The Rise of the Rental Player: Top MLB Star’s Ditch Long-Term Deal for Short-Term Paydays – What’s Behind the Sudden Shift?

Spring training is rapidly approaching and several top free agents remain on the market. Their approach to the offseason may be changing.

First baseman Pete Alonso signaled a willingness to return to the Mets on a short-term contract. While this contract is reportedly only available for the Mets, it signals a shift in Alonso’s offseason strategy.

He is not the only highly ranked free agent eyeing a short-term deal. According to Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic, outfielder Anthony Santander and pitcher Jack Flaherty are reportedly considering short-term contracts with a higher average annual value.

Such a deal could make sense. A one-year deal, or a multi-year contract with opt-outs, would allow either player to return to the market with a strong showing in 2025. Interested teams, meanwhile, would not be stuck with a large contract should either player struggle.

Santander’s willingness to accept a short-term contract is a bit of a surprise. He reportedly received a contract offer from the Blue Jays at the beginning of the month. While details of that offer remain unknown, Santander had reportedly been looking for a five-year deal worth at least $100 million.

Santander is the best pure power hitter on the market. He produced a .235/.308/.506 batting line in his 655 plate appearances, hitting 44 homers and 25 doubles. There are some concerns with the switch-hitting outfielder given his walk rate and defensive limitations, but his powerful bat can change any lineup.

Flaherty’s slower developing market makes sense. After battling injuries and ineffectiveness from 2021 through 2023, he put together an impressive rebound campaign in 2024. Flaherty posted a 3.17 ERA and a 1.068 WHiP in his 162 innings between the Tigers and Dodgers, striking out 194 batters with 38 walks. Teams may want Flaherty to prove that he is back to form before committing to a long-term deal.

Flaherty and Santander could make a difference for any team in the majors. A short-term deal at the right price might be enough to bring them on board.