Earlier today on ‘Back To The Dugout’ we went over and predicted some notable 2025 free agents’ landing spots. The first of this two-part series of articles will outline in more depth the position player predictions from the show.
Willy Adames (SS): Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers, besides for the great play they got out of Tommy Edman in the postseason, have had a constant need to upgrade the shortstop position since Trea Turner’s departure. They can get that fix with Willy Adames and a lot of signs point to this being a very likely possibility.
The Brewers probably aren’t looking to spend the amount of money Adames is looking for this offseason, and based on other shortstop deals in recent years, he could very well command a $150 million dollar deal.
Adames recorded a .793 OPS in 2024, hitting a career high 32 home runs as well this past season. The Dodgers seem to be a perfect landing spot for the 29-year old shortstop, as he already has prior relationships with the front office.
Pete Alonso (1B): New York Mets
The Mets are going to be one of the teams to watch closest this offseason. They are almost certainly going to pursue free agents like Juan Soto harder than any other team, but at the chance that those types of free agents don’t sign, Alonso could very well wind up staying in Queens.
Alonso recorded a .788 OPS but hit the fewest home runs in a complete season in 2024 since his career started in 2019. One of the biggest offensive pieces in getting the Mets to the NLCS in the first place, if the pricier free agents don’t sign with them they’ll certainly have enough money to allocate to Alonso.
Alex Bregman (3B): Washington Nationals
The Nationals are emerging as a possible team to be in the running to land the 30-year third baseman. The two-time World Series champion would provide incredible leadership to a budding young core of prospects like James Wood and Dylan Crews. He’d also be a great pairing with CJ Abrams on the left side of the infield, where they could certainly use an improvement.
This timeframe seems solid for both sides as the Nationals are looking to start winning again soon. A five year deal can give this group a leader and the proper guidance to jumpstart a new possible championship window.
Paul Goldschmidt (1B): Arizona Diamondbacks
At 37-years old we may be seeing the end of the legendary career from Paul Goldschmidt. After spending his first eight seasons with Arizona, it would make sense for the Diamondbacks to want to bring him back for his victory lap. With the Diamondbacks most likely being outbid for Christian Walker by a bigger market team, bringing in Goldy couldn’t have a more perfect time.
Teoscar Hernandez (OF): Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers have been rumored to want to target bigger names in free agency, which would unfortunately mean not re-signing Teoscar Hernandez. At 32-years old, a three year deal may be most beneficial for Los Angeles. Coming off of a World Series championship and a Home Run Derby win in 2024, Teoscar is certainly a player the fans would welcome back with open arms.
A career .263 hitter with an .808 OPS, Hernandez isn’t the biggest name necessarily in free agency, but he is a big difference maker with this Dodgers ball club.
Jose Iglesias (SS): New York Mets
This is a must for the Mets. Jose Iglesias was this team’s entire culture in 2024. The song, the concert, the overall clubhouse chemistry all were huge benefits of having Iglesias on the roster. It also helped that he was incredible offensively. He hit for a .337 batting average in 85 games this regular season, and although is 34-years old would still be great for a short term deal.
Ha-Seong Kim (INF): San Diego Padres
It’s also difficult to see these two parting ways. Kim loves San Diego and the feeling from the club and fanbase seems to be mutual. He got on base at a .330 clip, and has been known to be able to steal bases, stealing 60 bases in the last two seasons.
With a below average OPS+ of 96 this past season, Kim may not be a very expensive signing, and his impact to this team is well known already. The Padres don’t seem like they’ll end up letting him walk before next season starts.
Joc Pederson (DH): Arizona Diamondbacks
As a 32-year old, Joc Pederson had one of his best offensive seasons with the Diamondbacks in 2024. He hit for a .275 batting average, got on base at a .393 clip and had a season high .908 OPS. The Diamondbacks will be looking to improve from last season’s result and get back to a possible World Series appearance. Re-signing Pederson to DH could be a step in the right direction.
Jurickson Profar (OF): San Diego Padres
One of if not the clutchest players in all of baseball last season was Jurickson Profar. The switch hitting left fielder was pivotal to the Padres success all season, and like his teammate Ha-Seong Kim is a piece the Padres should not be parting ways from. In his first All Star season in 2024, Profar hit for a .280 batting average and an .839 OPS. He’s found a home in San Diego and they’d be wrong not to bring him back.
Anthony Santander (RF): Baltimore Orioles
If they can’t sign Corbin Burnes this should be their big signing. Retool the rotation as we’ve outlined or in another way, but keep arguably your best bat in Camden Yards for the long term. Santander was third in MLB in home runs with 44, only behind Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani. The Orioles could look to give Heston Kjerstad an everyday role in right field, but Santander would be a safer decision.
Juan Soto (RF): New York Yankees
If the Yankees front office is willing to shell out the money for what would be one of their greatest players in franchise history, they can easily re-sign their 2024 right fielder for the rest of his career. While the Mets can certainly match what the Yankees offer, how can one say no to the draw of Monument Park and the rich history of the New York Yankees.
Whatever contract he commands is well deserved. It’s not even needed to go into his stats because everyone knows the value he brings. An elite hitter with even better plate discipline, Soto hit for his most power with the Yankees, and could leave one of the greatest legacies and careers in baseball history in pinstripes.
Gleyber Torres (2B): Toronto Blue Jays
There haven’t been a ton of surging rumors about this possibility, but it wouldn’t be shocking especially after they got IKF after the Yankees parted ways with him. While the Yankees probably would love to sign Torres back, this becomes very difficult when considering they could be paying Juan Soto.
If he does end up walking, Toronto could be a solid fit. They don’t have an established second baseman projected to start, and pairing with Bo Bichette in the infield could be an added bonus. While the two won’t necessarily be the best defensively they could be a great offensive duo. With Toronto not being in the bright New York spotlight, Torres could really elevate his game.
Christian Walker (1B): New York Yankees
The Yankees need to address the first base need with Anthony Rizzo now out of the picture. Christian Walker would be a fairly inexpensive signing, and a very good one at that. He’s a phenomenal defensive first baseman, and in the first half put up great offensive production. Walker has great bat speed and a great barrel rate as well, and could be a great addition that the Yankees desperately need.
Tyler O’Niell (OF) : Cleveland Guardians
While the Guardians should address the pitching needs, the outfield could use another piece. Adding Tyler O’Neill could be a very good cheaper option considering how good he was in 2024. O’Neill got on base at a .336 clip for an .847 OPS while hitting 31 home runs.
Alex Verdugo (LF): Toronto Blue Jays
This is another 2024 Yankee that could get picked up by the Blue Jays this offseason. While he didn’t have a great season with New York, he put up great swing-and-miss numbers ranking in the upper nineties on Baseball Savant’s percentile rankings for whiff and strikeout rate. He can get back on track in Toronto in a highly competitive AL East division, where his defense can shine as well in left field.