With the MLB season over, it is time for some of the league’s biggest names to move via free agency. These are my predictions on where this off-season’s biggest free agents will land.
Kyle Tucker
Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers for 8 years
The Dodgers will enter next season as two-time defending champions, so they don’t have too many things they need to fix. However, one weaker area is their outfield. I think the Dodgers use their money to go out and get the number one free agent this year, right fielder Kyle Tucker.
Alex Bregman
Prediction: Detroit Tigers for 5 years
This is Bregman’s second year in free agency, and I think this year he ends up in Detroit. The Tigers had a great season last year, losing a thrilling, 15- inning game five to Seattle in last year’s ALDS. I think they can take a big step towards World Series contention by having a great offseason.
Kyle Schwarber
Prediction: Cincinnati Reds for 3 years
Kyle Schwarber has been one of the best power hitters in baseball since he joined the Phillies in 2022. Last year he had his best season of his career hitting 56 home runs, at the age of 32 years old. I think his power would elevate the Reds from a wild card team to a serious threat in the National League. His veteran presence in the clubhouse could also help such a young team like the Reds.
Bo Bichette
Prediction: Returning to the Toronto Blue Jays for 9 years
Bo Bichiette is too valuable of a player for the Blue Jays to let him go. He was the second or third best player on a team that barely lost what may be the best World Series game of all time. I think if Toronto wants to return to the fall classic, they need to keep their core of Guerrero Jr and Bichette together.
Cody Bellinger
Prediction: Returning to the New York Yankees for 5 years
I think the Yankees need to bring Bellinger back in order to continue being an American League favorite. Being able to sign the bat of Bellinger would be a huge boost for the Yankees hunt for their first World Series since 2009.
Pete Alonso
Prediction: Returning to the New York Mets for 7 years
If the Mets want to stay as an elite threat to win the National League, they need to re-sign their star first baseman and all-time home run leader, Pete Alonso. I think after a short one-year deal with the Mets last year, they will give him the big, long-term contract he deserves.
Edwin Diaz
Prediction: Returning to the New York Mets for 2 years
Mets owner Steve Cohen has shown in the past that he is willing to spend a lot of money to contend. I think he does the same here to return last season’s National League reliever of the year.
Dylan Cease
Prediction: Toronto Blue Jays for 4 years
Fresh off a trip to the World Series, I think the Jays add another star arm to their rotation. Although he had a down year last season, Cease is still a quality starter who can help any contending team.
Framber Valdez
Prediction: New York Mets for 4 years
Once again, I predict Steve Cohen to spend a lot of money this offseason. The Mets starting pitchers were not good enough last year, and was the main reason they missed the playoffs. Valdez might be the best starting pitcher available this offseason, and I think he goes to Queens.
Eugenio Suarez
Prediction: Returning to Seattle Mariners for 3 years
The Mariners came up one game short of playing in the World Series last season. I think Suarez would want to return to Seattle and try and contend for the World Series next year.
As “hot stove season” gets underway, there will certainly be some movement and some surprises.
