With the trade deadline behind them, MLB front offices have begun to focus more on impending free agents. Executives, analysts and evaluators throughout the sport will spend the rest of the season finalizing their valuations, target lists and rankings of potential free agents in the 2024-25 offseason class.
It looks like top starting pitchers like Corbin Burnes, Blake Snell, and Max Fried will be in this free-agent class. Regarding position players, it can include the enormous bats of Anthony Santander and Pete Alonso, the championship dynasty of Alex Bregman, and the generational skill of Juan Soto.
I ranked the top 30 possible free agents in the incoming class last August, but because there was a larger pool this year and so many players had opt-out clauses or other alternatives (player, club, or vesting), I had to move that number up to 50.
Between now and the start of free agency in November, this list is subject to change. Decisions and appraisals will be influenced by an athlete’s performance and health throughout the last two months of the season and during the playoffs. A few of these players will sign contract extensions, some will have clubs execute or vested their options, while yet others may choose to retire. Depending on their circumstances, some people will decide to opt in while others will opt out. Furthermore, more athletes from abroad will eventually enroll in the class.
This is my most recent analysis of the top 50 free agents. Juan Soto is regarded as tThis is my most recent analysis of the top 50 free agents. Juan Soto is regarded as the best free agent overall, and Corbin Burnes is the best starting pitcher.he best free agent overall, and Corbin Burnes is the best starting pitcher.
Note from the author: As of August 11, Baseball Reference provided WAR and OPS+. Despite having an opt-out clause, Yankees starter Gerrit Cole is not on this list because, given his elbow injury and season thus far, I do not see a way for him to walk away from his contract, which has at least four years and $144 million left on it.
1. Juan Soto, RF, Yankees
Age: 25
WAR: 6.7 OPS+: 180
This season, Juan Soto has changed the game for the Yankees, and it looks like he will finish in the top five for American League MVP. It is anticipated that he will ink a deal worth over half a billion dollars, and both New York teams will put in bids for his services.
2. Corbin Burnes, RHP, Orioles
Age: 29
WAR: 3.6 ERA+: 141
With the Brewers in 2021, Corbin Burnes took home the National League Cy Young Award. Now, he has an opportunity to add his name to the list of pitchers who have won Cy Young awards in both leagues. He and Tarik Skubal of the Tigers are in a tight contest for the AL title. In this class of free agents, Burnes will be the pitcher who is most in demand.
3. Roki Sasaki, RHP, Chiba Lotte Marines (unclear if he’ll be posted)
Age: 22
Superstar pitcher Roki Sasaki from Japan is anticipated to sign with an MLB team at some point, but it is unclear if Chiba Lotte, his parent team, would post him this offseason. Sasaki has made 11 starts with the Marines this season, going 10.6 innings without giving up a run and sporting a 2.20 ERA. He is coming off back-to-back seasons as a 20- or 21-year-old with at least 12.0 strikeouts per nine innings pitched and an ERA of 2.00 or less.
Pete Alonso owns a career .858 OPS and has made three straight All-Star games. (Ron Chenoy / USA Today)
4. Pete Alonso, 1B, Mets
Age: 29
WAR: 2.0 OPS+: 125
Over his six-year tenure with the Mets, Pete Alonso has averaged over 40 home runs per season. He is one of three free agents who play positional baseball and are under 30 years old and who have hit 25 home runs or more this season, along with Juan Soto and Anthony Santander. Alonso has put a lot of effort into strengthening his first base defense. Although he enjoys and loves being a Met, it will be interesting to observe his free-agent market given his unique game power.
5. Blake Snell, LHP, Giants (opt-out clause)
Age: 31
WAR: 0.5 ERA+: 91
Despite winning the NL Cy Young Award the previous season, Blake Snell was never given the opportunity to pitch deep into games and had injuries throughout his career, which prevented him from getting the long-term deal he desired in free agency. He spent a lot of time on the injured list once more at the start of the season, proving his doubters wrong, but since coming off the IL in July, he has been outstanding. There are too many teams searching for a top-of-the-rotation starter, so he will sign that long-term deal this offseason. He is anticipated to reject his $30 million player option for 2025.
6. Max Fried, LHP, Braves
Age: 30
WAR: 2.0 ERA+: 118
Max Fried looks to enter free agency after the Braves have attempted for some time to sign him to a long-term contract but are unable to come to an agreement. One of the most sought-after starters available is the three-time Gold Glove Award winner and two-time All-Star. Over the course of his eight-year career, he has made over 19 postseason appearances and has a 3.10 ERA.
7. Anthony Santander, RF, Orioles
Age: 29
WAR: 2.8 OPS+: 137
The most underappreciated free agent in this class is Anthony Santander. For the past three years, he has been a reliable middle infield player for the Orioles, averaging over 30 home runs per season and regularly driving in runs. He is the greatest corner outfielder in this class and earned his first All-Star squad this season.
8. Cody Bellinger, CF, Cubs (opt-out clause)
Age: 29
WAR: 1.4 OPS+: 115
On July 10, in Baltimore, Cody Bellinger was struck in the hand by a pitch, breaking a finger. Due to the agony from the injury and his difficulty throwing, he was placed on the injured list for three weeks and has since returned to the field as a DH. That should not stop him from earning a sizable salary in the winter, though, should he want to opt out of his three-year contract. His worth as the finest center fielder available is increased by his ability to play first base, DH, and all three outfield spots.
9. Marcell Ozuna, DH, Braves (club option)
Age: 33
WAR: 3.7 OPS+: 162
Shohei Ohtani is the best DH in the sport, with Marcell Ozuna coming in second. He is taking a batting position.301/.373/.590 with 90 RBIs and 35 home homers. In most offensive statistics, the three-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger champion leads the Braves’ batters. The Braves will exercise Ozuna’s $16 million club option in 2025, eliminating him from consideration.
Alex Bregman throws his helmet after hitting a walk-off home run. (Troy Taormina / USA Today)
10. Alex Bregman, 3B, Astros
Age: 30
WAR: 2.1 OPS+: 109
The definition of a player deserving of a championship is Alex Bregman. When the game is close, he wants to be at bat. He is an excellent teammate. He has four MVP vote finishes in the top 22, and he possesses excellent plate discipline. Throughout his career, he has participated in 97 postseason games and won two World Series. This year, his on-base percentage has drastically decreased, but his power has not.
11. Matt Chapman, 3B, Giants (opt-out clause)
Age: 31
WAR: 5.4 OPS+: 122
For the Giants this season, Matt Chapman has been excellent. He plays third base like a Gold Glove, hitting 19 home runs, swiping 12 bases, and slugging.450. The four-time Gold Glove Award winner will have $17 million and $18 million player options in 2025 and 2026, respectively. This offseason, he is anticipated to opt out with a $2 million buyout, and he should receive the long-term contract he sought last winter.
12. Shane Bieber, RHP, Guardians
Age: 29
Made two starts before season-ending surgery
After undergoing Tommy John surgery in April, Shane Bieber is not anticipated to return to the mound until the following summer. He could wait to sign until he is well, but since he is a front-of-the-rotation starter when healthy, it is more probable that a team will offer him a two-year contract at a discounted rate and take a chance on his recovery. Teams like the Dodgers and Rangers are likely to take that kind of a risk on a previous Cy Young Award winner who will not turn 30 until May of next year, so he will be an interesting pitcher to watch in free agency.
13. Christian Walker, 1B, Diamondbacks
Age: 33
WAR: 2.6 OPS+: 127
The fact that Christian Walker was left off of the NL All-Star roster for this season still amazes me. It was nonsensical. He is striking.His first base defense and 254 total points, along with 23 home runs and 71 RBIs, put him in the lead to win the Gold Glove Award for the third time in a row. The only reason Walker is not ranked higher on this list is that he turns 34 in March and is currently on the IL with an oblique strain.
14. Jack Flaherty, RHP, Dodgers
Age: 28
WAR: 3.0 ERA+: 143
Jack Flaherty, who pitched for the Tigers for 18 starts and recorded a 2.95 ERA with 133 strikeouts and 19 walks, was the best starting pitcher dealt at the deadline. Since receiving two injections in July for his lower back, he has pitched well. The amount of money and years that Flaherty receives in free agency will depend on his medical clearance and how well he plays the remainder of this season. This is his greatest outing since 2019, when he tied for fourth place in the NL Cy Young voting while playing for the Cardinals.
Nathan Eovaldi is 9-3 with a 3.05 ERA in 17 career postseason appearances. (Kevin Jairaj / USA Today)
15. Nathan Eovaldi, RHP, Rangers (vesting option)
Age: 34
WAR: 1.9 ERA+: 107
If Nathan Eovaldi pitches 300 innings in 2023 and 2024, his $20 million vesting option becomes active. It is unlikely that he will reach that total; so far this season, he has thrown 120 innings, falling 36 innings short of the mark from the previous season. To survive, he must continue to be healthy. Although it is likely that the Rangers want him to get there, Eovaldi and his agents would undoubtedly rather that he fail and return to free agency. Notably, Eovaldi left his previous start after just three innings pitched.
16. Jordan Montgomery, LHP, Diamondbacks (player option)
Age: 31
WAR: -1.4 ERA+: 65
Surprisingly, Jordan Montgomery failed to secure a long-term deal during the offseason and instead agreed to a $25 million one-year contract with the Diamondbacks, which contained a $20 million player option for 2025. This season, he has struggled with injuries; over 17 starts, he has a 6.37 ERA and 1.680 WHIP, which perhaps makes the player option more appealing than he would have believed when he signed the deal. Whether he hits free agency and secures a longer-term deal will depend on how well he pitches in August, September, and maybe October.
17. Willy Adames, SS, Brewers
Age: 28
WAR: 2.4 OPS+: 117
The best shortstop in this year’s class is Willy Adames. He is taking a batting position.with 13 steals, 80 RBIs, and 21 home runs in a.334/.453 slash line. At the beginning of his new deal, he will just be 29 years old and plays with a lot of vitality. In his last five complete seasons, he has hit 20 home runs or more.
18. Tanner Scott, LHP, Padres
Age: 30
WAR: 3.5 SV: 19 ERA+: 311
Perhaps the best left-handed closer in the National League is Tanner Scott. Before being moved to the Padres at the trade deadline, he was a successful player for the Marlins, with a 1.18 ERA over 44 appearances and 18 saves in 20 opportunities. Against his four-seam fastball, opponents are only hitting.110, and against his slider, they are only hitting.169.
19. Teoscar Hernández, OF, Dodgers
Age: 31
WAR: 3.4 OPS+: 136
The Dodgers made a smart offseason purchase when they acquired Teoscar Hernández to a $23.5 million, one-year contract. Thanks to another strong season of power and production, the corner outfielder ought to get the long-term deal that eluded him during the previous winter. He will have hit at least 25 home runs in four consecutive seasons. In terms of barrel percentage and hard-hit rate, he is ranked in the 93rd and 83rd percentiles, respectively. The Dodgers’ starting lineup has been greatly aided by the two-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger winner this season.
20. Michael Wacha, RHP, Royals (player option)
Age: 33
WAR: 2.0 ERA+: 124
Michael Wacha, who signed a one-year contract worth $16 million with a player option for another year at the same salary, was a wise addition to the Royals last offseason. He will probably take down the option and go back to free agency in search of a longer-term contract. Wacha is 9-6 with a 3.50 ERA for Kansas City this season after going 11-2 with a 3.32 ERA for Boston in 2022, 14-4 with a 3.22 ERA for San Diego in 2023, and so on. In the offseason, his consistency ought to land him a three-year deal.
21. Ha-Seong Kim, INF, Padres
Age: 28
WAR: 2.5 OPS+: 94
Ha-Seong Playing predominantly second base, Kim enjoyed a breakout season last year, reaching base at a.351 clip with 23 doubles, 17 home runs, 60 RBIs, and 38 stolen bases. But after taking over as manager, Mike Shildt moved Kim to shortstop full-time, and thus far this season, he has performed admirably there, ranking in the 73rd percentile for arm strength and the 88th percentile for outs over average. With a.327 OBP, 15 doubles, 10 home runs, and 21 stolen bases in 26 attempts, he is having a respectable offensive season but not as strong as he was the year before. Kim will not exercise his $7 million mutual option ($2 million buyout) for 2025.
Carlos Estévez hugs J.T. Realmuto after recording his first save with the Phillies. (Joe Camporeale / USA Today)
22. Carlos Estévez, RHP, Phillies
Age: 31
WAR: 1.8 SV: 21 ERA+: 213
At the trade deadline, Carlos Estévez was transferred to the Phillies after converting 20 of 23 save opportunities for the Angels with a 2.38 ERA and 0.735 WHIP. He has since made five appearances with Philadelphia and given up no earned runs. In terms of BB%, he is in the 92nd percentile.
23. Clay Holmes, RHP, Yankees
Age: 31
WAR: 0.7 SV: 25 ERA+: 154
For the most part of the season, Clay Holmes has been the Yankees’ reliable closer. For the third straight season, he has an ERA under 3.00 (2.81) despite leading the league in blown saves with nine. For the second time in three years, he was selected to the All-Star squad, and evaluators rank him among the greatest closers in this class.
24. Robbie Ray, LHP, Giants (opt-out clause)
Age: 32
WAR: 0.2 ERA+: 100 (four starts)
After a successful recovery from Tommy John surgery, the 2021 AL Cy Young winner is throwing like he did prior to his injury, striking out 28 batters in his first 20 1/3 innings after returning off the injured list. Robbie Ray may choose to end his contract after this season, but he does have $25 million in player options for 2025 and 2026. His pitching performance in August and September will be crucial in determining his value as a free agent, but he is off to a strong start.
25. Brandon Lowe, 2B, Rays (club option)
Age: 30
WAR: 2.0 OPS+: 140
Brandon Lowe is one of baseball’s finest power hitters when healthy, as seen by his career-high 39 home runs in 2021. He slugged 21 across 109 games the previous year, and he has only played in 69 games so far this season. Lowe has a $10.5 million club option with the Rays, and I do not see them not exercising it to remove him from this list.
26. Yusei Kikuchi, LHP, Astros
Age: 33
WAR: 0.4 ERA+: 88
2023 proved to be Yusei Kikuchi’s finest season, as he finished 11-6 with a 3.86 ERA and 181 strikeouts in 32 starts. After he recorded a 4.75 ERA over 22 starts, the Blue Jays moved him to the Astros at the trade deadline. With the Astros, he walked six and struck out 19 in his first 11 innings. He is always had a good arm and other things, but his inability to exercise control and command has been his undoing.
27. Gleyber Torres, 2B, Yankees
Age: 27
WAR: 0.0 OPS+: 86
Gleyber Torres is hitting just.238/.310/.354 with 10 home runs, which is hardly the season he wants for his free-agent walk year. But he hit more than 24 home runs, 28 doubles, and had double-digit stolen bases in each of the previous two seasons.
28. Kenley Jansen, RHP, Red Sox
Age: 36
WAR: 1.3 SV: 21 ERA+: 150
At the age of thirty-six, Kenley Jansen is still performing at a high level, making 21 of 24 save attempts. In 39 2/3 innings, he has a 2.95 ERA, 47 strikeouts, and just 15 walks.
29. Tyler O’Neill, LF, Red Sox
Age: 29
WAR: 2.3 OPS+: 144
Tyler O’Neill has always been a reliable power threat when healthy, as evidenced by his 34 home runs in 2021 with the Cardinals, and an above-average defense, as demonstrated by his two Gold Glove trophies. But in his seven seasons, that was also the only year he had more than 334 at-bats and played 100 games or more. Despite only hitting.357 this season in Boston, he has a.900 OPS, 22 home runs, and a fruitful season. His prolonged injury history and the fact that he is again on the injured list due to a leg infection would probably make it more difficult for him to sign a long-term deal this winter.
Eugenio Suarez ranks third on the Diamondbacks in OPS (.728) and RBIs (64). (Denis Poroy / USA Today)
30. Eugenio Suárez, 3B, Diamondbacks (club option)
Age: 33
WAR: 1.5 OPS+: 104
Eugenio Suárez hit 22 home runs the previous year, 31 home runs in 2021 and 2022, and 17 home runs so far this season. In each of the last two seasons, he has led the league in strikeouts and contributed power to every lineup he has been a part of. Suárez has a $15 million club option that the Diamondbacks own, with a $2 million buyout.
31. J.D. Martinez, DH, Mets
Age: 36
WAR: 1.2 OPS+: 124
J.D. Martinez just gets better with age, much like a good bottle of cabernet. At the age of nearly 37, he is still producing in big situations, reaching base at a.343 clip with 12 home runs and 53 RBIs. Contract-wise, he will have to go year-by-year, but his steady DH output and outstanding leadership traits ought to draw attention.
32. Justin Verlander, RHP, Astros (vesting option)
Age: 41
WAR: 0.7 ERA+: 102
Due to injury, Justin Verlander has only made 10 starts thus far this season. Although he is recovering from a neck ailment and could be back in the field soon, he last pitched for the Astros on June 9. With a 3.95 ERA in 57 innings, he will be eligible to sign as a free agent this winter if and when he reaches 140 innings, the threshold that would activate his 2025 vesting option. Verlander’s desire to pursue a career after turning 42 in February of next year is uncertain.
33. Max Scherzer, RHP, Rangers
Age: 40
WAR: 0.4 ERA+: 104
Due to injuries, Max Scherzer has only made eight starts this year, but when he has been available, he has pitched to a 3.89 ERA. Due to shoulder fatigue, he is currently on the injured list. It is not known when he will be able to resume his activities. He is still a solid middle-of-the-rotation starter when healthy. The 40-year-old has not indicated that he would be prepared to call it quits at the conclusion of the year, but his mindset may change depending on how the season ends.
34. Charlie Morton, RHP, Braves
Age: 40
WAR: 0.2 ERA+: 94
When Charlie Morton enters the mound, you know what to expect: five or six innings per start that keep his club in the game. He has made 21 starts this season and, prior to a bad last inning, had managed to keep his ERA below 4.00, a feat he has completed in six of the previous eight seasons. He will turn 41 in November, and in recent offseasons, he has considered retiring.
Clayton Kershaw posted a 4.38 ERA over 12 1/3 innings in his first three starts of the season. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea / USA Today)
35. Clayton Kershaw, LHP, Dodgers (player option)
Age: 36
WAR: -0.3 ERA+: 94 (three starts)
Before having surgery on his shoulder in November of last year, Clayton Kershaw had a 25-8 record with a 2.37 ERA in 2022 and 2023. But since returning from the injured list last month, he has only produced three passable starts for the Dodgers. I would be shocked if he did not use his player choice at this time, which comes with rewards for both performance and health.
36. Paul Sewald, RHP, Diamondbacks
Age: 34
WAR: 0.2 SV: 16 ERA+: 105
Despite Paul Sewald’s recent loss of the closer position, the Diamondbacks think he will take it back if he sorts out his mechanics. Between the Mariners and Diamondbacks last season, he recorded 47 saves with a 3.12 ERA, helping Arizona win the World Series. Aside from his difficulties, he has struck out fewer people this year—from 11.9 per nine innings to 9.1 per nine.
37. Luis Severino, RHP, Mets
Age: 30
WAR: 0.8 ERA+: 97
Luis Severino signed a one-year, $13 million contract with the Mets, and he has had a season akin to a comeback. In 23 starts, he has a 4.17 ERA and a 1.251 WHIP. He has not pitched as well, though, since July, and his average strikeout rate over the last nine innings is a career-low 7.0.
38. Joc Pederson, DH, Diamondbacks
Age: 32
WAR: 2.7 OPS+: 163
This season, batting as a DH against right-handers, Joc Pederson has performed admirably.291 with 49 RBIs, 18 home runs, and an OPS of.957.Manager of the Diamondbacks Torey Lovullo has had to use tact to match him up with pitchers he can handle. The two-time All-Star has played on numerous successful teams throughout the years, both in real life and in fantasy football.
Paul Goldschmidt ranks third among active home run leaders with 358. (Jay Biggerstaff / USA Today)
39. Paul Goldschmidt, 1B, Cardinals
Age: 36
WAR: 0.7 OPS+: 90
Paul Goldschmidt, whose slugging percentage dropped from a league-leading.578 in 2022 to.447 in 2023 to.393 this year, has finally succumbed to age and decline. In that time, his home runs this year have decreased from 35 to 25 to 18. The seven-time All-Star, four-time Gold Glove winner, five-time Silver Slugger, and only two years removed from earning the National League MVP Award is approaching the end of an incredible career. It will be interesting to watch if he chooses to play on or retire.
40. Rhys Hoskins, DH, Brewers (opt-out clause)
Age: 31
WAR: 0.1 OPS+: 111
Rhys Hoskins has a career-low 20 home runs and 59 RBIs.With the Brewers, he has 759 OPS this season after missing all of 2023 due to ACL surgery that spring training. When he recovers from the surgery in 2025, another year later, things ought to be better. Hoskins signed a $34 million, two-year contract with Milwaukee last winter; after this season, he may opt out.
41. Eloy Jiménez, DH, Orioles (club option)
Age: 27
WAR: -0.3 OPS+: 94
Eloy Jiménez was a nice addition to the Orioles at the trade deadline, and I believe he will be useful in the closing innings. It is improbable that the Orioles will take up Jiménez’s $16.5 million club option ($3 million buyout) from his time with the White Sox. Due to injuries that have limited his career, he has not hit 20 home runs in a season since he blasted 31 as a rookie in 2019. But with a career OPS+ of 115 and only 27 years old, he should draw interest as a value bat in free agency.
42. Alex Cobb, RHP, Guardians
Age: 36
Made his first start of the season on Friday
Alex Cobb went a combined 15-11 with a 3.74 ERA over 46 starts in 2021 and 2022, for the Angels and Giants, respectively, then logged a 3.87 ERA over 28 starts in 2023. At the trade deadline, the Giants dealt him to the Guardians, and he made his 2024 debut Friday after working his way back from offseason hip surgery. Provided he stays healthy, Cobb could be an undervalued free agent.
43. José Quintana, LHP, Mets
Age: 35
WAR: 1.5 ERA+: 96
José Quintana has made 23 starts this season and is 6-8 with a 4.10 ERA. He has successfully kept hitters off balance with a combination of his five pitches (sinker, four-seamer, curveball, changeup, and slurve). He has the ability to pitch and has made the most of mediocre to subpar material.
44. Justin Turner, 1B, Mariners
Age: 39
WAR: 0.5 OPS+: 108
Justin Turner is a valuable leader on the field and in the clubhouse, so I liked that the Mariners acquired him at the trade deadline.He is the kind of veteran you want around young players because he understands how to win a championship, and he is still batting.350 when he gets on base. He can play little first base, but his best position is as a DH.
Danny Jansen ranks in the 98th percentile in blocks above average, according to Statcast. (Jerome Miron / USA Today)
45. Danny Jansen, C, Red Sox
Age: 29
WAR: 1.0 OPS+: 102
Danny Jansen calls an excellent game and is a reliable defensive catcher. His batting average against left-handers is.260.217 against right-handers, although he has hit seven home runs against them. When facing lefties, his ideal position is platoon catcher.
46. Nick Pivetta, RHP, Red Sox
Age: 31
WAR: 1.2 ERA+: 99
Production from Nick Pivetta has never measured up to his raw talent. He has made 18 starts this season and has a 4.44 ERA, 11.0 strikeouts and 2.2 walks per nine innings pitched.He remains a reliable middle reliever or back-of-the-rotation starter.
47. Elías Diaz, C, Rockies
Age: 33
WAR: 1.2 OPS+: 89
One of the top two catchers available in free agency will be Elías Díaz. With five home runs and 34 RBIs in 82 games this season, the 2023 All-Star Game MVP is batting.270.
48. Alex Verdugo, OF, Yankees
Age: 28
WAR: 0.6 OPS+: 88
Coworkers have appreciated Alex Verdugo’s desire to play hurt and how he has added a positive energy to the Yankees clubhouse. Aside from his ten home runs this season, he has played a respectable left field, but his offensive output has fallen short of the Yankees’ expectations.
49. Walker Buehler, RHP, Dodgers
Age: 30
WAR: -0.7 ERA+: 69
Walker Buehler had his second Tommy John surgery in 2022 and has not been able to regain his form since. In 2021, he placed fourth in the NL Cy Young vote. Though he has not started for the Dodgers since June 18, he will be back in the rotation when they play the Brewers on Wednesday. Before being placed on the injured list this season, he had eight starts with a 5.84 ERA. To attract free agents, he will need to have a solid finish to the season.
50. Andrew Heaney, LHP, Rangers
Age: 33
WAR: 1.2 ERA+: 101
Last season, Andrew Heaney was 10-6 with a 4.15 ERA in 28 starts and 6 relief appearances. This season, he has made 23 appearances (22 starts) and has a 3.98 ERA. His chase rate is in the 86th percentile, and his off-speed run value is in the 93rd percentile.
(Top image: Dan Goldfarb / The Athletic. Photos: Blake Snell: Jess Rapfogel / Getty Images; Juan Soto: Daniel Shirey / MLB Photos via Getty Images; Corbin Burnes: Scott Taetsch / Getty Images)
