The 2024-25 MLB offseason is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing and impactful in recent memory. As executives and agents left last week’s general manager meetings in San Antonio, a palpable sense of optimism and urgency filled the air. In contrast to the often sluggish pace of past offseasons, early indications suggest this winter could feature a flurry of activity, with teams aggressively pursuing their top targets and agents engaging in productive discussions from the outset.
ESPN’s MLB insider Jeff Passan has his finger on the pulse of the hot stove, and he’s breaking down the biggest storylines, boldest predictions, and most fascinating players to watch in the months ahead. From generational talents hitting the open market to potential blockbuster trades and the ever-present financial undercurrents shaping team decision-making, Passan leaves no stone unturned in his comprehensive offseason preview.
The Soto Sweepstakes: A Historic Pursuit
All eyes will be on Juan Soto this offseason, as the 26-year-old superstar looks to secure a contract that could redefine the record books. With a batting résumé that already rivals some of the greatest hitters in MLB history, Soto is expected to command a deal potentially exceeding $600 million. The usual suspects—the deep-pocketed New York Yankees, New York Mets, and Los Angeles Dodgers—are all expected to be in the mix. But don’t count out the Toronto Blue Jays or even the Boston Red Sox, both of whom have reportedly already scheduled meetings with Soto and his representatives.
As Passan notes, we’ve simply never seen a free agent with Soto’s combination of youth and offensive prowess. His career 160 OPS+ through age 25 ranks among the top 10 all-time for players with at least 3,000 plate appearances at that age, putting him in the company of inner-circle Hall of Famers like Ty Cobb, Mickey Mantle, and Albert Pujols. The team that ultimately lands Soto will be making an investment not just in a franchise cornerstone, but in a potentially historic, generation-defining talent.
The Other Nine-Figure Bats
While Soto is undeniably the crown jewel of the free agent class, he’s far from the only impact hitter expected to cash in this winter:
- Willy Adames, the power-hitting shortstop, could move to third base for a big payday, with the Giants, Mets, Yankees, and Dodgers all potential suitors.
- Alex Bregman may remain in Houston, but if not, teams like the Blue Jays and Tigers could come calling for the elite third baseman.
- Pete Alonso, despite his limitations, remains one of the game’s premier sluggers and will have no shortage of interest, especially from the New York clubs.
Pitching Dominates the Rumor Mill
While elite bats often steal the offseason headlines, this year’s crop of available arms has the industry buzzing. The market is flush with frontline starters and several intriguing trade candidates, none more tantalizing than Roki Sasaki. At just 23 years old, the Japanese phenom is expected to draw interest from virtually every MLB club when he’s posted, thanks to his triple-digit fastball and devastating splitter. While he won’t quite reach Soto’s stratospheric contract due to the posting system, the total investment in Sasaki—even with the signing restrictions—could make him one of the best values of the offseason.
Other top arms to watch include:
- Corbin Burnes, the ace many expect to set the market. The Blue Jays, Giants, Orioles, Dodgers, and others are all in the mix for the 30-year-old righty.
- Max Fried, the lefty who has quietly been the best pitcher in baseball over the past five seasons. Expect the Red Sox, Blue Jays, Giants, and Dodgers to pursue.
- Blake Snell, who finished 2024 on a historic run and looks poised to cash in, even if he doesn’t quite reach the $200M threshold of Burnes or Fried.
The Trade Block: Crochet Leads a Strong Pack
While free agency always generates the most buzz, the trade market can often be the site of the offseason’s most dramatic moves. All eyes will be on Garrett Crochet, the immensely talented but injury-plagued White Sox lefty who missed most of the past two seasons. His electric stuff and remaining club control make him the winter’s most coveted trade target, but prying him away from the South Siders won’t be cheap.
Other potential trade chips to monitor include dominant relievers Devin Williams and Ryan Helsley, emerging infielders like Nico Hoerner and Alec Bohm, and even established stars such as Nolan Arenado or Brandon Lowe, should their teams decide to shake things up.
The Winter Ahead: Passan’s Predictions
As the offseason kicks into high gear, Passan offers a few bold predictions:
- Juan Soto signs a record-breaking 13-year, $611 million deal with the Blue Jays, narrowly edging out the Mets.
- The Dodgers sign both Corbin Burnes and Blake Snell, assembling a super-rotation for the ages.
- Shohei Ohtani is traded to the Cardinals in a stunning blockbuster, as the Angels opt to maximize their return a year before he hits free agency.
- Roki Sasaki spurns the West Coast teams to sign with the Tampa Bay Rays, inspired by their history of developing pitchers and his desire to help bring a title to Tampa.
- Garrett Crochet lands with the Mets in a prospect-heavy package, as they narrowly miss on Soto but pivot quickly to bolster their rotation.
Of course, the beauty of the offseason lies in its unpredictability. With so many moving pieces, unexpected signings, and 11th-hour trades, it’s impossible to script how the next few months will unfold. But one thing is for certain: with a deep pool of talent, no shortage of aggressive suitors, and the financial implications of a shifting sports media landscape looming in the background, the 2024-25 MLB offseason is poised to be one for the ages. Buckle up, baseball fans—the hot stove is just starting to simmer.
