Best fits for top 2024 MLB free agents not named Juan Soto - ESPN

We've barely had time to rest up from the 2024 MLB playoffs — which ended with the Los Angeles Dodgers hoisting the World Series trophy in the Bronx on Wednesday night — but the offseason has arrived and that means it's time to talk free agency.

The biggest free agent of this winter is Juan Soto, and he's his own special case to consider as those around the industry predict he could make upward of $600 million. Soto's decision will certainly affect team strategies, so let's remove him from the equation for now and take a look at the market apart from him.

Here's an initial dive into 10 of the top free agents along with some of the best potential fits for them — considering not only team need but also its willingness to spend money.

2024 stats: 15-9, 2.92 ERA, 32 GS, 194⅓ IP, 181 SO, 48 BB, 3.4 WAR
2025 age: 30

Best fit: New York Mets

The Mets are the clear fit here for the best starting pitcher available, with a combination of need and money to spend. Sean Manaea, Jose Quintana and Luis Severino are all free agents, so that's 94 starts New York needs to replace. Those three were solid in 2024 and the Mets could re-sign any of them, but Burnes would give them one of the few legitimate — and durable — aces around. They're losing about $180 million off the 2024 payroll so there is plenty of owner Steve Cohen's money to spend. Sure, they will pursue Soto, but adding a top-of-the-rotation starter is just as vital.

Two other top options: Baltimore Orioles, Detroit Tigers

Burnes will be the first test to see how new Orioles owner David Rubenstein plans to run the payroll. General manager Mike Elias has so far operated the way his mentor Jeff Luhnow did in Houston — preferring to trade for veteran starters rather than overpay