The free-agent frenzy is about to begin and big-money agreements loom for dozens of major league players.
Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers set the standard with a $700 million agreement last offseason. That record is safe this time around but Juan Soto could reach $600 million.
It’s hard to pinpoint how many suitors Soto will have but know this: All he needs is both New York clubs in the bidding to reel in that $600 million deal.
Pete Alonso, Alex Bregman, and Corbin Burnes are among the top free agents. Blake Snell is back after last year’s offseason when teams ignored some of Scott Boras’ clients until late in spring training.
JUAN SOTO, OF, projection: 13 years, $600 million
Kind of feels like Soto prefers the National League. He teamed up well with American League MVP Aaron Judge with the Yankees. If he loved his one season of living in New York — then the 26-year-old can pick his league. The Mets ready to bid for his services.
CORBIN BURNES, RHP, projection: six years, $171 million
The top starting pitcher on the market at age 30, Burnes has strung together four straight All-Star seasons, including winning a Cy Young Award in 2021. He has proven to be reliable health-wise too.
ALEX BREGMAN, 3B, projection: five years, $135 million
The two-time All-Star has spent all nine of his seasons with Houston and has two championship rings. The 30-year-old’s comments suggest he would like to stay put.
PETE ALONSO, 1B, projection: six years, $162 million
If Soto chooses the Mets, he’s a goner. The Padres might have interest in the 29-year-old and could have this trio in the batting order — Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, Alonso.
MAX FRIED, LHP, projection: five years, $130 million
Hard to see the two-time All-Star not re-signing with the Braves but the franchise had no problem letting Freddie Freeman walk a few years back. Perhaps joining Freeman with the Dodgers is in the cards for the 30-year-old Fried.
WILLY ADAMES, SS, projection: six years, $150 million
Remember that 2020 postseason when he batted .136 with 25 strikeouts in 59 at-bats for the Rays? Yeah, me too. But it’s true, he’s now a power source at a middle infield position so there will be teams wanting to make the 29-year-old rich.
TEOSCAR HERNANDEZ, OF, projection: three years, $75 million
He took a one-year deal with the Dodgers a year ago and smacked a career-high 33 homers and won a World Series ring. Now he will be in higher demand but expect the Dodgers to make a run at keeping him.
BLAKE SNELL, LHP, projection: three years, $90 million
He opted out of his contract with the Giants and the 31-year-old likely wants a longer deal. He’s a two-time Cy Young Award winner but has never won more than eight games in any of his other seven big league seasons.
HA-SEONG KIM, SS, projection: three years, $60 million
The Giants badly need help at his position and he played two seasons under manager Bob Melvin when both were with the Padres. Kim, 29, underwent season-ending shoulder surgery in August and might not be ready for spring training.
CHRISTIAN WALKER, 1B, projection: two years, $45 million
He has belted 95 homers over the past three years and it’s hard to believe the 33-year-old won’t be playing for the Diamondbacks next season. Then again, there will be an open spot with the Mets if Alonso departs.
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