Top 7 MLB Shortstops Free Agents: Rankings and contract projections ft. Willy Adames, Ha-Seong Kim, Jose Iglesias
The free-agent market for shortstops is an interesting one this season. There are quite a few solid options for teams looking to upgrade their middle-infield depth this winter.
This could be a hot market, from a starter who missed just one game to a three-time All-Star veteran still looking to stay in the game. Today, we look at the SS market and its rankings and try to put a number on their future contracts.
Top 7 MLB Shortstops Free Agents
1) Willy Adames
Willy Adames leads the charge for free-agent shortstops. He missed just one regular-season game this past season, hitting .251/.331/.462 with 32 home runs and 112 runs batted in.
With his power, he could be somebody who does not last too long on this list. According to MLBTraderumors, they project his next contract to be a six-year, $160 million deal.
2) Ha-Seong Kim
Ha-Seong Kim is another exciting option here for teams this winter. While battling injuries, he still played in 121 games, hitting .233/.330/.370 with 11 home runs and 47 runs batted in. Bleacher Report predicts a four-year, $68 million contract for one of the top-rated shortstops on the market.
3) Jose Iglesias
Jose Iglesias has been a player that has bounced around the last few years. Since 2019, he has played for six different teams and will be looking to join his seventh over the next few months.
Iglesias was primarily used as a second baseman for the New York Mets last season, but can still get the job done at short. The Athletic projects his next deal at two years for $12 million.
4) Paul DeJong
Paul DeJong enjoyed a solid season split between the Chicago White Sox and Kansas City Royals. He could be a great option for a team looking for a cheaper option at shortstop, second base, or third base. According to Spotrac, they project him to land a three-year, $13.9 million deal.
5) Amed Rosario
Amed Rosario comes in at No. 5 on this list of free-agent shortstops. He spent this past season with the Tampa Bay Rays, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Cincinnati Reds, making it tough to find his footing. according to ESPN, they see him settling for a one-year, $1.5 million deal with his next team.
6) Nick Ahmed
Nick Ahmed also split his 2024 season with three teams. He has struggled over the last few years but is looking to bounce back in 2025. However, he will likely have to prove himself on a one-year deal.
7) Brandon Crawford
Brandon Crawford rounds out this list of top free-agent shortstops. The three-time All-Star was released by the St. Louis Cardinals in August and will likely be looking to secure a one-year deal.