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Corbin Burnes, a free agent, went 15-9 last season with the Baltimore Orioles. Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Predicting destinations for MLB's top remaining free agents by position

By Colin Cerniglia | Last updated Dec 28, 2024 9:07 AM ET

Juan Soto's megadeal with the Mets kicked off a wild offseason, but big moves are still coming.

The Yankees need infield help. The Giants crave an ace. The Red Sox seek power. More than $1 billion is still likely to be spent in free agency this offseason.

Here's where baseball's top remaining free agents will land:

CATCHER: Yasmani Grandal

Grandal, a two-time All-Star, stands out in a weak catching market after a solid rebound season with the Pittsburgh Pirates. His .704 OPS in limited action, combined with elite pitch-framing skills (86th percentile, per Baseball Savant), underscores his value as a dependable veteran option. He’s an ideal backup candidate for teams with catching depth concerns.

Prediction: The Boston Red Sox, seeking a reliable backup to Connor Wong, will snag Grandal for his defensive prowess and switch-hitting ability.

FIRST BASE: Pete Alonso

A four-time All-Star, Alonso remains a cornerstone power hitter, ranking third in New York Mets history with 226 home runs. His ability to anchor the middle of the lineup with elite power makes him intriguing.

Prediction: Other teams ( Yankees and Astros) have filled their first base needs. Despite rumors of his tension with the Mets, Alonso’s heart and bat will stay in Queens.

THIRD BASE: Alex Bregman

A two-time World Series champion, Bregman remains a top-tier defender and a consistent contributor at the plate. After Houston traded Kyle Tucker, it’s clear the Astros aren’t looking to reunite. The Yankees seem hesitant about the luxury-tax implications of adding Bregman.

Prediction: The Detroit Tigers, seeking to boost their offense and return to the playoffs, will reunite Bregman with former manager A.J. Hinch.

SHORTSTOP: Ha-Seong Kim

Kim’s glove continues to dazzle, and he compiled a stellar 6.9 fWAR in 2023-24 with the San Diego Padres. His bat doesn't dazzle (.242 career average), but his versatility and defensive value are unmatched.

Prediction: The Yankees will shift Jazz Chisholm Jr. to second base and add Kim to anchor their infield at third, solving two problems at once.

LEFT FIELD: Anthony Santander

Santander’s 44 home runs in 2024 with the Orioles cemented him as one of MLB’s premier power bats. Though his defense has declined, he has an offensive upside that remains undeniable.

Prediction: The Boston Red Sox will double down on offense, adding Santander’s switch-hitting power to their lineup.

CENTER FIELD: Harrison Bader

Bader’s bat leaves much to be desired — he hit only .236 with the Mets last season — but his defensive brilliance makes him a hot commodity.

Prediction: The Philadelphia Phillies, with their eye on tightening up defensively, will bring in Bader to patrol center field.

Colin Cerniglia

Colin Cerniglia is an Amazon bestselling author, co-host of the "2 Jocks and a Schlub" podcast from Blue Wire, and a contributor to The Charlotte Observer. With a deep passion for baseball and college football, he offers extensive knowledge and enthusiasm to his writing. Colin resides in Charlotte, NC, with his wife and two daughters

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