As free agency continues, there remains to be one critical position many may be seeking. Shortstops typically aren’t Francisco Lindor’s or Bobby Witt’s; they are very often great defenders. However, great defenders and offensive players are in 2024-25 free agency. And sometimes, these players are the lifelines of their teams.
2024-25 MLB Free Agency: Top Five Shortstops
5. Amed Rosario
Amed Rosario has become more of a utility player as of late. He hits for a usually high average and is a great defender. Unfortunately, Rosario’s last good season came in 2019, when he hit 15 homers with an average of .287 and drove in 72. He also had a couple of good seasons in 2021 and 2022 with the Cleveland Guardians. Unfortunately, he was DFA’d after being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers and then DFA’d again after being picked up by the Cincinnati Reds. He did great with the Tampa Bay Rays, hitting .307 (albeit with two homers). Rosario fell off a cliff with the Reds and hit .158 in 22 games.
Despite being designated for assignment twice in 2024, Rosario turns 29 and is still young enough to become a great utility man (or better) for any team. This Shortstop could still make a difference.
4. Jose Iglesias
Jose Iglesias struggled to find a team; however, when he did, he was terrific. Iglesias hit four homers with a stunning .337 average and 26 RBIs in 85 games. In many of those games, he came in for defense. Despite being 35 soon, Iglesias is still a prime utility man for any team. In all likelihood, he will be signed quickly so he can retain his role as an excellent defender with a high average. Iglesias likely isn’t an everyday starter for a team. However, he is still a fantastic player to have on a team when needed.
3. Paul DeJong
Paul DeJong remains the second most powerful shortstop available in free agency. DeJong doesn’t hit for a high average or play fantastic defense. However, he still possesses power, and a lot of it. In 139 games, DeJong hit 24 home runs with a .227 average. He is set to become a free agent at 31 years old, and a team looking for power may as well look for DeJong. The shortstop was traded to the Kansas City Royals, where he hit six homers in 37 games but was reduced to a bench role. This means the Royals won’t be too inclined to resign DeJong despite the excellent show of power. All in all, DeJong is a good shortstop to sign if one team needs a shortstop.
2. Ha-Seong Kim
Ha-Seong Kim won’t provide any teams with light tower power. However, Kim still possesses power and a gold glove. He remains a player with excellent defensive skills. If a team already possesses good offensive strength and does not need a superstar batter to take the helm at shortstop, then Kim might be the guy for that team. Kim remains a productive player on offense and has been noticed by many teams.
Another upside is that Kim is only 29 years old, which is not too young. However, he remains slightly younger than other teams. Overall, Kim is a great shortstop to acquire in free agency.
1. Willy Adames
Willy Adames had a career year in 2024. With 32 home runs, a .251 average, and a career-high 112 runs driven in, it is easy to see why many teams are already interested. The San Francisco Giants and New York Mets, both financial giants, are already noticing the star, who is bound to get a big contract. In all likelihood, Adames will land at a team willing to pay him a lot of money, and being 29 is also an upside. He is by far the best available shortstop at the moment. Defensively, some teams may want Adames at third or even second, but he still will be signed in a big way. His offensive numbers could alter the season of any team in a good way.
Shortstops in 2025 will determine a lot of what happens. Already, we have a nice list of some of the most exciting shortstops available. One thing is for sure: these shortstops are bound to make a difference in 2025.
Main Image: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
