With the World Series resuming Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium, where the Dodgers hold a 3-1 lead, teams are already looking ahead to free agency — and the stakes are high.
Five days after the final out, clubs can officially start bidding, though they first have a brief, exclusive window to retain departing stars.
Among this year’s top free-agent position players, ranked by fWAR and excluding opt-outs, each brings serious value to a market where a 2-WAR season signals a solid everyday player. For teams seeking to elevate their rosters, these players offer the elite talent to reshape a team and push contenders over the top.
Juan Soto, OF – 14.2 fWAR
A generational talent, Soto’s value transcends even the best of his peers. At just 26, his fWAR places him among the most elite position players, reminiscent of Bryce Harper and Manny Machado at similar career points. This year, Soto’s postseason heroics for the Yankees only bolstered his case for a $500 million contract over 10 years or more, given his combination of youth and top-tier skill.