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Is Queens the best place for free agents this winter? Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images

Ranking All 30 MLB Teams as a Free-Agent Destination for the 2024-25 Offseason

Zachary D. Rymer

In the abstract, reaching free agency is the ultimate dream for an MLB player. There are 30 employers to choose from, all of whom have millions of dollars to offer.

Of course, it is not exactly like that in reality.

Not every team is interested in every player, and not every team is equally attractive to every player. There isn't much more to say on the first front, but we can carry out an interesting exercise as to the latter: Which teams are the best destinations for free agents in the 2024-25 MLB offseason?

There is no better way to answer this question than by ranking all 30 teams as free-agent landing spots, specifically according to these criteria:

For the cost-of-living question, NerdWallet's calculator was used with the standard set to Manhattan. The same site was also a helpful source for state tax rates.

Otherwise, payroll figures are courtesy of RosterResource at FanGraphs and Cot's Baseball Contracts. Farm system rankings are courtesy of B/R's Joel Reuter.

30. Athletics

Fans of the now-former Oakland Athletics. Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images

Payroll Situation

The A's want to increase payroll for their first season in Sacramento, which is nice. Because it would be hard for it to go any lower after they both opened and closed this season with the lowest payroll in MLB.

However, we're talking about a team that ranks 28th in free-agent spending since 1991 and which has never topped $30 million for a domestic free agent. Don't get your hopes up, Oakland...er, Sacramento fans.

Contention Window

A 19-win swing from 2023 to 2024 is a massive step in the right direction for the A's, but they still lost more games this season than all but four other teams. They're likely another year or two away from being a contender again.

That the A's have a solid supply of young talent is the best thing they have going for them, though it also helps that their top veteran star will be sticking around for a while. A's GM David Forst has made it clear that Brent Rooker won't be traded.

Quality of Life

Sutter Health Park is, in fact, a minor league stadium. It's also an open-air park in a city that just had its hottest summer on record. And while Sacramento itself is significantly more affordable than Oakland, state income taxes don't get higher than those of California.

29. Chicago White Sox

Chris Getz Justin Casterline/Getty Images

Payroll Situation

"We are not going to be working heavy in free agency," was how White Sox GM Chris Getz put it in September.

Gee, real shocker there. But also an understandable position, as the White Sox aren't going to transform themselves back into a contender overnight. That will take time, and the first step should merely be adding potential trade chips on low-risk deals.

Contention Window

The 2024 White Sox lost more games than any other team in MLB's modern history. Any player who signs with them expecting to win games is either daftly optimistic or is fresh out of one of those underground vaults from the Fallout universe.

The White Sox do have a nice farm system, though. And it isn't far from bearing fruit, as lefty Noah Schultz and shortstop Colson Montgomery could break through as soon as next season.

Quality of Life

There's nothing special about Guaranteed Rate Field, and it's a safe guess that attendance won't be higher in 2025. The only silver lining here is that Chicago isn't a bad place to spend a season. Or at least half of one, anyway.

28. Miami Marlins

Jesús Luzardo Rich Storry/Getty Images

Payroll Situation

For what it's worth, Marlins president of baseball operations Peter Bendix has said that the club will be "very much involved in the free-agent market" this winter.

However, that probably isn't worth much. The Marlins spent all of $5 million in free agency last winter, and it was mere weeks later that they got an early start on rebuilding amid their 100-loss slog. Any shopping they do this winter will be of the bottom-shelf variety.

Contention Window

If there's a reason to believe the Marlins will be better in 2025, it has to do with pitching. Assuming they don't sell low on them, they'll have Sandy Alcantara, Jesús Luzardo and Braxton Garrett back healthy next year.

However, the club's primary goal doesn't figure to be winning games. It figures to be finding ways to keep adding talent to the farm. It's thus conceivable that not one of the aforementioned hurlers could last the full season with Miami.

Quality of Life

Florida is one of two states with MLB teams that does not have income taxes. It's not a bad reason for free agents to consider the Marlins, though the high cost of living in Miami and the perpetually lifeless atmosphere of LoanDepot Park are two actual bad ones.

27. Tampa Bay Rays

Junior Caminero Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Payroll Situation

Back in October, Rays president of baseball operations Erik Neander hinted at the team having financial flexibility for the coming winter. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, they've even asked about Juan Soto.

All the same, the thing to remember about the Rays is that they've historically spent less in free agency than any other American League team. They can feign interest all they want, but free agency just isn't their thing.

Contention Window

A run of five straight playoff berths ended for the Rays this season, but they made it a surprisingly close call. They weren't eliminated until September 25.

In all likelihood, this year will merely prove to be a setback. Even if the Rays trade Brandon Lowe and/or Yandy Díaz this winter, they'll head into 2025 with a healthy Shane McClanahan and Junior Caminero positioned for a big breakout in their lineup.

Quality of Life

Tropicana Field is still nominally the Rays' home stadium, but that is very much up in the air after Hurricane Milton tore its roof off. Heck, even the club's plans for a new stadium may be in jeopardy. But, hey, at least Tampa is affordable and Florida doesn't have state income tax.

26. Colorado Rockies

Kris Bryant Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images

Payroll Situation

Rockies fans shouldn't get too excited about that gap between the club's 2024 payroll and its projection for 2025. It isn't that big, and Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post has reported that the club will be cutting costs next season.

Which is probably just as well, if we're being honest. From Mike Hampton to Ian Desmond to Wade Davis to Kris Bryant, this franchise's record in free agency is atrocious. And it's not like contention is within reach in 2025.

Contention Window

The Rockies have made the playoffs five times in 32 seasons, and they're 2-for-2 in losing 100 games over the last two years. They didn't do so once in their first 30 years.

Ezequiel Tovar is a good-looking shortstop, and righty Chase Dollander and outfielder Charlie Condon are two of the best prospects in all of MLB. Even still, the Rockies are likely two years away from being able to claim to have established a young core.

Quality of Life

Coors Field is a gem that is pretty much always full, and you can take it from yours truly that living on the doorstep to the Rocky Mountains is as good as it gets. However, Denver itself isn't cheap, and working at Coors is basically an occupational hazard for pitchers.

25. St. Louis Cardinals

Nolan Arenado Dustin Bradford/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Payroll Situation

As Katie Woo of The Athletic reported in October, the Cardinals are going to reduce payroll in 2025. How much remains to be seen, but it's worth noting that it's already slated to go way down even with Nolan Arenado (and perhaps others) as yet un-traded.

The writing on the wall is that this is going to be a quiet winter for the Cardinals. Rather than big splashes, the most anyone should expect of them in free agency is a series of low-risk signings on players who could potentially become trade bait.

Contention Window

It's never a pleasant process, but the Cardinals are right to want to pursue a transitionary phase. The club has a single playoff win to show for its last five seasons, and things only seemed to be getting more stale in the run-up to the winter.

Still, I use the term "transitionary phase" with intent. With plenty of young talent between their major league roster and minor league squads, the Cardinals shouldn't be in for a prolonged rebuild.

Quality of Life

Attendance at Busch Stadium is understandably trending in the wrong direction, but there are worse places to call home than St. Louis if financial wellbeing is your thing. There's only one other MLB city that is as affordable relative to Manhattan.

24. Pittsburgh Pirates

Paul Skenes Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

Payroll Situation

Ask him what he thinks, and Pirates GM Ben Cherington will tell you that he believes free agents "will see the potential of this team and how exciting it can be to be a part of this team."

Talk is cheap, however, and so are the Pirates. They've spent less in free agency than any other team since 1991, a span in which they've gone to eight figures for a free agent just eight times.

Contention Window

Cheapness notwithstanding, Cherington does have a point about the Bucs having potential. Despite their eventual last-place finish, the club was mostly awash in good vibes in 2024 thanks to the arrivals of Jared Jones and especially Paul Skenes.

There's still more pitching awaiting in the farm, so it's not hard to imagine the Pirates making a playoff push in 2025 if the offense is so much as halfway decent. To that end, even a small signing or two would help.

Quality of Life

PNC Park is up there among the best ballparks in MLB, and it's hard to beat Pittsburgh in terms of affordability. It's the more affordable of the two MLB cities in Pennsylvania, and the state's flat tax rate is about as friendly as such things come.

23. Cincinnati Reds

Terry Francona Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Payroll Situation

That's a nice bit of payroll space, and let's not forget that that the Reds can sell prospective free agents on the opportunity to play for a future Hall of Fame manager in the newly hired Terry Francona.

Yet as Gordon Wittenmeyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer reported, the Reds are bracing for a broadcast revenue cut, and they don't yet know how it will impact their payroll for 2025. Chances are it'll be another slow winter for a team that tends to sit out free agency anyway.

Contention Window

The Reds had a merely OK season this year, but they finished over .500 in 2023. The sheer wealth of young talent on their roster is not to be disregarded, either.

Elly De La Cruz is but one member of a youthful, dynamic offense, and Hunter Greene is merely the best of a strong foursome of 20-something starters. It's thus possible to see these Reds as only needing one veteran (a la Iván Rodríguez on the 2003 Marlins) to take off.

Quality of Life

Pitchers should beware intentionally signing up to play at GABP, but it's undeniably a happy place for those who slug for a living. And affordability-wise, Cincinnati is nearly as favorable as that other Ohio city with an MLB team.

22. Minnesota Twins

Carlos Correa (L) and Byron Buxton (R) Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images

Payroll Situation

The Twins cut their Opening Day payroll by close to $27 million from 2023 to 2024. And as Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reported in October, the club is likely to keep its payroll in the $130 million range in 2025.

If so, cuts may be more likely than additions in free agency. Christian Vázquez and Chris Paddack would seem to be the most likely goners via the trade market, as their combined 2025 salaries amount to $17.5 million.

Contention Window

The Twins are on a nice competitive streak, having finished over .500 more often than not over the last decade. While the ultimate result was disappointing, the Twins didn't collapse as a playoff contender until late in the 2024 season.

This is about as far as one can go with optimistic spin, however. The Twins' talent pipeline is in better shape than their farm rank indicates, but they're tapping into it at a time when core stars Carlos Correa and Byron Buxton are having their primes threatened by injuries.

Quality of Life

The only MLB states with higher income taxes than Minnesota are California and New York, plus Washington, D.C. Minneapolis is an affordable place to live, however. And at least during the summer months, Target Field is a great place to play baseball.

21. Milwaukee Brewers

Jackson Chourio John Fisher/Getty Images

Payroll Situation

Relative to what they spent in 2024, the Brewers would have a nice chunk of payroll space right now if Rhys Hoskins hadn't picked up his $18 million player option for next season. Yet he indeed did, potentially putting Milwaukee in a position to either keep payroll as is or cut it.

As such, never mind whether the Brewers can bring back Willy Adames. The real question is whether they'll be able to do much in free agency even if they cut expendable salaries such as Devin Williams and possibly other players as well.

Contention Window

Even if they only go after low-level targets, the best pitch the Brewers can make to free agents is that they always find a way. They have been to the playoffs six times in the last seven seasons.

That has a lot to do with the club's ability to both cultivate and refine talent. To the first end, the farm system is seemingly always in good shape. To the latter, Tobias Myers can vouch that the Brewers have a sort of magic wand with other teams' cast-offs.

Quality of Life

The Brewers aren't a big draw, necessarily, but they've consistently drawn between 2 and 3 million people to American Family Field annually for the last 20 years. Otherwise, Milwaukee is about as affordable as you'd expect considering that it's the smallest market in MLB.

20. Kansas City Royals

Matt Quatraro (L) and Bobby Witt Jr. (R) Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images

Payroll Situation

The Royals were one of the most aggressive teams in free agency last winter, ultimately spending a little over $110 million on new additions. Those moves paid off, especially regarding righties Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha.

Which Wacha back on board with a three-year, $51 million deal, the Royals are already projected to go beyond what they spent in 2024. It would therefore be hard to imagine a second straight offseason splurge even if the club wasn't in local broadcast limbo.

Contention Window

With a 30-win swing from 2023 to 2024, the Royals were undeniably the most pleasant surprise in baseball this year. They prevented runs with the best of 'em, and Bobby Witt Jr. only further established himself as one of MLB's brightest superstars.

The question now is if the Royals can keep this up. The pitching should be there again, but they badly need offensive support for Witt. It's not clear how they're going to find it either within or from outside the organization.

Quality of Life

Though Kauffman Stadium is 51 years old, it remains one of the more aesthetically pleasing parks in MLB's inventory. The catch for free-agent hitters is that it's a terrible place to hit home runs, but at least living in Kansas City isn't a drain on the ol' pocketbook.

19. Cleveland Guardians

Steven Kwan (L) and Stephen Vogt (R) Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images

Payroll Situation

Guardians fans know the drill. Their team has barely spent more than the Reds in free agency over the last three decades, and never more than $60 million on a single player.

Still, a surprise signing or two can't be fully ruled out. The club's payroll has gone as high as $134.9 million in the past, and going to the American League Championship Series is good for a revenue boost.

Contention Window

The Guardians almost certainly overachieved this season, winning games in spite of one of the worst starting rotations in MLB. That problem is short on obvious in-house solutions.

The Guardians nonetheless deserve their reputation for having one of the best front offices in the majors. That doesn't mean much for their budget, but any player who signs with them can be confident that he'll get to play for a winner.

Quality of Life

It's a tie between Cleveland and St. Louis as the most affordable MLB city, yet Ohio has lower taxes than Missouri. Otherwise, attendance is on an upward swing at Progressive Field, which is still a fine place for baseball.

18. Seattle Mariners

Edgar Martinez (L) and Jerry Dipoto (R) Ben VanHouten/Seattle Mariners/Getty Images

Payroll Situation

Ryan Divish and Adam Jude of the Seattle Times reported in October that the Mariners will increase payroll in 2025. However, they added that a major free-agent splash was unlikely.

It's now that much easier to see why, as the Mariners are already projected to surpass this year's payroll in 2025. They might even have to subtract before they can add, in which case moving Luis Castillo and his $24.2 million salary would give them the most leeway.

Contention Window

The Mariners have only made the playoffs once since 2002, and it's hard to see this season as anything other than yet another letdown. The Mariners had a World Series-caliber pitching staff, but they just couldn't hit.

There is nonetheless ample room for optimism. The Mariners arguably have the most talented roster in the AL West right now. And with both the Astros and Rangers facing varying degrees of uncertainty, sustained supremacy may be there for Seattle's taking.

Quality of Life

Seattle isn't cheap, but the state of Washington only has a capital gains tax. And while T-Mobile Park is a rough place for hitters that has generally aged out of being special, Mariners fans are among the most passionate you're going to find.

17. Houston Astros

Joe Espada (L) and Dana Brown (R) Alex Bierens de Haan/MLB Photos via Getty Images

Payroll Situation

Regarding the club's 2025 payroll, Astros GM Dana Brown spoke in October of possibly having to get "a little bit creative."

Houston is projected for a tax payroll of $233.7 million, putting it $7.3 million shy of the first threshold for next season. After apparently going over the tax this year, you have to wonder if owner Jim Crane will do so again. The penalties are harsher for repeat offenders, after all.

Contention Window

The Astros have made the playoffs in each of the last seven years and in eight of the last nine. Even though they got swept by the Tigers in the Wild Card Series, they were the better team in that series and arguably the best team in the whole AL field.

The dynasty is starting to crumble, however. Whereas 100 wins used to be Houston's baseline, it's been more like 90 in the last two seasons. Alex Bregman could leave as a free agent this winter, while Kyle Tucker and Framber Valdez are set to get their turn after 2025.

Quality of Life

Minute Maid Park is hardly flawless, but it's always packed. The Astros have ranked second in the AL in attendance in each of the last four seasons. Houston is more affordable than the other MLB city in Texas, which is one of only two MLB states with no income taxes.

16. Los Angeles Angels

Mike Trout Brandon Sloter/Getty Images

Payroll Situation

Angels owner Arte Moreno said in October that he planned to increase the club's payroll in 2025, and he's already put his money where his mouth is. A trade for Jorge Soler and deals with Kyle Hendricks and Travis d'Arnaud have added $24.5 million to next year's payroll.

At their peak, the Angels opened last year with a $212.2 million payroll. Moreno didn't necessarily promise that he'll spend that much, but he may have to if he's serious about wanting to compete next year.

Contention Window

Look, there's no sugarcoating how bad things were for the Angels this year. They set a club record for losses, and their two most expensive players (Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon) combined to play in only 86 games.

It's also hard to be overly confident about the Angels' chances of returning to the playoffs in 2025. Shortstop Zach Neto is the only member of their core who inspires any real optimism, and he just had surgery on his throwing shoulder.

Quality of Life

You have to hand it to Angels fans for turning up, but there's nothing special about Angel Stadium, and attendance was down in 2024. While the cost-of-living figure here is technically for Orange County, we aren't talking about an affordable area either way.

15. Baltimore Orioles

David Rubenstein Greg Fiume/Getty Images

Payroll Situation

Regarding the Orioles' payroll outlook for 2025, this quote from general manager Mike Elias sends mixed messages:

The between-the-lines read is that the Orioles won't do anything too big on the open market, which would be both a shame and understandable.

Though David Rubenstein is wealthier than the previous owners of the Orioles, free-agent deals wouldn't necessarily be the best way for the club to leverage his wealth. What they really need are extensions for core stars like Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson.

Contention Window

The Orioles made the playoffs for a second year in a row, and their 10-win decline from 2023 to 2024 shouldn't obscure the best thing they have going for them: arguably the top core of hitters of any American League team.

The pitching is in a less-than-great state, however, and the farm system is not what it was even as recently as a few months ago. As such, there can't be a scenario in which the O's don't add veteran talent this winter.

Quality of Life

Baltimore is one of the more affordable cities among those that host MLB teams. And while OPACY is 32 years old, it's still a gem that just had its best year of attendance in a decade. It's best avoided if you're a right-handed hitter, though.

14. Washington Nationals

Dave Martinez (L) and Dylan Crews (R) Scott Taetsch/Getty Images

Payroll Situation

The Nationals have gone as high as $197 million with their payroll in the past, so it's not a question of whether this team is able to spend. It's one of whether it's ready and willing. Comments that GM Mike Rizzo made in September are encouraging in this respect.

"I think we need to improve ourselves in any avenue we can," he said. "Free agency will certainly be one of the avenues that we'll attack to improve."

Contention Window

Though the Nationals had a zero-win improvement from 2023 to 2024, this year made it clearer than ever that they're headed in the right direction. The right young players established themselves, including All-Star shortstop CJ Abrams and outfielder James Wood.

There's more where that came from, as 2025 will be a chance for Dylan Crews, Brady House and Cade Cavalli to make their presence felt. If they do so alongside some shiny new free-agent additions, it could be a return-to-form type of season for the Nats.

Quality of Life

Though players don't necessarily need to live there, nobody ever accepts a job in Washington, D.C., because of affordability. While it would be nice to say nice things about Nationals Park, the only word to adequately describe it is "nondescript."

13. Detroit Tigers

Tarik Skubal Jason Miller/Getty Images

Payroll Situation

After so much frustration, the Tigers finally put their years-long rebuild to rest by getting back to the playoffs for the first time since 2014. A return to payrolls near $200 million may not happen overnight, but they're understandably signaling it's time to spend again.

"If there's a talented player we have conviction on that fits how we play and fits our clubhouse, and he costs money, we're going to pursue him aggressively," Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris said in October.

Contention Window

Only at the end of 2024 did the Tigers become a good team, but they made it count. They went 31-13 to finish the regular season and then came within a win of going to the American League Championship Series.

Rather than a one-off, this should merely prove to be this team's first step out of the shadows. More young talent is coming to join Tarik Skubal and Riley Greene, including right-hander Jackson Jobe and outfielder Max Clark.

Quality of Life

The obligatory word of warning about Comerica Park is that it's no country for sluggers, but at least fans began to turn up again this year. And among MLB states with a flat income tax rate, only Arizona (2.5 percent) is friendlier than Michigan.

12. Arizona Diamondbacks

Zac Gallen Norm Hall/Getty Images

Payroll Situation

"Are we going to be in a position to financially compete yet again next year?" Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick said in October. "I think the answer is, basically, yes we are."

This could be taken as a hint that the club's record-setting payroll from this year won't be a one-off. If so, Arizona has enough breathing room for at least one splashy signing. Even bringing back Christian Walker would suffice.

Contention Window

With the exception of shortstop Jordan Lawlar, the Diamondbacks' farm system has pretty much run dry. Further, the 2025 season will be the last before free agency for co-aces Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly.

It's a good thing that this team is otherwise well-equipped to win now. Many of the pieces that were there in 2023 are still in place, and they only missed out on a chance to defend their NL pennant in the playoffs by virtue of tiebreaking protocols.

Quality of Life

Chase Field is beginning to show its age, but fans still showed up and granted the team the biggest attendance boost of any franchise from 2023 to 2024. While the Phoenix area isn't cheap, state income taxes don't go much lower than Arizona's.

11. San Diego Padres

Mike Shildt Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images

Payroll Situation

The Padres lopped more than $90 million off their payroll between 2023 and 2024, and the word from Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune is that the club has yet to set a number for the 2025 season.

The question may be whether the Padres are willing to exceed the luxury tax after dodging penalties this season. If so, they're already there with a projected tax payroll of $244 million. If not, then various parts figure to be on the cutting block before they can add.

Contention Window

The Padres' payroll situation is opaque, but they're clearly well-equipped to win. They've been to the playoffs in three of the last five seasons, and they were probably the best team that the Dodgers beat during their World Series run.

With that said, the Padres' farm system is weak, and free agency has opened notable holes on their roster. They could sure use Ha-Seong Kim and Jurickson Profar back at shortstop and left field, respectively, as well as Tanner Scott back in the bullpen.

Quality of Life

San Diego and California at large are not what you would call "inexpensive," but it's hard to top the area as far as sheer pleasantness goes. Petco Park is a gem in its own right, and Padres fans are keeping attendance going nowhere but up.

10. Philadelphia Phillies

Trea Turner (L) and Bryce Harper (R) Heather Barry/Getty Images

Payroll Situation

Per Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Phillies owner John Middleton expects payroll to be "high rather than lower" in 2025. It sounds good at first, but then you notice that the club's payroll is already projected to surpass its 2024 threshold by a substantial margin.

This doesn't necessarily portend a quiet offseason, mind you. According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski wants an outfielder and right-handed relief help and is "open-minded" on ways to get what he wants.

Contention Window

The Phillies have experienced diminished returns in the playoffs since making it to the World Series in 2022, yet their regular-season returns have actually improved over that span. There's little reason to think that trend can't continue in 2025.

All of the club's core stars are slated to be back, and there's a real chance that an already elite pitching staff gets even better. After missing all of 2023 and 2024 recovering from Tommy John surgery, top prospect Andrew Painter looked terrific in the Arizona Fall League.

Quality of Life

There are few, if any, MLB stadiums that can match the sheer energy of Citizens Bank Park. That ought to appeal to prospective free-agent signees, and the same should go for the affordability of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania's flat tax rate.

9. Toronto Blue Jays

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (L) and Bo Bichette (R) Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images

Payroll Situation

Here's how Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro summed up the club's payroll outlook for 2025 in October: "I don't see it being dramatically different next year."

If so, the Jays figure to run a $200-plus million payroll for a third year in a row. And if they're serious about signing Juan Soto, as Heyman reports they are, even the luxury tax may not scare them off of a big winter.

Contention Window

It hasn't closed all the way yet, but Toronto's contention window is not as open as it used to be. Its returns have diminished in each of the last two seasons, and both Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette are only under team control through 2025.

However, the Blue Jays are too talented to blow it up, and it doesn't take much imagination to think they could be good next year. A healthy Bichette and more of what Bowden Francis gave them on the mound in August and September would go a long way.

Quality of Life

The Rogers Centre is on the older side at this point, but the Blue Jays have done well to give it modern upgrades. And while NerdWallet doesn't have a cost-of-living option for Toronto, it is generally more affordable than New York, and players are only taxed for the income they earn while they're physically in Canada.

8. San Francisco Giants

Buster Posey Andy Kuno/San Francisco Giants/Getty Images

Payroll Situation

Don't get too excited about the gap depicted above. According to Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic, the Giants' payroll is "expected to step back" for the first year with president of baseball operations Buster Posey at the helm.

Still, the Giants could add $30 or even $40 million in new salaries and still pull that off. That is hardly a low budget, and it's certainly enough for the shortstop (e.g., Willy Adames) whom Posey wants to add.

Contention Window

Their 107-win season in 2021 notwithstanding, the Giants have been struggling with mediocrity for the better part of the last decade. Based on what they have both in the majors and in the minors, they don't have a clear path to better things in 2025.

However, let's grant that the appearance of winning credibility is there. Posey was a three-time World Series champion as a player, and few active managers command more respect than Bob Melvin.

Quality of Life

Oracle Park is famously unappealing to hitters, just as San Francisco is famously an extremely expensive place to live. Yet while no major city is without its problems, WalletHub ranks San Francisco as the happiest of the cities that host an MLB team.

7. Chicago Cubs

Cody Bellinger Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images

Payroll Situation

With Cody Bellinger having opted back in for 2025, the Cubs' projected tax payroll sits a little under $194 million. That gives them room to add about $47 million in average annual value before triggering the lowest tax threshold for next year.

As for whether they could go even further, it's probably best not to count on it. Cubs owner Tom Rickett's perspective is that the team must be "careful" and "thoughtful" about the penalties associated with going over tax thresholds.

Contention Window

The Cubs have spent the last four seasons trying to break through as the powers that be in the NL Central, and it just hasn't happened for them yet. It's largely a story of shifting strengths, as they've either had offense but no pitching or pitching but no offense.

The Cubs are loaded with young talent, and their best prospects are all either MLB-ready or near-MLB-ready. That's reason enough to hope the rising tide they've been waiting on will finally come in 2025.

Quality of Life

Wrigley Field is a classic ballpark that has been made more modern through renovations, and Cubs fans tend to keep the team in the top third of the NL for attendance. And despite being the third-most populous city in America, Chicago remains relatively affordable.

6. Texas Rangers

Jacob deGrom Alika Jenner/Getty Images

Payroll Situation

The Rangers don't quite have an unlimited budget for the offseason. Per Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News, the club wants to come in under the $241 million luxury tax threshold for next season.

Yet, with a current tax projection of $191.1 million, the Rangers could add close to $50 million in average annual value to their books for next year and still accomplish that goal. That's a decent-size chunk of change to fill out their starting rotation, among other things.

Contention Window

It was a rough year for the Rangers, and missing because of free agency are Max Scherzer, Nathan Eovaldi, Andrew Heaney, Kirby Yates and David Robertson. How the Rangers fill those holes is going to matter a ton, vis-à-vis their contention chances in 2025.

On the plus side, many of the same pieces that led the Rangers to the World Series in 2023 are still in place. And that team didn't even have a healthy Jacob deGrom or fully formed versions of Evan Carter and Wyatt Langford. All three will be in play for 2025.

Quality of Life

Globe Life Field isn't much of a stadium, but the Rangers can at least boast about it being the newest stadium on the MLB block. Even if the Dallas area isn't quite as affordable as Houston, there's no arguing that players' dollars go further in Texas than they do elsewhere.

5. Boston Red Sox

Alex Cora Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images

Payroll Situation

The Red Sox can add $70 million in average annual value to their 2025 books and still be a little short of the first luxury tax threshold. According to Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe, the team is sending a message that it is "committed to adding high-end talent."

The Red Sox haven't cracked the top 10 of MLB for payroll in the last two seasons, in part because of owner John Henry's reluctance to do big free-agent deals. But given ESPN's Jeff Passan reporting that Boston really wants Juan Soto, perhaps that will change.

Contention Window

The Red Sox can take heart that they finished 10th in WAR despite only having the 18th-best record in MLB. Further, in that deep farm system are four hitters (Roman Anthony, Marcelo Mayer, Kristian Campbell, Kyle Teel) who could make an impact next year.

These things alone should have the Red Sox thinking it's time to make a move. If Orioles are quiet and the Yankees can't retain Soto—regardless of whether they lose him to Boston—they'll have even more of a window to make a play for AL East superiority.

Quality of Life

Boston is certainly an expensive city. A player would have to sign for less than $1 million to be taxed at only 5.0 percent. On the plus side, Fenway Park is one of the crown jewels of the baseball world, and Boston fans always keep it packed.

4. Atlanta Braves

Alex Anthopoulos Matthew Grimes Jr./Atlanta Braves/Getty Images

Payroll Situation

The Braves have freed up about $20 million in salaries toward 2025, and president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos summed up next steps like so: "We just want to get better."

The question either way is how far up the luxury tax ladder the Braves are willing to go. Their tax payroll for next season currently sits just short of $228 million, putting them just $13 million below the first threshold and $73 million shy of the highest threshold.

Contention Window

This year simply didn't go as the Braves hoped. Season-ending injuries to Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider didn't help. They won't be ready for the start of the 2025 season, either.

There's nonetheless little doubt that Atlanta is going to be among the most talented teams in baseball next season. Any free agent who joins up with them will be catching a ride with the third-winningest team in MLB dating back to 2018.

Quality of Life

Only one MLB stadium in use today is newer than Truist Park. This year saw it attract over 3 million fans for a third year in a row. And whether we're talking cost of living or taxes, money goes further in Atlanta than in most MLB cities.

3. New York Yankees

Juan Soto (L) and Aaron Judge (R) New York Yankees/Getty Images

Payroll Situation

The Yankees ran a $300 million payroll this year, but owner Hal Steinbrenner didn't like it. He spoke in May about such spending being both unsustainable and unnecessary for the club's annual goal "to win a championship."

It is frustrating that the owner of the most valuable franchise in MLB has this mindset, but one can only get so hot and/or bothered about it. It'll be an upset if the Yankees don't spend big this winter, whether it's on Juan Soto or on guys who can replace him in the aggregate.

Contention Window

That the Yankees made it to the World Series for the first time since 2009 is the good news. We should be able to agree that they were overdue, as only the Dodgers have won more games than they have over the last 15 seasons.

As for the bad news, core stars like Aaron Judge (32), Gerrit Cole (34) and Giancarlo Stanton (35) are all aging, and the farm system is just plain in bad shape. You get the sense that some sort of pivot awaits the Yankees in the not-too-distant future.

Quality of Life

NerdWallet doesn't have an option for the Bronx, but it's a place to find cheaper rent to help offset New York's high income taxes. Even if Yankee Stadium arguably isn't the best ballpark just in New York, nobody can ever accuse Yankee fans of not showing up.

2. Los Angeles Dodgers

Mookie Betts (L) and Dave Roberts (R) Sarah Stier/Getty Images

Payroll Situation

The Dodgers famously spent over $1 billion in free agency last winter. Given how well it worked—hint: World Series champions—there ought to be every expectation that they'll go back to the proverbial well this winter.

The magic number is $301 million, which is where you can find the third rail for the 2025 luxury tax. There is only about $30 million between there and the Dodgers' projected tax payroll for next year, yet that may only be the baseline for what they'll spend this winter.

Contention Window

The Dodgers have won the NL West 11 times since 2013, and they're now 2-2 in the World Series in this same span. Like the Death Star in Star Wars, they are the ultimate power in the MLB universe.

This empire is not on its last legs, either. The Dodgers' pipeline of young talent is always flowing, and Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman will be around for the foreseeable future.

Quality of Life

Los Angeles is not a cheap place to live, and there are those darn California taxes again. However, there is nothing bad to say about Dodger Stadium. It's also the hottest ticket in MLB, routinely drawing close to 4 million fans per year.

1. New York Mets

Francisco Lindor (L) and Steve Cohen (R) Elsa/Getty Images

Payroll Situation

I'll just go ahead and save anyone from having to do the math. The Mets would have to add $174 million to their projected 2025 payroll to match what they spent in 2024.

This doesn't take the "Steve Cohen tax" into account, but the Mets' owner has demonstrated that he isn't scared of its associated penalties. Assuming that remains the case, one can imagine the Mets putting even the Dodgers' $1.2 billion spree from last winter to shame.

Contention Window

Two years after winning 101 games, the Mets shook off a slow start to 2024 to win an MLB-high 61 games after Grimace honored Citi Field with a first pitch on June 12. Even though they didn't make it to the World Series, they were arguably New York's best team this year.

Pete Alonso, Sean Manaea, Luis Severino, José Quintana are free agents, but there's no reason they can't be re-signed or replaced. And while the Mets' farm system took its lumps this year, it has rebound potential for 2025 if Jett Williams and Ronny Mauricio are healthy.

Quality of Life

Queens is technically more affordable than Manhattan, but New York generally isn't cheap, and New Jersey isn't much of a tax shelter. It's a good thing, then, that Citi Field is a beaut that likely hasn't tapped its full attendance potential.

   

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