The New York Yankees kept their World Series hopes alive with an 11-4 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 4, but for the 28 other MLB teams, eyes are already on 2025 and the pitching talent soon to hit free agency.
With free agency officially beginning the day after the World Series, top pitchers are poised to shift the balance of power across the league. For context, average starters hover around 2 WAR per season, while elite relievers exceed 1.
This list highlights 10 high-impact pitchers who will be among the most sought-after players this winter, including their age and combined fWAR from the 2023-24 seasons.
Corbin Burnes, 30 – 7.2 fWAR
Corbin Burnes’ postseason gem for the Baltimore Orioles underscored why he’s the top pitching talent in free agency. The four-time All-Star and 2021 NL Cy Young Award winner, primed for his fifth straight Top 10 Cy Young finish, will be the most sought-after starter this winter.