As teams navigate the free-agent and trade markets this offseason to enhance their rosters, front offices are faced with the task of identifying the best fits for their respective teams. This often involves weighing similar player options against each other, each with their own unique qualities.
Here are some notable player pairings and the considerations that come into play when choosing one over the other:
Third base: Nolan Arenado vs. Alex Bregman
Two prominent third basemen dominating the market are Nolan Arenado and Alex Bregman. While acquiring Arenado via trade with the Cardinals presents challenges due to his no-trade clause, Bregman offers the flexibility of being a free agent.
At 30 years old, Bregman currently outshines Arenado in terms of performance. Despite a slight decline in offensive numbers in recent seasons, Bregman’s 124 wRC+ still ranks impressively among third basemen since 2020. On the other hand, the 33-year-old Arenado is coming off a subpar offensive season compared to his usual standards.
Teams like the Yankees, Red Sox, and Astros are eyeing both players to fill their third base needs. However, Arenado recently rejected a potential trade to Houston. The decision may ultimately come down to the financial investment required for each player. Bregman commands a higher price tag, likely around $30 million AAV, given his age and consistent offensive performance.
While Arenado still excels defensively at third base, his offensive stats have dipped in recent years. With three years and $74 million left on his contract, the Cardinals may need to offset some of that in a trade. Any team acquiring Arenado will be banking on a rebound in his offensive production.
First base: Pete Alonso vs. Christian Walker
In the first base market, Pete Alonso and Christian Walker stand out as top contenders. Alonso, 30, boasts an impressive track record of power hitting and accolades since his debut in 2019. On the other hand, Walker, 33, has quietly established himself as a reliable offensive force, ranking third in home runs among MLB first basemen over the past three seasons.
Walker’s standout feature is his exceptional defensive skills, making him a top defensive first baseman in the league. With three consecutive NL Gold Glove awards, his all-around abilities make him a valuable asset in the market.
Alonso’s power-hitting prowess is unmatched by many in baseball, and entering his age-30 season, he still has plenty of potential. However, Walker’s defensive prowess and overall skill set may make him a more appealing option for some teams seeking a versatile first baseman.
Starting pitcher: Jack Flaherty vs. Sean Manaea
The comparison between Jack Flaherty and Sean Manaea highlights two pitchers who excelled in the 2024 season. Flaherty, 29, showcased his durability and talent with the Tigers and Dodgers, culminating in a World Series win. On the other hand, Manaea, 32, delivered a standout season with the Mets, demonstrating significant improvement from previous years.
Both Flaherty and Manaea demonstrated considerable upside in their performance last season, raising questions about their long-term sustainability. Their ability to consistently generate strikeouts adds to their value in the pitching market, with teams banking on their continued development and success.
A notable difference between the two pitchers is Manaea receiving a qualifying offer, potentially impacting teams’ decisions due to the associated draft pick forfeiture. Despite this, Manaea’s proven potential may outweigh the draft pick cost for teams looking to bolster their starting rotation.