Top 5 MLB Starting Pitchers Who Are Going Free Agent Soon 2024

As the 2025 MLB season approaches, teams looking to strengthen their pitching rotations have a valuable opportunity to add some high-caliber starters.

Reliable starting pitchers are essential for any team aiming to contend, as they set the tone and help maintain consistency throughout the season. Fortunately, several standout pitchers are entering free agency, offering franchises a chance to secure proven talent and deepen their rotations. From Cy Young winners to breakout stars, the top five pitchers hit the free-agent market in 2025.

Corbin Burnes: The Ace Boston Needs

Age: 30

2024 Stats: 15-8, 2.95 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 172 SO, 47 BB, 189.1 IP (31 starts)

After a stellar season with the Baltimore Orioles, Corbin Burnes has cemented his status as one of baseball's elite starters. The former NL Cy Young Award winner delivered his fourth consecutive All-Star season in 2024 and demonstrated his reliability with three straight years of 30+ starts.

Known for his control and strikeout potential, Burnes could stabilize other team's rotation. Though he'll command a substantial contract, his consistency and proven performance make him a worthwhile investment for a team eager to return to playoff contention.

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Jack Flaherty: A High-Upside Option

Age: 29

2024 Stats: 13-7, 3.17 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 194 SO, 55 BB, 162 IP (28 starts)

Flaherty took a one-year contract with the Detroit Tigers in 2024 and flourished, boosting his stock before a mid-season trade to the Dodgers. He finished the season strong, showing he can handle pressure on both rebuilding and contending teams.

Although not on the level of Burnes, Flaherty's upside and age make him a smart target. A squad such as Boston could benefit from his ability to generate strikeouts while maintaining a solid ERA. At 29, he offers a toolbox of experience and potential for further growth.

Blake Snell: Cy Young Experience and Strikeout Power

Age: 32

2024 Stats: 5-3, 3.12 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 145 SO, 44 BB, 104 IP (20 starts)

Blake Snell, the 2023 NL Cy Young winner, delivered another impressive season, recording career-best K/9 and FIP stats in 2024. If Snell opts out of his player option with the Giants, he'll draw strong interest from teams in need of left-handed power pitching.

His ability to control games with high strikeout numbers and maintain a low ERA would boost the other teams. Though he's likely to demand a significant salary, Snell's high ceiling and experience would add an edge Boston needs.

Michael Wacha: Veteran Stability

Age: 33

2024 Stats: 13-8, 3.28 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 143 SO, 44 BB, 161.2 IP (28 starts)

Michael Wacha, who had an excellent 2024 season with the Kansas City Royals, continues to prove his reliability as a mid-rotation starter. Wacha's career resurgence could make him an attractive target, and his consistency could provide stability to a rotation needing depth.

While Wacha holds a player option with the Royals, a multi-year offer from other teams might tempt him. His ability to work deep into games with a controlled WHIP makes him a solid addition to any rotation.

Sean Manaea: A Dependable Left-Handed Option

Age: 33

2024 Stats: 12-5, 3.29 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 183 SO, 61 BB, 178 IP (31 starts)

Sean Manaea shone as the New York Mets' ace in 2024, recording the best ERA of his career and logging nearly 180 innings. Known for his consistency, Manaea could be a valuable mid-rotation starter for squads in dire need of a good pitcher. While he holds a player option with the Mets, his reliable ERA and strikeout count could attract the Red Sox if they're looking for a steady left-handed presence to balance the rotation.

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