Without question, Juan Soto heads the MLB free agent class for 2025. But several MLBbros are looking for new contracts and homes this coming winter, too. From seasoned veterans like Josh Bell to players trying to salvage careers like Tony Kemp and Tim Anderson, former greats such as Andrew McCutchen and others with significant upside, this winter’s free-agent pool features a talented group of MLBbros who are poised to make an impact wherever they land.
Here’s a look at the MLBbros set to hit the free-agent market, along with their 2024 stats:
1. Josh Bell (1B/DH)
After a year spent with the Miami Marlins and Arizona Diamondbacks, Bell is one of the most intriguing power hitters available this offseason. The 32-year-old switch-hitter has established himself as a consistent offensive force, capable of driving in runs and hitting for both average and power.
2024 Stats:
Batting Average: .249
Home Runs: 19
RBIs: 71
OPS.725
Bell’s combination of power and on-base ability makes him an attractive option for teams in need of a bat at first base or designated hitter.
2. Jack Flaherty (SP)
World Series Champion Black Jack Flaherty had a season for the books playing a vital role for the Los Angeles Dodgers. After dominating as a starter for the Detroit Tigers, Flaherty was acquired at the trade deadline and delivered. He was chosen to start Game 1 and he shut out the Yankees for five innings, before allowing a two-run home run to Giancarlo Stanton.
2024 Stats:
W-L Record: 13-7
ERA: 3.17
Strikeouts: 197
WHIP: 1.07
Flaherty’s stuff is undeniable, his ability to stay healthy and consistently pitch at a high level will be a key factor in his free-agent destination.
3. Tim Anderson (SS)
Once regarded as one of the top shortstops in baseball, Tim Anderson’s 2024 season saw some struggles offensively, but he remains a potentially dynamic presence at short if he can bring it all together again on and off the field. Known for his bat speed, aggressive baserunning, and energy, Anderson is a free agent who could revitalize his career in the right situation.
2024 Stats:
Batting Average: .214
Home Runs: 0
RBIs: 9
OPS: .463
While his power numbers dipped in 2024, Anderson’s ability to put the ball in play and his track record as a consistent hitter for average will draw attention from teams in need of a shortstop with speed and experience at the crucial position.
4. Michael A. Taylor (OF)
Known for his elite defensive ability, Michael A. Taylor remains one of the best center fielders in the game. A former Gold Glove winner with a respectable bat, Taylor has value as a fourth outfielder or starting center fielder on a contending team.
2024 Stats:
Batting Average: .193
Home Runs: 5
RBIs: 21
OPS: .543
5. Aaron Hicks (OF)
After an up-and-down tenure with the Los Angeles Angels, Aaron Hicks will be looking for a fresh start in 2025. A switch-hitter with a strong defensive profile, Hicks showed flashes of brilliance in 2024 but struggled with consistency.
2024 Stats:
Batting Average: .140
Home Runs: 1
RBIs: 5
OPS: .415
While Hicks’ overall numbers may not stand out, his ability to play all three outfield positions and provide power from both sides of the plate gives him a chance to bounce back in the right situation.
6. Andrew McCutchen (DH)
One of the most beloved players in baseball, Andrew McCutchen enters free agency with a storied career behind him. Though his prime years are in the past, McCutchen can still provide valuable leadership, plate discipline, and the occasional clutch hit.
2024 Stats:
Batting Average: .232
Home Runs: 20
RBIs: 59
OPS: .739
McCutchen may no longer be a superstar, but his veteran presence and ability to get on base will make him a sought-after asset in the right role.
7. Tony Kemp (2B/LF)
Known for his energy and gritty play, Tony Kemp is a versatile utility player who can contribute in a variety of ways. Kemp’s ability to play multiple infield and outfield positions makes him a valuable bench piece, and his speed and contact skills can provide a spark to a team looking for a depth piece.
2024 Stats:
Batting Average: .000
Home Runs: 0
RBIs: 0
8. Jason Heyward (OF)
After a resurgent 2024 season, Jason Heyward enters free agency ready to bounce back from a shaky season. Known for his glove and leadership, Heyward showed he still has something left in the tank.
2024 Stats:
Batting Average: .211
Home Runs: 10
RBIs: 37
OPS: .700
Heyward’s combination of defense, leadership, and timely hitting will make him a valuable asset to teams looking to add a veteran presence to their outfield.
9. Joe Ross (RP)
Joe Ross is an underrated arm who has battled injuries in the past but remains a reliable bullpen option for any contender. The 31-year-old right-hander could be a solid addition to a bullpen looking for depth and flexibility.
2024 Stats:
W-L Record: 3-6
ERA: 3.77
Strikeouts: 66
WHIP: 1.36
As the MLB free agent market heats up, these MLBbros will be looking for new homes where they can continue to make their mark on the game. Whether they are veterans with championship aspirations or young talents ready to break through, these players all have something to offer and will be closely watched by teams.
The 2024 season may have been a mixed bag for many of them, but each of these MLBbros brings something unique to the table in the quest for new contracts and future success.
Diving into ‘24: MLB’s elite bros gear up for a season of record-breaking performances and headline-making plays.
As the 2024 Major League Baseball season approaches, fans and analysts alike are buzzing with predictions for some of the league’s brightest stars. Of course, most everyone is locking in on bros such as Mookie Betts, Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Michael Harris II, Cedric Mullins, and Aaron Hicks and how they may fare this season.
Let’s dive into our “bro-dictions” for the 2024-2025 season, based on past performances, current form, and potential trajectory.
Mookie Betts has consistently proven himself to be one of the elite players in MLB. In 2024, expect Betts to maintain his high batting average, hovering around .300. His blend of force and speed should see him rack up 25-30 home runs with approximately 20 stolen bases, making him a formidable all-around offensive threat. The Dodgers will need Betts to be the catalyst for this high-powered offense.
Aaron Judge, known for his towering home runs, is likely to continue his power-hitting streaks in 2024. While his batting average might not be sky-high, expect him to blast over 40 home runs. He should finish the season batting around the .290 mark. His ability to draw walks will keep his on-base percentage at the top of the AL charts, making him a constant threat in the Yankees’ lineup.
Giancarlo Stanton, coming off a mixed bag of recent seasons, Staton could see a resurgence in 2024. If this Yankee DH can stay healthy, he has the potential to hit 30-plus home runs. His strikeout rate remains a concern, but his home run capability should not be underestimated.
Michael Harris II, one of the exciting fresh talents in the league, is poised for a breakout season in 2024. Expect a batting average above .290 with 20-25 home runs. His speed could position him to steal 20-plus bases, making him a valuable asset for the Braves both on the field and at the plate.
Cedric Mullins will be a consistent bro for the Orioles. A potential 20-20 season (20 home runs and 20 stolen bases) is within reach. His ability to hit for average and power, combined with his speed, makes him a dynamic player in the birds’ lineup.
Aaron Hicks, while perhaps not the most acclimated name on this list, has the potential to be a steady contributor to the Angels. Recently signed with the Halos for a one-year deal, the 34-year-old is expected to DH and backup centerfield. Hicks’ batting average should land in the .250 range with 15-20 home runs. His real value lies in his on-base skills and solid outfield defense.
The 2024 MLB season is shaping up to be a “bro-dacious” ride, with these players set to play crucial roles for their squads.
While the unpredictable nature of sports, including injuries and other unforeseen events, can sway performance, the undeniable talent and proven history of these players indicate they’ll remain significant contributors in the MLB. MLBbro fans have every reason to be pumped about watching how these forecasts play out as the season rolls on.
Los Angeles Angels manager Ron Washington knew he would have some tough decisions to make if he wanted to transform Mike Trout’s team into playoff contenders. Opening day is less than a week away and the Angels outfield is kind of crowded.
The Halos have five options to fill what is traditionally four spots. Mike Trout and Taylor Ward of course are already penciled in as starters, so there’s been some stiff competition for those third and fourth outfield spots between Mickey Moniak, Jo Adell and free agent signing Aaron Hicks.
Jo Adell, who we’ve been waiting to have that breakout season and get the call every day, is out of minor league options and the Angels are unlikely to trade him or let him hit waivers, so he will be playing. The 26-year-old started on Opening Day 2023.
Teams don’t usually carry five outfielders on their roster; however, Washington believes he can finesse the outfield rotation in his favor over the course of 162 games.
“It’s not gonna be hard because whatever lineup I put out, it’s gonna be the lineup,” Washington said. “So it’s not going to be hard. They’ll get some playing time, every single one of them. So how I’m going to do it, I really couldn’t tell you that right now. But they are going to get some playing time.
“Who’s the pitcher, who has good matchups, who fits well at that time against that pitcher, those types of things,” Washington said. “Who needs a break? And we’ll use the DH, because every one of those guys is gonna find themselves getting a little bit of DH time also.”
Adell has been on a roller coaster between the pros and minor leagues for several seasons now. Of not for his lack of options, he most likely would have been optioned to Triple- A to keep getting at-bats, while Moniak and Hicks shared a platoon role.
Hicks slashed .349/.446/.524 with a .970 OPS against left-handed pitching last season while Moniak slashed .294/.322/.544 with an .866 OPS against righties.
If Adell can gain some consistency with his bat-to-ball skills, while showing more than just flashes of the elite power he possesses, he can lock down a significant amount of time at DH and also spell Moniak or Hicks on any given day.
Aaron Hicks Wants Te Be Everyday Player Again
Hicks had a career resurgence once he left the Yankees and ended up in Baltimore, helping the Orioles capture their first AL East division title after nearly a decade-drought. He naturally wants to play every day again, as he’s been the best of the three competing outfielders in Spring Training.
“If you make yourself feel like you’re a bench player, you’re going to be a bench player,” Hicks said this week. “Obviously, I want to work my way into playing every single day. But, you know, whenever my name is called, I’ll be ready to go.”
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Washington has his work cut out with an Angels team who was 73-89 last season and that was with Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani’s masterful pitching and hitting. Ohtani is gone and LA will try to piece together a competitive lineup. With renowned fielding specialist Washington at the helm, we know defense will be a strongpoint of this rebuilding club.
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Aaron Hicks is ready to begin his 12th season in the big leagues. When the regular season begins on March 28th, he will be playing for a team that truly is close to home for him.
The Southern California native is excited about 2024: “It feels amazing, playing in front of family is definitely going to be fun”.
Speaking of fun, he also added another benefit of being back in very familiar territory:
“I’ll be able to visit all of the breakfast spots I used to go to back in the day,” Hicks told MLBbro.com.
The beginning of the baseball season always has its share of delays in the East and Midwest, which no ballplayer loves. Part of Hicks’ excitement is being at home in the early part of the season.
“Playing on the west coast is obviously better weather from the start” the switch hitter mentioned.
His manager Ron Washington is a veteran skipper but like Hicks is in his first year with the Angels as well.
Hicks was perfect on the stolen base paths in 2023 but chuckled when asked about his new manager’s baseball philosophy: “It’s a lot more running than I’m used to”.
Hicks is usually at or near the top of the lineup so we can expect him to be a big part of what Washington plans to do this season. The always important relationship between player and manager seems to be very good.
“I’ve been talking to him a lot. Having conversations with him about certain situations and what he wants us to do as a team” Hicks said.
Hicks is a product of Major League Baseball’s Urban Youth Academy in Compton, California.
“A lot of it was the people around me. Being able to go through the academy was huge for me. I kind of had an idea of what the pros would be like” Hicks suggested. “As a sophomore in high school, I’m talking to professionals, and they are explaining different ways to play the game and now I’m understanding different situations before I’m supposed to” he reflected on.
There is a certain retired outfielder that played 19 years in the major leagues, five of which were with Hicks current team that he is fond of.
“Torii Hunter. I just enjoyed the way he played the game, and he could steal some homeruns with some incredible defense.” Hicks said. “In 2015 to play with him and it was truly amazing to have that experience with him” he concluded.
With a new setting and team along with a veteran manager, Hicks will provide leadership to this roster.
Mark Gray was live at the ballpark for Game 2 of the American League Division series between the Baltimore Orioles and Texas Rangers. The Bro Bats came alive.
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