As the MLB offseason heats up, the spotlight shines brightly on the starting pitcher market. With a wealth of talent available, teams are eager to bolster their rotations with game-changing arms. Let’s dive into the top 10 free-agent starters who are set to make waves in the 2024-2025 season.
The Top MLB Free-Agent Starting Pitchers
1. Corbin Burnes
Corbin Burnes 2024 stats:
15-9
2.92 ERA
181 K
194 IP
If you were David Stearns what would you offer him?
pic.twitter.com/BwVmyN6Grb
— NYM_News (@NYM_News) October 22, 2024Corbin Burnes stands atop the free-agent pitching market, boasting an impressive resume that includes four consecutive All-Star selections and multiple top-10 Cy Young Award finishes. While his strikeout rates have dipped from their peak, Burnes’ consistency and effectiveness make him a prized target for teams looking to solidify their rotation.
2. Roki Sasaki
When Roki Sasaki was 9 years old, he lost his father, his grandparents, and his home during the horrible earthquake and Tsunami that hit Japan on March 11, 2011.
On that day 12 years later, he made his WBC debut for Team Japan in front of 64 MLB scouts and executives.
Now the… pic.twitter.com/cRFoFakl4T
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) November 10, 2024At just 23 years old, Roki Sasaki is the wild card of this free-agent class. Coming from Japan’s NPB, Sasaki’s potential is through the roof, drawing comparisons to top prospects like Paul Skenes. His youth and electric stuff make him an intriguing option for teams willing to take a calculated risk.
3. Blake Snell
Before tonight, Blake Snell had only recorded 5 outs after the 7th inning his entire career
Tonight, he has a 114 Pitch No Hitter @StoolBaseball
pic.twitter.com/BtuJbNu0pj
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) August 3, 2024Blake Snell enters free agency with momentum on his side. After a slow start to the 2024 season, Snell caught fire, posting a minuscule 1.23 ERA over his final 14 starts. His second Cy Young Award and recent no-hitter showcase the dominance he brings to the mound.
4. Max Fried
The only Max Fried playoff stat I care about is 6IP / 6SO / 4H / 0BB / 0ER in the 2021 World Series clinching game 6pic.twitter.com/TQAjK0hGhG https://t.co/R7G3MrclmI
— Becca (@beccasbraves) June 24, 2024Max Fried may not overpower hitters, but his results speak volumes. With the best ERA+ among qualified pitchers over the past five seasons, Fried’s consistency and ability to keep runs off the board make him a valuable addition to any rotation.
5. Jack Flaherty
Jack Flaherty presents an intriguing mix of potential and risk. At 29, he’s shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled with consistency. His performance during the Dodgers’ 2024 championship run demonstrated his ability to shine on the big stage.
6. Sean Manaea
Sean Manaea, Gross 79mph Back Foot Sweeper. 🤮
21 Inches of Horizontal Break. pic.twitter.com/NKI5INQe29
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 21, 2024Sean Manaea’s strong finish to the 2024 season has catapulted him up the free-agent rankings. After adjusting his release point, Manaea posted a 3.05 ERA in his final 20 outings, proving he still has plenty left in the tank.
7. Walker Buehler
The Walker Buehler redemption arc is complete:
Returned from his second Tommy John.
Had a 5.38 ERA in 16 starts.
Was a long shot to make the Dodgers postseason roster at one point.
Gets the final 3 outs of the World Series.
How can you not be romantic about baseball? pic.twitter.com/sZ9sThV0Xo
— Doug McKain (@DMAC_LA) October 31, 2024Walker Buehler’s road back from Tommy John surgery was rocky, but his postseason performance for the Dodgers showed glimpses of his former ace status. Teams will be betting on Buehler returning to his 2018-2021 form.
8. Yusei Kikuchi
Yusei Kikuchi, 97mph ⛽️ pic.twitter.com/fEfIz4v4re
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) September 25, 2024Yusei Kikuchi’s career has been a rollercoaster, but a strong finish with the Astros in 2024 has renewed interest in the left-hander. His ability to adapt and find success with a new pitch mix makes him an intriguing option.
9. Nathan Eovaldi
Nathan Eovaldi was all of us here 😅 pic.twitter.com/SyJOgoEn7k
— Baseball’s Greatest Moments (@BBGreatMoments) November 10, 2024Despite his age, Nathan Eovaldi continues to impress with his mid-90s fastball and swing-and-miss secondary pitches. His postseason experience and consistent performance make him a valuable target for contending teams.
10. Shane Bieber
Shane Bieber rounds out the top 10, carrying both risk and enormous upside. Coming off Tommy John surgery, Bieber’s track record as a former Cy Young winner makes him a high-reward signing for teams willing to be patient with his recovery.
How These Signings Could Impact Your Team
As you follow your favorite team’s offseason moves, keep an eye on how these top free-agent starters could reshape the league. A single signing could turn a fringe contender into a World Series favorite or help a rebuilding team accelerate their timeline.
Remember, pitching wins championships, and the teams that make the smartest investments in their rotation often find themselves playing deep into October. Whether your team needs an ace to lead the staff or a solid mid-rotation arm to provide depth, this free-agent class offers options for every situation.
Honorable Mentions
While the top 10 grab the headlines, don’t overlook other valuable starters on the market. Pitchers like Luis Severino, Nick Martinez, and Charlie Morton could provide significant value to teams looking for experienced arms.
Final Thoughts
The 2024-2025 free-agent starting pitcher market is one of the most exciting in recent memory. From established aces to international sensations and comeback candidates, there’s no shortage of intrigue. As the hot stove heats up, keep track of where these arms land – your team’s fortunes may depend on it.
For more in-depth analysis and up-to-the-minute MLB news, be sure to check out our latest baseball coverage at Sportz X Pro. Stay tuned as we continue to break down all the major moves of this thrilling offseason!
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