Multiple big names have already come off the board in MLB free agency.
Outfielder Juan Soto spurned the New York Yankees to sign with the crosstown Mets. Pitcher Blake Snell left the San Francisco Giants to sign with their division rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Giants responded by signing shortstop Willy Adames to bolster their lineup. The Yankees did not sit around mourning Soto’s departure; instead, Max Fried signed as a free agent, and a pair of trades brought closer Devin Williams and outfielder Cody Bellinger to the Bronx.
Despite those signings, most top free agents remain. That would include two pitchers who could be considered the best arms available. Teams looking to bolster their pitching staff have plenty of options.
Several difference makers are still there for the taking. Let’s look at the five best pitchers available in free agency.
Corbin Burnes: 15-9 record, 2.92 ERA, 1.096 WHIP, 181 strikeouts
A four-time All-Star and the 2021 NL Cy Young Award winner, Burnes has established himself as a modern-day ace. He has pitched at least 190 innings in the past three seasons. Although there are some red flags, such as his strikeout rate dropping yearly since 2020, he has remained effective. Burnes may not be on the market for much longer, as Mark Feinsand from MLB.com reported that the Giants and Toronto Blue Jays are considered the favorites for his services.
Roki Sasaki: 10-5 record, 2.35 ERA, 1.036 WHIP, 129 strikeouts (NPB)
Now that he has officially been posted, Sasaki is the type of pitcher any team would want. Not only does he have the potential to be a top-of-the-rotation starter immediately, but he is also limited in salary by the international signing bonus pool as he is 23 years old. There are concerns as Sasaki has battled injuries and has not pitched more than 129.1 innings per season, but his potential and cost make him well worth that risk. Sasaki is theoretically available for any team, although the Dodgers and San Diego Padres are considered the favorites to sign the phenom.
Jack Flaherty: 13-7 record, 3.14 ERA, 1.068 WHIP, 194 strikeouts
Flaherty had been one of the better young pitchers in the majors until injuries and ineffectiveness set his career back. He gambled on himself, taking a one-year, $14 million contract from the Tigers to prove himself in 2024. Flaherty did exactly that, capping his season with a World Series ring following his trade to the Dodgers. Flaherty’s market has been relatively quiet; however, Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic reported that the Baltimore Orioles consider the righty a fallback option if they cannot retain Burnes. Other teams may have similar thoughts regarding Flaherty as a “Plan B” option.
Tanner Scott: 22 saves, 1.75 ERA, 1.125 WHIP, 84 strikeouts
Left-handed relievers are always in demand. Scott, averaging approximately 97 MPH on his fastball, is the rare flamethrowing southpaw, making him all the more valuable. He has served in various high-leverage roles in the bullpen and would bring closing experience to a team with questions in the ninth inning. His 49.0% career groundball rate would be an asset in any ballpark. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reported that Scott is the Yankees’ top target among free-agent relievers.
Sean Manaea: 12-6 record, 3.47 ERA, 1.084 WHIP, 184 strikeouts
After watching Chris Sale pitch, Manaea revamped his delivery before the 2024 season. That change worked wonders, as Manaea posted one of the best seasons of his career. He opted out of his $13.5 million salary for 2025 and hit the open market searching for a better contract. Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic reported that the Mets are open to bringing Manaea back.
