Ranking 2025's must-sign free-agent pitchers

Max Fried, 31 – 5.2 fWAR

Fried’s 3.25 ERA across 29 starts with the Braves, paired with three NL Gold Gloves, makes him one of the best free-agent lefties available. Though he posted his highest ERA since 2019 in 2024, Fried’s steady All-Star performance and homegrown legacy with the Braves have solidified his value. Now 31, he’ll be a highly sought-after option for any team needing reliable left-handed depth.

Jack Flaherty, 29 – 5.0 fWAR

Flaherty’s gamble with a one-year contract paid off, setting him up for a multiyear deal. After a strong start with the Detroit Tigers, Flaherty joined the Dodgers at the deadline and helped them reach the World Series with a 3.58 ERA over 10 starts. In a thin but top-heavy market, Flaherty should command significant interest from teams needing a durable right-hander.

Tanner Scott, 30 – 4.5 fWAR

Scott has blossomed into a premier reliever, recording a 1.75 ERA and 22 saves in 72 appearances split between the Marlins and Padres. His first All-Star season emphasizes his progress, making him the best bullpen arm on the market. Scott’s reliability will draw considerable interest from clubs needing closer help in an inconsistent relief market.

Yusei Kikuchi, 34 – 6.0 fWAR 

Kikuchi turned heads with a second-half resurgence after joining the Astros, rebounding from a rocky season in Toronto. The lefty finished with a 2.70 ERA over his last 10 starts, reviving his stock. Kikuchi’s 6.0 fWAR makes him an attractive mid-tier option for teams seeking a stable rotation presence.

Shane Bieber, 30 – 2.8 fWAR

Bieber’s 2024 season was cut short after two starts due to Tommy John surgery, but the 2020 AL Cy Young Award winner remains an intriguing option. Expected to return in mid-2025, Bieber could be signed to a backloaded, incentive-heavy deal, appealing to teams willing to wait on a proven talent. His value as a starter once healthy is hard to overlook.

Carlos Estevez, 32 – 2.1 fWAR

Estevez proved his versatility with a 2.45 ERA and 26 saves between the Angels and Phillies. Estevez’s impressive control over 55 innings and sub-1.000 WHIP highlights his effectiveness as a closer or setup man. He’s expected to be one of the more coveted bullpen arms this offseason.

Clay Holmes, 32 – 2.8 fWAR

Holmes endured a turbulent contract year with the Yankees, starting with an All-Star first half, then hitting a rough patch with 11 blown saves. However, he closed out strong, restoring his value just in time for free agency. Holmes should garner attention from teams looking for a veteran bullpen presence.

Max Scherzer, 40 – 2.8 fWAR
Though injuries limited Max Scherzer to 43 1/3 innings in 2024, the three-time Cy Young winner can still be effective when healthy. Scherzer is expected to take a significant pay cut from the $43.3 million he earned last season, but he’ll find suitors in search of experienced rotational support.

Luis Severino, 31 – 1.6 fWAR
Luis Severino posted an 11-7 record and 3.91 ERA over 182 innings for the Mets, his highest total since 2018. At 31, Severino has positioned himself well for a multi-year contract, offering rotation depth for clubs looking to add reliable, experienced arms.