MLB Stars Who Need Strong Finishes Before 2025 Free Agency

As the 2025 MLB regular season barrels toward its finish, the stakes are sky-high for a handful of pending free agents. Their final performances could swing their next contracts by millions, no exaggeration.

From frontline starters to power-hitting outfielders and game-changing closers, some of baseball’s biggest names have everything riding on how they close out the year—and how they show up in October. Some are chasing record-breaking deals, while others just want to steady their value after a rollercoaster campaign. Let’s dive into the key storylines as these players hit the home stretch.

Framber Valdez: The Ace Under the Microscope

Framber Valdez heads into free agency as maybe the top starter on the market. He’s anchored Houston’s rotation with All-Star appearances, playoff chops, and that nasty groundball arsenal.

But his rough patch in August? It raised some eyebrows. If Valdez can flip the switch in September, he’ll erase a lot of doubts and probably cement himself as the No. 1 arm available.

Contract Outlook

If he rebounds, the 30-year-old lefty might land a long-term deal north of $200 million. But if his struggles stick around, teams could get cold feet and lean toward shorter or incentive-heavy offers. It’s a real fork-in-the-road moment.

Bo Bichette’s Bid for a Nine-Figure Payday

Bo Bichette came off a rough 2024, but in 2025 he’s found his groove again. The Blue Jays shortstop is back to producing at an elite clip, putting him near the top of the free-agent infield class.

Still just 27, Bichette brings pop, contact, and solid defense—plenty of reasons to expect a major payday.

Where the Numbers Could Land

Bichette’s finish could decide if his deal lands closer to $150 million or crosses the $200 million line. Shortstop’s a premium spot, so even a modest September surge could mean tens of millions more.

Blue Jays’ Bieber Decision and Tucker’s $400 Million Chase

Shane Bieber has spent the year rehabbing from Tommy John surgery in Toronto. Now he faces a huge decision: take his $16 million for 2026, or roll the dice in free agency.

That call probably depends on how healthy and sharp he feels as the season winds down. Meanwhile, Kyle Tucker of the Cubs is still the crown jewel of this class. Even with a nagging hand injury, his blend of power, patience, and playoff experience could push his deal past an eye-popping $400 million—if he closes strong.

Pitchers with Something to Prove

Several starters are heading into these last weeks with a lot on the line:

• Zac Gallen – He’s had an up-and-down year with the D-backs, but lately he’s turned it around. That could help him turn down a qualifying offer and chase a multi-year pact.
• Dylan Cease – The Padres righty racks up strikeouts but still battles inconsistency. He’s a classic high-risk, high-reward free agent.
• Ranger Suárez – The Phillies lefty has been steady, but he needs to shake off late-season fade concerns to get paid.
• Jack Flaherty – The Tigers’ veteran has had a mixed bag in 2025, and his opt-out will probably hinge on whether he dominates in September.

Risk vs. Reward

For this group, finishing strong could mean the difference between a short-term deal and real long-term security. Teams in the hunt might gamble on arms that show they can handle big moments and heavy workloads.

Yankees’ Dynamic Duo in the Spotlight

Cody Bellinger and Devin Williams kicked off 2025 with plenty of hype—and their seasons have gone in different directions. Bellinger shook off a slow start and put up big numbers for New York, giving himself a legit shot at topping his old $80 million deal.

His power and versatility in the outfield make him a hot commodity. Williams, who was once seen as a lock to reset the reliever market, has stumbled since landing with the Yankees.

The Closer’s Conundrum

Still, a lights-out September and a dominant postseason could put Williams right back in the mix for one of the biggest closer contracts we’ve ever seen. That’s the kind of finish that changes everything.

Final Takeaway

The postseason’s almost here, and these next few weeks feel like high-stakes auditions for free agents. Every clutch hit or shutdown inning could flip the script on the market.

Some stars are already set for huge contracts. Others still have a lot to prove, and honestly, that’s what makes this free-agent build-up so fascinating.

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