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With another MLB season now in the books, franchises will be looking at making the most of the offseason to bring in talent for the upcoming campaign. One key area that almost every team can look at bolstering is starting pitching.
For a side that sees itself potentially making it deep into the postseason next year, the value of having a number of reliable arms to call upon cannot be overstated. Several excellent starting pitchers have entered free agency after solid displays in 2024.
Here are five top candidates that all MLB franchises should keep an eye on.
5 MLB pitchers who raised their free agency stock after stellar 2024 performances
#5. Yusei Kikuchi
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Many scratched their heads when the Houston Astros acquired Yusei Kikuchi in the middle of the season. However, with every passing start, the lefty starter continued to repay the Astros' faith in him.
Though the Astros were ultimately eliminated much earlier than most would have expected, the 2021 MLB All-Star did enough in the second half of the season to make him a great option for anyone looking to improve their pitching staff. With the Astros, Kikuchi had a 2.70 ERA, with 76 strikeouts and a 5-1 record.
#4. Max Fried
Another lefty, Max Fried, is another option many franchises will look at this offseason. He had a 3.25 ERA in 2024, striking out 166 batters, along with an 11-10 record.
Like Kikuchi with the Astros, Max Fried and the Atlanta Braves struggled in the postseason. However, teams have ample evidence of Fried’s quality and may take a chance on him.
#3. Jack Flaherty
No other starter on this list has the kind of postseason experience that Jack Flaherty has. He has a World Series title to show for all his good work in 2024.
Acquired by the Dodgers mid-season, ahead of the MLB trade deadline, Flaherty went on to become a vital part of Dave Roberts' plans after the likes of Tyler Glasnow and Clayton Kershaw picked up long-term injuries at the most inopportune time. For the 2024 season, Flaherty had a 3.17 ERA, with 194 strikeouts and a 13-7 record.
#2. Blake Snell
Blake Snell signed a two-year contract with the San Francisco Giants prior to the 2024 season, with an option to opt out of the agreement after the first year. Snell has decided to exercise that option and look for better opportunities after a strong season.
Having won a Cy Young award in the 2023 season, Snell is still in his prime. In 2024, he had a 3.12 ERA, with 145 strikeouts and a 5-3 record. Snell also threw a no-hitter in early August in a 3-0 win against the Cincinnati Reds.
#1. Corbin Burnes
Last season, Corbin Burnes had a 2.92 ERA, with 181 strikeouts and a 15-9 record.
Though Burnes did have a few appearances to forget in the second half of the season, he has shown his quality as a starter over several seasons. He will merit a big contract from whoever manages to secure his services for the upcoming season.
