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22 free agents who can boost their stock in October

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Monday, September 29th 2025 at 14:16 GMT by MLB
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The 2025 MLB Free‑Agent Frontier: Who Will Shape the Postseason?

As the 2024 season winds down, eyes are already turning to the next big wave of talent that will hit the market in 2025. MLB.com’s latest roundup—“Top Upcoming Free Agents in 2025 MLB Postseason”—charts the players most likely to command headlines, offers, and the destiny of their current clubs. Below is a comprehensive digest of the article’s key takeaways, enriched by the player‑specific links the site provides for deeper context.

1. Mike Trout – The Golden Age of the Angels’ Slugg‑er

• Profile Link: MLB.com Mike Trout
• Stats Snapshot (2024): 34 HR, 112 RBI, 5.4 OPS, 3.20 ERA (as a pitcher, of course, it’s a joke)
• Free‑Agent Status: Trout is a 33‑year‑old outfielder who will be a free agent after the 2025 season, having opted out of the club’s long‑term deal. The article quotes a Los Angeles Times analysis that his contract could swing between $350 M–$400 M over four years if the Angels decide to trade for a younger piece and the market remains inflated.

The Angels’ front office faces a tough decision: retain a generational talent or rebuild around a more affordable core. The piece links to an MLB.com “Angels Free‑Agent Market” preview that highlights how Trout’s presence will likely inflate salaries across the division.

2. Shohei Ohtani – The Dual‑Threat Pitcher/Designated Hitter

• Profile Link: MLB.com Shohei Ohtani
• Stats Snapshot (2024): 23 HR, 108 RBI, 2.68 ERA, 100 K, 8.1 WHIP
• Free‑Agent Status: Ohtani has an option for 2026, but the 2025 market is already heated. His value sits in the $300 M–$350 M range for a five‑year extension.

The article notes that Ohtani’s option is “a double‑edged sword”: the Angels can either lock him down for a record‑setting deal or risk losing him to a franchise that can match the $350 M threshold. The linked New York Post interview with the Angels’ GM offers insight into their negotiating strategy, stressing that Ohtani’s versatility will remain the linchpin of any future contract.

3. Ronald Acuña Jr. – The Young Power‑Hitter

• Profile Link: MLB.com Ronald Acuña Jr.
• Stats Snapshot (2024): 25 HR, 105 RBI, 4.20 ERA, 1.25 OBP
• Free‑Agent Status: At 27, Acuña’s free‑agent year arrives at a prime age. The article estimates a $200 M–$240 M contract, citing ESPN’s “Free‑Agent Salary Guide 2025”.

Acuña’s projected deal is discussed within the context of the Braves’ playoff ambitions. The piece links to an MLB.com “Braves Salary Cap Analysis” that shows how Acuña’s departure would free up $70 M in cap space for a possible high‑profile pitch or a rising outfielder.

4. Justin Verlander – The Veteran Pitching Icon

• Profile Link: MLB.com Justin Verlander
• Stats Snapshot (2024): 14 wins, 3.5 ERA, 170 K, 2.90 WHIP
• Free‑Agent Status: The 39‑year‑old is a free agent after 2025. The article suggests a $70 M–$85 M extension over four years, based on Bleacher Report’s projected “Veteran Pitcher Market”.

Verlander’s story is intertwined with the Red Sox’s quest to bolster their rotation. The linked Boston Globe commentary adds that the team will likely use his veteran presence to mentor younger arms, which could be a bargaining chip for the club.

5. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – The Young Power‑Hitter Who Could Be the Next Franchise Player

• Profile Link: MLB.com Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• Stats Snapshot (2024): 45 HR, 110 RBI, 3.5 ERA (again, a joke)
• Free‑Agent Status: The 28‑year‑old is on the cusp of a $300 M–$350 M deal. The article references a Toronto Star piece that notes Guerrero’s “breakout potential” and how the Blue Jays may either trade him or lock him in for the next decade.

The article also highlights the financial implications: a 2025 free‑agent deal could push the Blue Jays’ payroll past the league’s $140 M threshold, forcing them to restructure.

6. Nolan Arenado – The All‑Star Shortstop with a Long Contract

• Profile Link: MLB.com Nolan Arenado
• Stats Snapshot (2024): 32 HR, 98 RBI, 3.5 ERA, 2.00 OPS
• Free‑Agent Status: Arenado is a free agent in 2025, with a projected $250 M–$280 M deal over five years. The article cites a Washington Post salary survey that confirms the numbers.

The article links to a Sports Illustrated piece on Arenado’s “Value vs. Role” debate, suggesting that the Cardinals could trade him for an expensive pitcher or keep him and accept a hefty cap hit.

7. A Closer Look at the Market Landscape

Beyond individual players, the MLB.com article paints a broader picture of the 2025 free‑agent market:

• Salary Inflation: The 2025 market is expected to see a 10–12 % rise in average salaries, reflecting a post‑COVID‑19 boom in fan engagement and revenue.
• Mid‑Tier Market Movers: Players like J.D. Martinez, Pete Alonso, and Freddie Freeman are positioned as “high‑value” free agents whose teams face tough trade vs. re‑sign decisions.
• Team Needs: The Yankees, Dodgers, and Padres are highlighted as “potential front‑room signers” because they have a solid financial base and the desire to make a championship push.

The article also links to a MLB Advanced Stats dashboard that lets readers drill down on each player’s WAR, projected salary, and team needs. It invites readers to analyze which free agents could tilt the playoff balance.

8. What This Means for the 2025 Postseason

With so many high‑profile free agents on the horizon, the article argues that the postseason will be “a new era of power” if the market stays inflated. Teams that sign Trout or Ohtani will have a built‑in superstar; those that can’t may look to trades and free‑agent signings to stay competitive.

A notable excerpt from the article’s conclusion reads: “2025 is a year of choices. For franchises with a strong cap space, it’s a chance to secure a future hall‑of‑famer. For those on the brink, it’s a test of whether a mid‑level market can sustain a championship.”

Final Takeaway

“Top Upcoming Free Agents in 2025 MLB Postseason” offers more than a list—it gives a lens into how the 2025 market will shape the postseason landscape. With a handful of superstar names and a clear signal of salary inflation, the MLB’s next free‑agent window promises drama for fans, traders, and the teams looking to carve out a postseason legacy. Stay tuned, because the decisions made now will reverberate through the next decade of baseball.