Top 5 MLB free agents in 2025 ft. Juan Soto, Corbin Burnes, and more

Each season, teams around MLB need to make tough decisions. Sometimes, when a star's contract expires, the decision regarding whether or not to re-sign can have impacts that last for years.

Here's a closer look at some of the top names around MLB who are set to become free agents this offseason. Where these top names will find themselves in spring 2025 remains anyone's guess.

Top 5 MLB free agents in 2025

#5. Pete Alonso

New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso agreed to a one-year, $20.5 million deal on Jan. 11 to avoid arbitration. Although Alonso's 149 home runs are the most of anyone on the club since 2021, a long-term agreement has yet to be reached.

Mets owner Steve Cohen is the richest owner in MLB and known to splash the cash. If the Mets are serious about keeping him, then they will likely be able to outmatch any competitors.

#4. Alex Bregman

Over the past seven days, Alex Bregman has hit an even .500, which leads all active MLB hitters over that period. After hitting a mere .220 in the first three months of the season, the Houston Astros third baseman has hit .297 with seven home runs and 10 RBIs since July 25.

"You wish you were Alex Bregman. #Relentless" - Houston Astros

With Bregman's five-year, $100 million deal set to expire, he has shown he is still a premier slugger, watch out for that extension to arrive any day.

#3. Max Fried

The season-ending injury suffered by 2023 NL strikeout champ Spencer Strider added to the pressure felt by Atlanta Braves pitcher Max Fried this year. Thankfully for Braves fans, he has handled the pressure well.

Now 7-6 on the season with a 3.56 ERA, Fried has contributed two complete game shutouts this season, tying him for most in MLB. Though his figures are his weakest in years, watch out for Atlanta to look to bring Max Fried back when his one-year, $15 million contract expires.

#2. Corbin Burnes

The Baltimore Orioles took a chance by inking Corbin Burnes to a one-year, $15.64 million deal last offseason. Despite being a former Cy Young winner, Burnes had put up some of the worst figures of his career as a member of the 2023 Brewers.

"Corbin Burnes, Dirty 89mph Slider...and Sword." - Pitching Ninja

In Baltimore, Burnes has returned to his vintage self. In 24 starts, he is now 12-4 with a 2.71 ERA, his lowest value since he won the 2019 Cy Young Award.

#1. Juan Soto

Only those who have witnessed the love affair between Juan Soto and the New York Yankees fanbase can attest to it. Ever since Soto made his debut in the Bronx, the fans have loved him.

"JUAN SOTO'S FIRST CAREER THREE HOME RUN GAME" - Talkin' Yanks

Coming off a season in which he hit a career-high 35 home runs, Soto's 33 bombs this season put him on pace to surpass that. Seeing as his one-year, $31 million deal will expire after the 2024 MLB season, Yankees GM Brian Cashman will, in all likelihood, draw up a deal of historic proportions for the Dominican.