New York Post

HEADS OF THE CLASS

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The Post predicts who the 10 biggest contracts next offseason will go to:

1 Juan Soto, Yankees: He already reportedly turned down a $440 million extension from the Nationals. The generation­al lefty slugger will hit the open market at just 26 and could top $500 million.

2 Corbin Burnes,

Orioles: About as reliable as any ace the past few seasons, the former Brewers star holds a 2.86 ERA in 105 games since 2020. The righty will turn 30 in October and has not yet broken down like so many of his contempora­ries.

3 Max Fried, Braves:

The lefty is a year older than Burnes and coming off an injuryfill­ed season — though one that included a forearm strain, blister and hamstring strain and not elbow or shoulder issues. Otherwise, Fried has been typically dependable and typically dominant, holding a 2.66 ERA in 83 games since 2020.

4 Alex Bregman,

Astros: The Yankees and Mets could have third-base openings, which would make for a fascinatin­g dynamic considerin­g Bregman’s presence on the signsteali­ng Astros. This will be Bregman’s age-30 season, and while he hasn’t matched his 2018 and ’19 dominance, he has earned MVP votes the past two years.

5 Pete Alonso,

Mets: The Mets have not locked up the face of their franchise and the most prodigious slugger in baseball since he broke into the league. Alonso, 30 in December, could be hurt by a deep market at his position and overall concerns about aging first basemen.

6 Cody Bellinger, Cubs:

We’re guessing the first baseman/center fielder opts out of his contract after not finding the long-term offer he sought this offseason. If Bellinger repeats his excellent 2023 (.881 OPS), he would be happier next offseason.

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