Shopping at the high end of the Major League Baseball (MLB) free-agent market can be likened to purchasing an expensive box of chocolates, where the $1 million price tag comes with an element of uncertainty regarding the outcome. This article examines ten free agents who possess equal potential to excel or falter in their next contracts. These players, as noted by various sources including Moneyline's Tim Kelly, are expected to pen multiyear deals that guarantee annual payouts of eight figures. Although these athletes have earned the opportunity for lucrative contracts, they come with their own set of uncertainties and questions.

The absence of other notable players in the discussion is also worthy of mention. Stars such as Juan Soto, Willy Adames, Alex Bregman, Max Fried, and Blake Snell are likely to command significant financial commitments while appearing relatively secure in the eyes of teams. Herein, we will explore each player in ascending order according to projected contracts provided by Kelly.

Nick Pivetta, a 31-year-old right-handed pitcher, posted a record of 26 games started (GS) with 145.2 innings pitched (IP) in 2024, yielding a 4.14 earned run average (ERA). Though Kelly has expressed skepticism about Pivetta’s prospects, insights from FanGraphs and ESPN's Jeff Passan suggest that a three-year deal may be forthcoming. Notably, Pivetta's career illustrates tension between talent and performance; his average of 10.0 strikeouts per nine innings hints at potential, yet he consistently allows home runs at an alarming rate.

Gleyber Torres, 27, is positioned as a potential free-agent beneficiary of a change of scenery. With 154 games played and a .257 batting average alongside 15 home runs in 2024, he has shown glimpses of his earlier All-Star prowess. While projections for Torres range widely, his relative youth and past performance suggest he could be a valuable asset. However, a decline in power metrics raises questions about his long-term efficacy at the plate.

Tyler O'Neill, 29, presents another intriguing option for power-seeking teams, established through his 31 home runs in 2024. His strong slugging numbers are tempered by frequent injuries and inconsistency throughout his career. Additionally, his ability to remain a reliable defender has waned, suggesting caution for suitors looking for everyday contributions.

Jurickson Profar, at 31, is poised for a notable remuneration increase from the $1 million contract he signed in the previous winter. His 2024 season was characterized by marked improvements in exit velocity and hard-hit rates. However, concerns linger about whether his 2024 performance was an outlier rather than a new trend, raising the stakes for any prospective agreements.

Luis Severino, age 30, highlights the potential upside of pitchers reinventing themselves in new environments. Transformations in pitch selection have led to improved performance metrics, but skepticism remains about his long-term durability and effectiveness against left-handed hitters.

Nathan Eovaldi, 34, continues to hold credence as a reliable rotation anchor, underscored by his proven postseason success over multiple seasons. However, his past health issues, including two Tommy John surgeries, present a significant gamble for potential suitors.

Jack Flaherty, 29, is another player on the radar, demonstrating a strong return to form in 2024. Yet, the prospect of regression raises concerns, particularly as he begins to encounter more frequent health issues that have plagued his recent performances.

Anthony Santander, 30, emerges as a power source, as evidenced by his remarkable offensive output in 2024. However, disparities between expected and actual home run numbers add an element of risk to signing him.

Finally, Pete Alonso, 29, stands out as a powerhouse with a remarkable home run record, drawing attention as soon as he hits free agency. Despite career-low statistics from the previous season, Alonso's historical production warrants significant consideration for any franchise in need of offensive help.

Corbin Burnes, at 30 years of age, is likely to lead the free-agent class, appealing to teams in search of top-tier pitching talent. Although his strikeout rate saw a dip in 2024, he remains capable of securing a lucrative deal based on his strong historical performance.