The majority of this offseason’s free-agent cohort will finalize their résumés on Sunday, marking the end of the regular season.
For those fortunate enough to secure a spot in October, however, a substantial opportunity awaits to make a strong impression under the spotlight, enhancing their value before the market heats up.
MLB.com explores several impending free agents who will, or in the case of those still contesting for a Wild Card spot, might seize the chance to excel in October prior to entering the free-agent landscape.
(Before you express your frustration regarding the absence of Juan Soto from this list, keep in mind we excluded the Yankees slugger since he is already established as the top player available this offseason. His postseason performance won’t alter that status.)
Willy Adames, SS, Brewers
In 2024, Adames has experienced a career-best season, hitting 32 home runs and accumulating 111 RBIs with an .794 OPS over 159 games. As the leading shortstop available this winter, Adames is sure to attract interest regardless of his October performance, but a strong showing in the postseason would further elevate his résumé.
Pete Alonso, 1B, Mets
Alonso is one of the premier power hitters on the market this offseason. Despite a slight downturn in overall statistics, the 29-year-old managed to hit 34 home runs in 158 games, making him an attractive option for teams in need of a first baseman. The main deficiency in Alonso’s résumé is his postseason experience, which consists solely of the Mets’ three-game defeat to the Padres in the 2022 Wild Card round.
Alex Bregman, 3B, Astros
After a slow start this contract year, posting a .534 OPS and one home run in his first 37 games, Bregman has rebounded impressively. Since May 13, he has logged 25 home runs and an .836 OPS in 107 games, offering respectable season numbers. With 97 playoff games on his record, Bregman has demonstrated he can perform under pressure, boasting a .790 OPS and 19 postseason home runs, contributing to Houston’s titles in 2017 and ’22. However, another standout performance in October could leave a lasting impact on potential teams.
Corbin Burnes, RHP, Orioles
As the leading pitcher on the market, Burnes is positioned as the second-highest free agent after Soto. The 29-year-old (turning 30 on Oct. 22) has fulfilled the Orioles’ requirements, finishing the season with a 15-9 record and a 2.92 ERA over 32 starts in his inaugural year with Baltimore. Burnes has a 2.84 ERA in eight postseason appearances, although only two were as a starter. In his last outing last October, he allowed four runs in four innings. Burnes is set to secure a lucrative contract this winter, but a strong postseason performance would undoubtedly increase his market value.
Gerrit Cole, RHP, Yankees
Cole has the option to opt out of the remaining four years and $144 million of his contract at the season’s conclusion, though the Yankees can counter this move by guaranteeing $36 million for
The 2029 season is approaching. At 34 years old, he was sidelined for the first 2.5 months of the 2024 season due to an elbow injury, and in his initial seven starts of the season, he recorded a 5.40 ERA. However, since August began, he has achieved an impressive 2.25 ERA across 10 starts. If he performs well in October, it’s probable that he will either secure an additional year on his contract or have the opportunity to explore free agency once more.
Carlos Estévez, RHP, Phillies
The Phillies invested significantly in acquiring the closer during the Trade Deadline, believing Estévez could be the final ingredient needed for a championship. With Philadelphia, he has successfully converted six of his eight save opportunities, boasting a 2.57 ERA in 20 appearances. Estévez’s only experience in the postseason came in 2017 while with the Rockies; he surrendered one run while recording a single out during the NL Wild Card game against Arizona. If he proves to be a pivotal player in a deep Phillies playoff run, the 31-year-old could see his market value increase this offseason.
Jack Flaherty, RHP, Dodgers
Last winter, Flaherty took a chance on himself by signing a one-year, $14 million contract with the Tigers. After delivering a solid 2.95 ERA over 18 starts for Detroit, he was traded to the Dodgers at the Trade Deadline, entering a highly competitive NL West. As he approaches his 29th birthday on October 15, Flaherty has achieved a 6-2 record with a 3.58 ERA in 10 starts for Los Angeles. However, the Dodgers’ true challenge begins in October, where Flaherty holds a 1-3 record and a 3.60 ERA across five career postseason games (four of which were starts) with the Cardinals and Orioles.
Max Fried, LHP, Braves
Fried has maintained a respectable 3.25 ERA over 29 starts this season, but he will conclude 2024 with his highest ERA since 2019, when he posted a 4.02 mark. This winter, Fried is expected to be one of the most sought-after starters despite his playoff statistics (2-4, 4.57 ERA in 19 appearances/11 starts) not reflecting his regular-season success. He has a chance to improve those numbers before entering free agency for the first time, and the Braves will rely on him to be at his best for a playoff push.
Jason Heyward, OF, Astros
After being picked up by the Astros late in August, Heyward performed well in September, effectively covering both corner outfield positions as the season came to a close. Now in his 15th major league season, the 35-year-old is set to become a free agent for the third consecutive year. He is likely seeking another one-year contract, and despite having a low .444 OPS in 43 career postseason games, he could play a crucial role in Houston’s lineup if Yordan Alvarez remains out for an extended period.
Yusei Kikuchi, LHP, Astros
Kikuchi was one of Houston’s key acquisitions at the Trade Deadline, achieving a 5-1 record with a 2.70 ERA in 10 starts for the Astros. Although his performance was less impressive with the Blue Jays (4-9, 4.75 ERA) this season, he now has the chance to showcase his skills in October. His postseason experience is limited, with only one relief appearance last year, in which he allowed one run over 1 2/3 innings in the Wild Card round.
Sean Manaea, LHP, Mets
Manaea signed a two-year, $28 million contract with the Mets in January, but his deal includes an option to opt out of his $13.5 million salary for the 2025 season at the end of this year. The left-hander has been impressive, recording a 12-6 record with a 3.47 ERA in 32 starts, making it highly likely that…
He is set to explore free agency for the second consecutive year. A strong performance in October would essentially secure his opt-out status and enhance his appeal to teams in need of pitching.
Frankie Montas, RHP, Brewers
Montas has faced significant challenges over the past two years. After being traded to the Yankees in mid-2022, he struggled, and in 2023, he managed only one appearance due to shoulder surgery. This season, he recorded a 4-8 record with a 5.01 ERA over 19 starts with the Reds before being traded to Milwaukee. The Brewers will count on the 33-year-old during the postseason, allowing Montas to build momentum as he prepares to enter free agency for the second time.
Anthony Santander, RF, Orioles
In his walk year, Santander has excelled, achieving career highs with 44 home runs and 102 RBIs, along with an .821 OPS, his highest performance over a full 162-game season (he recorded an .890 OPS during the shortened 2020 season). Last year marked his postseason debut, during which he batted 3-for-11 (.273) with one home run in Baltimore’s ALDS defeat to Texas. As he gets another opportunity on the national stage, the 29-year-old could establish himself as the second-best outfielder on this year’s market, trailing only Soto.
Tanner Scott, LHP, Padres
Scott has emerged as one of the top relievers this season, posting a remarkable 1.75 ERA across 72 appearances with the Marlins and Padres, who acquired him before the Trade Deadline. He demonstrated his capability as a closer in Miami, and though primarily used in a setup role in San Diego, he could shine in high-stakes playoff situations, regardless of the inning he is called upon to pitch.
Luis Severino, RHP, Mets
The long-time Yankees starter transitioned from the Bronx to Queens this season after signing a one-year, $13 million contract with the Mets, aiming for a comeback following a disappointing 2023. Severino has made strides, achieving an 11-7 record with a 3.91 ERA over 31 starts. However, the 30-year-old has struggled historically in the postseason, boasting a 1-4 record and a 5.15 ERA in 11 appearances (10 starts). Improving his postseason performance could significantly impact his quest for a multi-year contract, which eluded him last year.
Gleyber Torres, 2B, Yankees
Torres was an All-Star in each of his first two full seasons (2018-19), but he has not been able to return to that level in the past five years. He recorded 15 home runs and 63 RBIs, along with a .701 OPS across 153 games, striking out a career-high 135 times. With an .820 OPS in 31 postseason games, a solid performance in October could provide him with the momentum he needs as he approaches free agency.
Gio Urshela, INF, Braves
Urshela took a significant pay cut last year, signing a one-year, $1.5 million deal with the Tigers, down from the $8.4 million he made during his final arbitration year with the Angels in 2023. After being released by Detroit in August, he joined Atlanta two days later, stepping in for the injured Austin Riley, who has officially been ruled out for the postseason. This situation provides Urshela with an opportunity to enhance his value before returning to free agency.
Justin Verlander, RHP, Astros
The anticipated future Hall of Famer…
Amer did not reach the necessary 140 innings to activate his $35 million vesting option, which returns him to the open market as he approaches his age-42 season. It is uncertain if Verlander will take the mound in 2025 or choose retirement; however, following a disappointing 1-4 record with an 8.89 ERA in six starts since his return from the injured list on August 21, his performance in October could significantly influence that decision.
