to 2019 whiff rates on his fastball and slider. Still only 29, Flaherty has shown improvements in location, confidence, and overall performance. I’m keen on drafting him, as he looks like a solid mid Tier-2 or Tier-3 starter available in the mid-rounds at a good price. The Fantrax 500 Dynasty Rankings place him at 167, around the 11th-14th round range—a good spot for a player who could score 400+ points on a strong team.
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Christian Walker 1B | 2024 Team: Arizona Diamondbacks | 2025 Age: 34
My Prediction: Arizona Diamondbacks
Fantasy Impact: Christian Walker is likely one of the most underrated fantasy players at first base. He’s been as consistent as you could ask for, with back-to-back seasons in 2022 and 2023 of 30+ home runs and 90+ RBIs. He would have reached those numbers again in 2024 if he hadn’t missed 30 games. While he’s older and might rank lower in Dynasty than Redraft, I still see him as a solid Tier 3 first baseman in Redraft. However, his draft value could change significantly depending on where he signs. Re-signing with the Diamondbacks or joining the Mets would be positive for his fantasy outlook, while landing in places like Pittsburgh or Seattle would likely diminish it.
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Ha-Seong Kim SS | 2024 Team: San Diego Padres | 2025 Age: 29
My Prediction: Atlanta Braves
Fantasy Impact: Since coming over from the KBO, Ha-Seong Kim has been somewhat overlooked at a crowded shortstop position. However, he has shown some steals potential, ranking 8th from 2022-24 with 72 stolen bases. Kim is a ‘sum of the parts’ player, which may make him better suited to points leagues than roto or 5×5 formats, though he can contribute steals from a middle infield spot later in drafts. Few teams need a shortstop, but the Braves have been reported seeking an upgrade at the position this offseason. Truist Park is a better hitters’ environment than Petco in most areas, with home run rates being similar. In a favorable park with a solid lineup, it’s not unrealistic for Kim to hit 20 home runs and steal 30 bases. He’ll likely be available at a discount this year, and I’d consider taking a flier on him if he lands in a strong offensive environment.
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Tanner Scott RP |2024 Team: San Diego Padres | 2025 Age: 30
My Prediction: Boston Red Sox
Fantasy Impact: Tanner Scott is arguably the top reliever on the market this offseason by most fantasy standards. In recent years, high-leverage relievers have come with hefty price tags, and only a few teams need a closer and can afford the $8–$12 million AAV he’ll command. Any team that signs Scott will likely give him more save opportunities than he had with the Marlins, where he spent most of 2024. Relievers are always tricky to analyze, especially since Scott wasn’t consistently used as a closer with Miami or San Diego. However, his strong performance and market value suggest he’s ready for a dedicated closer role. The Red Sox, one of the few teams without a closer or backup option, could be an ideal landing spot. Seeing Scott in Boston would add another reliable closer to the fantasy pool.
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Cody Bellinger 1B/OF |2024 Team: Chicago Cubs | 2025 Age: 29
My Prediction: New York Mets
Fantasy Impact: Interesting stat – Cody Bellinger’s 8.9 Baseball Reference WAR in 2019 exceeds his combined WAR over the next 5 seasons combined. We’re assuming he’ll opt out to seek the longer deal he was reportedly interested in last season. The issue is that his 2024 season was average, more in line with his performance from 2020 to 2022. Ranking Bellinger is tough because his 2025 outcome could be anywhere from .280/.370/.600 with 30 home runs to .210/.265/.390 with 12 home runs. Either scenario wouldn’t surprise me. Wherever he signs, I’ll approach 2025 with caution and low expectations, hoping to be pleasantly surprised. Both New York teams need a player like him, and either would be an offensive upgrade. My bet is on Steve Cohen taking the plunge.
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Nathan Eovaldi SP |2024 Team: Texas Rangers | 2025 Age: 35
My Prediction: Milwaukee Brewers
Fantasy Impact: A reliable mid-tier starter when healthy, he’s no Cy Young contender. From 2018-2024 (excluding 2020), he started 20+ games five times, with over 140 innings in three of his last four seasons. His ERA remained consistent, between 3.6 and 3.8, except in 2019. The Rangers have performed well with him, so a move would be lateral unless to a strong, pitcher-friendly team like the Orioles. However, Eovaldi has some injury risk, with two IL stints each year since 2022, including elbow issues in 2023.
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Michael Wacha SP |2024 Team: Kansas City Royals | 2025 Age: 33
My Prediction: San Diego Padres
Fantasy Impact: My first reaction to Wacha was, ‘He’s average, overpriced ADP, avoid in drafts.’ But after reviewing his numbers, I’m convinced otherwise. From 2022-24, Wacha had a 38-14 record, 3.30 ERA, and 1.16 WHIP, solid #2 or #3 starter stats. He’s improved every year, increasing his innings and reaching 166 over 29 starts in 2024. In points leagues, he scored under 20 points only three times from weeks 14 to 24, showing remarkable consistency. Now I’m questioning why I don’t have more shares of Wacha—and you probably should, too. Unless he surprises us by signing with a team like Miami, Colorado, or the White Sox, I’m buying into Wacha in 2025.
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Yusei Kikuchi SP |2024 Team: Toronto Blue Jays/Houston Astros | 2025 Age: 33
My Prediction: Houston Astros
Fantasy Impact: Since coming stateside, Yusei Kikuchi hasn’t found the success he likely hoped for. However, something changed when he joined Houston, though it’s unclear exactly what. Here’s what matters: in 10 starts for the Astros, he went 5-1 with 60 IP, a 2.70 ERA, a 3.07 FIP, a 0.93 WHIP, and a 76/14 K/BB ratio. That’s ace-level production, the kind Kikuchi has been seeking his whole career. It seems he found it in Houston. Looking ahead, there are only a few teams—like Houston, Tampa, or the Dodgers—where I’d expect him to sustain this level of performance. If he found success in Houston, I wouldn’t want to leave, and if he re-signs there, I’m definitely interested.
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Carlos Estevez RP |2024 Team: Los Angeles Angels/Philadelphia Phillies | 2025 Age: 31
My Prediction: Texas Rangers
Fantasy Impact: Carlos Estevez has been a reliable source of saves over the past two seasons, amassing 57 saves. He’s a solid mid-round pick for those needing a dependable closer. The closer position is much deeper now than it was a few years ago, when ‘closer by committee’ was more common. Estevez was elite in 2024, posting a 2.45 ERA and a 28.6% CSW, the second-highest of his career. He’s never pitched for a strong team, so if he signs with one that uses him as the closer, he has top-10 RP potential.
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Clay Holmes RP |2024 Team: New York Yankees | 2025 Age: 32
My Prediction: Toronto Blue Jays
Fantasy Impact: For someone who lost his closer role after blowing 13 saves, you wouldn’t think Clay Holmes had a strong season. But don’t let the blown saves fool you, four of them didn’t involve giving up an earned run. Holmes still recorded 30 saves, with a 3.14 ERA and a 3.02 FIP, ranking ahead of relievers like Carlos Estevez and Evan Phillips. He could benefit from a fresh start, ideally in a park other than Yankee Stadium. His stuff remains impressive, with a 41% whiff rate on his slider and 38% on the sweeper. His fastball was also unlucky, with an xwOBA of .329 compared to an actual wOBA of .352. Given these anomalies, Holmes is a prime bounce-back candidate. His fantasy value depends on being given a closer role; without it, his draft stock drops significantly. Toronto could be a strong fit, as they need stability in the bullpen and could provide solid save opportunities.
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