This MLB offseason has been unpredictable, to say the least. Not only were there many big-name free agents available, but the trade market has also been surprisingly active, making for an exciting few months. These three moves have been the most surprising.
Juan Soto leaves the Bronx for Queens
Sure, the New York Mets were always a contender for Soto, but it’s always surprising to see the New York Yankees miss out on a player of this magnitude — especially one who spent 2024 in the Bronx. Soto was one of the most coveted free agents of this generation thanks to his unmatched pedigree at just 26 years old. The Yankees did offer a 16-year, $760 million contract, but Soto chose the Mets for 15 years and $765 million — the biggest contract by total value in MLB history. Because the two offers were so similar, his decision wasn’t about the money, which makes this even more shocking. Soto willingly turned his back on the most iconic franchise in all of sports in favor of their scrappy and far less successful younger brother. George Steinbrenner is no doubt rolling over in his grave.
Diamondbacks land Corbin Burnes
In pure shock value, few moves in recent memory can match this one. Burnes was one of the biggest names available this offseason, and the Arizona Diamondbacks aren’t typically big spenders, so to say this came out of nowhere is an understatement. In a Nov. 15, 2024 article, MLB analyst Mark Feinsand named 10 different teams as candidates for Burnes — none of which were the Diamondbacks. The Mets, New York Giants and Toronto Blue Jays were all rumored to be frontrunners at one point or another, but Burnes chose the Diamondbacks on a six-year, $210 million deal which includes an opt-out after the second season. The move cements the Diamondbacks as real contenders, even if they are in the same division as the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres.
Cubs trade for Kyle Tucker
Tucker wasn’t even supposed to be available this offseason, but the Houston Astros saw the contract that Soto got and decided that they couldn’t afford to keep him around past 2025. With only one year before he becomes a free agent, the Astros decided to trade Tucker to get some value, and they found a willing partner in the Chicago Cubs, who sent them third baseman Isaac Paredes, pitcher Hayden Wesneski and infield prospect Cam Smith. The Cubs have been looking for a real superstar ever since the departures of 2016 heroes Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant, and they found one in Tucker, who is among the best players in baseball. It’s a surprisingly aggressive move from a franchise that doesn’t typically behave like a big-market team in the free agent and trade markets. Their challenge will be convincing him to stay in Chicago beyond 2025.
