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Predicting Where the Top 10 MLB Free Agent Starting Pitchers Will Land
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Predicting Where the Top 10 MLB Free Agent Starting Pitchers Will Land

This winter’s free agency class is loaded with talent, from Yankees superstar Juan Soto to Orioles star Corbin Burnes.

Many teams in the league will want to buy these superstar players. Where will the top 10 free agent starting pitchers end up this winter?

1. RHP Corbin Burns

More than anything, the Orioles need to bring Burnes back. Baltimore has a young core that will continue to develop their daunting offensive attack, but the pitching staff is very shallow.

Baltimore will likely pay to keep Burnes moving forward. If the Orioles don’t do this, they will regret it.

Prediction: Baltimore Orioles

Baltimore Orioles pitcher Corbin Burnes
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 1: Corbin Burnes #39 of the Baltimore Orioles throws the ball in the first inning of Game One of the Wild Card Series at Oriole Park against the Kansas City Royals…


Patrick Smith/Getty Images

2. LHP Blake Snell

Blake Snell will go where the money is. The New York Mets will lose several starting pitchers, which puts them in an excellent position to add Snell.

Team owner Steve Cohen will be aggressive this offseason. If the Mets miss Soto (and I think they will), they will be the heavy favorites to land Snell the long-term deal he is seeking.

Prediction: New York Mets

3. LHP Maximum Fried

The Boston Red Sox desperately need a starting pitcher this winter. Boston will participate in bidding wars for all top-end weapons.

But this Max Fried’s high school connection to Red Sox starter Lucas Giolito This moves the needle here. Fried leaves Atlanta and heads to Boston to support Giolito.

Prediction: Boston Red Sox

4. RHP Jack Flaherty

Jack Flaherty was acquired by the Dodgers at the trade deadline and helped them win the World Series. At the championship ceremony, Flaherty expressed his willingness to return to Los Angeles.

Los Angeles wants Flaherty back, and Flaherty wants to come back. Flaherty is returning to Los Angeles on a two- or three-year contract.

Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers

5. LHP Yusei Kikuchi

The Astros gave up an arm and a leg to acquire Yusei Kikuchi at the trade deadline. Kikuchi was excellent (2.70 ERA) in 10 games with Houston in the back half of 2024.

Houston gave up too much to release Kikuchi. The Astros will cough up the money needed to bring back the southpaw.

Prediction: Houston Astros

6. RHP Shane Bieber

Shane Bieber missed all but two starts of the 2024 season due to an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery. But Bieber is expected to return at some point in 2025, likely in the first half of the season.

Bieber is a reliable name for Cleveland and the Guardians will be aggressive in trying to bring him back. When healthy, Bieber is an elite arm.

Prediction: Cleveland Guardians

7. RHP Walker Buehler

Walker Buehler has been a big question mark for the Dodgers all season. Injuries kept him from a Cy Young-caliber career. The 2024 season was also plagued with injuries, but Buehler improved his performance in the World Series.

His performance in the World Series should be enough for the Dodgers to lock him up for the next few seasons.

Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers

8. LHP Sean Manaea

Sean Manaea had a good season with the Mets, but New York probably won’t bring him back. He had a 3.47 ERA with the Mets last season.

The Royals will add a top-10 receiver this offseason. They have some solid arms, but they need one more to compete for the World Series. If the Royals play their cards right this winter, that arm will be Manaea.

Prediction: Kansas City Royals

9. RHP Nick Martinez

The Cincinnati Reds have grown to love Nick Martinez, both for his play and his personality. However, he recently gave up his player option.

But that doesn’t mean his time in the Queen City is over. Cincinnati’s front office will pay to try to win in the first year of the “Tito Francona era.”

Prediction: Cincinnati Reds

10.RHP Luis Severino

The Detroit Tigers were a starting pitcher or two away from seriously competing for the AL Pennant in 2024. Heading into 2025, their eyes will be on the best arms of the market.

Detroit will pay to acquire one of these pitchers, but won’t be able to afford the money needed to acquire a top-tier arm like Burnes, Fried or Snell. The Tigers will land someone from the midrange, where Luis Severino will be the arm heading to the Motor City.

Prediction: Detroit Tigers

More MLB: MLB Insider Links Orioles to Major Free Agency Signings, Make Trades This Offseason