MLB Commerce Rumors is proud to current our twentieth — sure, twentieth — annual High 50 Free Brokers record! These are the highest 50 MLB free brokers by our estimation of their incomes energy. To view the complete 2025-26 free agent record, click on right here. For extra sturdy free agent sorting and filtering, subscribers take pleasure in our sturdy MLB Contract Tracker instrument. Change “Contract Standing” to unsigned to view free brokers.
Our annual record is a collaborative effort produced over the course of a couple of month of debates amongst our workforce and, in sure circumstances (primarily international gamers who’ve but to face main league pitching), enter from main league scouts and trade sources we’ve cultivated through the years. The record is the end result of hours upon hours of debate between Steve Adams, Tim Dierkes, Anthony Franco, and Darragh McDonald.
Normal process for this record is for the 4 of us to agree on a consensus contract prediction for the gamers concerned, although there are apparent disagreements alongside the best way and never all of us are in full settlement on the ultimate numbers put forth.
We’ve every made a person slate of workforce picks as effectively, that are mirrored instantly following every participant’s contract prediction. In just a few circumstances, there’s consensus and even unanimity, however these picks are for essentially the most half made independently and with out consulting each other.
Should you’d prefer to roast Tim and/or Steve about our contract projections or workforce picks, we’ll be doing a reside chat at 9am central time on Friday at this hyperlink.
Followers of many golf equipment may be rankled by the truth that their workforce seems underrepresented on this record. That’s inevitable however can also be not a mirrored image that we count on that workforce to be inactive within the offseason and even in free company. Every participant write-up lists a number of groups we view as believable suits. We are able to every solely decide one, and naturally, that’s going to go away some golf equipment — notably rebuilding groups, lower-payroll golf equipment and groups that typically don’t act aggressively in free company — with out many free brokers predicted to signal there.
It needs to be emphasised that there are dozens of free brokers who will command main league contracts past these 50. There’s additionally a broad array of commerce candidates. Should you missed our latest record of the 2025-26 Offseason’s High 40 Commerce Candidates, we revealed that the morning after the World Collection concluded and encourage all readers to have a look. The commerce market is an equally and in some circumstances much more viable path to augmenting a workforce’s roster.
Making workforce picks is a part of the enjoyable, which is why we maintain a free agent prediction contest yearly! This yr’s contest is at the moment open and closes Thursday, November thirteenth at 11pm central time. Click on right here to enter! You possibly can change your picks up till the deadline. Remember that any participant who indicators previous to the deadline will probably be excluded from the outcomes.
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It’s price noting the present labor relations local weather between MLB and the gamers’ union. An offseason lockout by the house owners after the 2026 season is all however assured, which is able to put a freeze on transactions for an undetermined time frame. It’s potential some gamers will eschew two-year offers with an opt-out as a means of avoiding a fractured return to free company. House owners are anticipated to push for a wage cap, which can trigger the lockout to bleed into the 2027 season. The specter of potential misplaced income in ’27 might trigger some groups to train warning this winter.
1. Kyle Tucker, RF: 11 years, $400MM
Tim Dierkes’ prediction: Dodgers / Anthony Franco’s prediction: Yankees / Darragh McDonald’s prediction: Phillies / Steve Adams’ prediction: Giants
Tucker has been the unquestioned high free agent within the class from the second Vladimir Guerrero Jr. signed an extension with the Blue Jays. A former fifth total decide and high prospect, Tucker has been an impression hitter because the Astros introduced him up for good as a part of their September call-ups in 2019. He performed his solution to down-ballot MVP votes by his second full huge league season, the most recent homegrown star to drive Houston’s run of seven consecutive journeys to the American League Championship Collection.
Tucker hit 29 or 30 dwelling runs in every season from 2021-23. He drove in additional than 100 runs in two of these years, together with an AL-leading 112 RBI in 2023. Tucker systematically improved his plate self-discipline alongside the best way, drawing extra walks whereas chopping his strikeouts. He was reliably price round 5 wins above alternative yearly and earned a top-five MVP end in 2023.
That was persistently wonderful manufacturing, however Tucker was a tier beneath the likes of Aaron Decide, Juan Soto and Shohei Ohtani among the many sport’s elite hitters. It appeared he would possibly vault himself into that rarefied air when he started the 2024 season with a monster .266/.395/.584 batting line with 19 dwelling runs via his first 60 video games. Then Tucker fouled a ball off his proper leg in early June and landed on the injured record.
The Astros, notoriously cagey with harm updates, referred to as it a shin contusion and steered Tucker could be again inside a matter of weeks. He wound up lacking three months and mentioned in early September that he’d really suffered a fracture. Tucker got here again no worse for put on, hitting .365/.453/.587 within the season’s ultimate few weeks. He completed the ’24 marketing campaign with a career-best .289/.408/.585 slash. He hit 23 homers and walked extra usually than he struck out. On a price foundation, he’d put himself alongside Soto and Ohtani as the very best non-Decide hitters. The query was whether or not he’d repeat these heights over a full season.
That will not be answered in Houston. The Astros have been by no means going to pay the form of cash it’d take to signal Tucker to an extension. Slightly than play out his ultimate arbitration yr and lose him for a compensatory draft decide, the Astros traded him to the Cubs for 3 gamers. Whereas Tucker’s first and doubtlessly solely season in Chicago was undoubtedly productive total, it got here with extra peaks and valleys than the workforce anticipated.
Tucker started the season on a tear. He hit .283/.391/.520 with 12 homers via the top of Could. On June 1, he jammed his proper hand whereas diving into second base on a steal try. The Cubs mentioned that x-rays got here again damaging, and he continued to play. Tucker had his finest month of the season, batting .311/.404/.578 in June. Then got here an out-of-nowhere stoop during which his energy evaporated. He hit .189/.325/.235 with one homer in 38 video games from the beginning of July via the center of August. Supervisor Craig Counsell sat him down for a three-game psychological reset.
ESPN’s Jesse Rogers reported in late August that Tucker had really suffered a small fracture between the ring finger and pinky on that stolen base try. Whereas preliminary x-rays had come again damaging, follow-up testing later within the month revealed the fracture. The Cubs subsequently confirmed the information however mentioned that Tucker was absolutely wholesome by the point of the report in late August. The harm offered one thing of a proof for the stoop, but it surely additionally didn’t completely match the timeline. Tucker had an outstanding 4 weeks proper after the fracture. Did lingering discomfort ultimately sap his energy, or was it merely a foul six-week stretch?
Tucker returned to the lineup after the three-day reset. He hit effectively over the following week and a half, then suffered a left calf pressure. That one required an injured record stint that saved him out till the ultimate weekend of the common season. Tucker returned to hit .259 with one homer and a .375 on-base share in eight postseason video games. He completed the yr with a .266/.377/.464 slash line with 22 homers and 25 steals. He drew 87 walks whereas placing out 88 instances. The season numbers look so much like his 2021-23 manufacturing, however the accidents and underwhelming second half cloud his market a little bit bit.
Early within the yr, it seemed like Tucker might turn into the sport’s fourth $500MM participant. That’s harder to check now, although he ought to comfortably land the largest contract on this yr’s free agent class. They’ll be paying for the bat. Tucker is a former Gold Glove winner in proper discipline, however his pace and defensive metrics have dipped over the previous three seasons. Whereas he needs to be effective in proper for the following few seasons, there’s a good likelihood he’ll transfer to first base or designated hitter sooner or later over a 10-plus yr deal.
He’s coming into his age-29 season. An 11-year deal would take him via age 39, the identical age at which Decide’s nine-year contract concludes. Guerrero, Soto, Xander Bogaerts and Trea Turner all obtained paid via 40. Tucker doesn’t have the up-the-middle defensive profile of Bogaerts or Turner, however he’s clearly a greater hitter. Over the previous 5 seasons, he ranks eleventh amongst certified batters in each OBP and slugging share. He’s prone to stay 35-40% higher than league common on the plate for the following few years.
Whereas Tucker’s camp at Excel Sports activities Administration would possibly begin out with a half billion greenback asking worth, the $400MM milestone is extra reasonable. Guerrero acquired a $35.7MM annual worth on his 14-year extension. The age hole will forestall Tucker from getting a 14-year deal, however he might beat $36MM yearly. An 11-year assure at that time period would put him at $396MM — at which level he might in all probability persuade a workforce to go to $400MM if he cares concerning the spherical quantity. A twelfth yr would virtually definitely push him previous $400MM, whereas he might additionally take intention at turning into the fifth place participant to safe a $40MM annual worth. There needs to be sufficient curiosity for Tucker to get a decade-long dedication, although there’d certainly be loads of groups pleased to discover a shorter time period with opt-outs if he feels he’s not coming off a perfect platform yr.
Tucker acquired and can reject a qualifying supply, so he’ll be connected to draft compensation. That doesn’t matter a lot without cost brokers of this caliber. The Cubs would want to shatter their franchise-record $184MM precedent to maintain him, which appears unlikely. The Yankees, Dodgers, Blue Jays and Phillies all make sense as potential suitors. The Giants, Angels or Mets might be within the combine however would possibly concentrate on beginning pitching, whereas the Rangers appear unlikely to spend at this stage.
2. Bo Bichette, SS: eight years, $208MM
Tim: Blue Jays / Anthony: Blue Jays / Darragh: Blue Jays / Steve: Blue Jays
For years, Bichette’s path to a significant free agent contract seemed simple. He made his main league debut as a 21-year-old in 2019 and hit the bottom working, with a .311/.358/.571 displaying and 11 homers in his first 46 huge league video games. The second-round decide and second-generation star was as constant as they arrive via 2023, hitting a mixed .299/.340/.487 (126 wRC+) with common 25-homer pop, above-average pace and a plus hit instrument.
The 2024 season muddied the waters. Bichette missed time with a pair of calf strains early within the season and didn’t hit in anyway when wholesome. He returned late within the yr, solely to undergo a fractured finger when he was hit by a pitch, ending his season. His 2024 marketing campaign concluded with an terrible .225/.277/.322 slash (70 wRC+) in 81 video games.
Nonetheless, Bichette’s bat not solely bounced again in 2025 — it climbed to its highest ranges since that abbreviated rookie season. Nonetheless simply in his age-27 marketing campaign, he turned in an electrical .311/.357/.483 line that was 34% higher than league common, by measure of wRC+. This yr’s 14.5% strikeout price was the bottom of his profession. His 6.4% stroll price, whereas nonetheless a pair share factors shy of common, was a career-high. Bichette posted a career-low chase price and career-best contact charges each on balls inside the strike zone and pitches off the plate.
Already having fun with a robust yr midseason, Bichette went supernova starting in early July. By measure of wRC+, he was baseball’s second-best hitter from July 6 via Sept. 6, raking at a preposterous .381/.437/.591 tempo with simply an 11% strikeout price and an 8.8% stroll price over a pattern of 238 plate appearances. He seemed to be sprinting towards a mammoth contract — till he fairly actually couldn’t bodily dash anymore.
A sprained PCL in Bichette’s knee ended his common season on Sept. 6. He didn’t seem within the postseason till the World Collection and was clearly hobbled within the Fall Basic — no less than by way of his footspeed. Nonetheless, Bichette’s bat seemed simply effective. It was solely seven video games, however he went 8-for-23 with as many walks as strikeouts (4 apiece) and a titanic three-run homer early within the pivotal Sport 7. In a pattern of 27 plate appearances, he picked up proper the place he left off, hitting .348/.444/.478.
The World Collection was notable not solely as a way of demonstrating Bichette’s relative well being, but additionally his openness to taking part in a brand new place. Bichette’s protection at shortstop has been suspect for years, and his defensive grades bottomed out in 2025 (-12 Defensive Runs Saved, -13 Outs Above Common). Bichette slid to second base in deference to Andres Gimenez and seemed snug there regardless of not having performed the place since his minor league days in 2019.
Wanting forward, it’s potential there are groups that also suppose Bichette can play a satisfactory shortstop for the following yr or two, however his long-term dwelling more and more appears prone to be at second base. That’s not a place that’s usually well-compensated in the marketplace, however Bichette is an All-Star-caliber hitter whose suspect arm energy could be mitigated with a transfer to the opposite facet of the bag. On the very least, one can think about he has the instruments to play a strong second base, and there are many below-average shortstops who turn into above-average and even plus defenders at second base after they make the swap.
Bichette will reject the Blue Jays’ qualifying supply. The Jays will wish to maintain him. The truth that Shane Bieber shockingly exercised his $16MM participant choice offers Toronto a much-needed rotation enhance at a bargain-rate worth. That surprising windfall might make it simpler to justify a large expenditure to retain Bichette, however there will probably be competitors. The Tigers don’t have any set center infield and have voiced a want to place the ball in play extra. The Giants have an apparent want at second base. The Braves might attempt Bichette at quick for a yr or two after which slide him over to second base, relying on Ozzie Albies’ capability to bounce again (or lack thereof). The Angels might use a second base improve and have spent on this vary prior to now. The Dodgers don’t “want” a second baseman with Tommy Edman and Hyeseong Kim each on the roster, however they’ll’t be dominated out on a big-ticket free agent like this.
Bichette is younger sufficient, heading into his age-28 season, and potent sufficient within the batter’s field that it’s simple to think about a workforce making some room to suit him into the combination by making a commerce or two. After Tucker, he’s maybe the very best guess on this yr’s free-agent market to clear $200MM in assured cash.
3. Dylan Stop, SP: seven years, $189MM
Tim: Purple Sox / Anthony: Orioles / Darragh: Purple Sox / Steve: Phillies
Stop would be the most sturdy pitcher in baseball, however in recent times he’s alternated between dominating and disappointing. After a 2.20 ERA, second-place Cy Younger end in 2022, Stop adopted with a 4.58 ERA. He bounced again to a 3.47 ERA/fourth place Cy end in ’24, solely to revert to a 4.55 ERA this yr. You possibly can think about Stop rating a lot greater on this record had these seasons occurred in a distinct order.
Stop had Tommy John surgical procedure after he was drafted out of highschool by the Cubs in 2014, however since reaching the Majors with the White Sox in July 2019 he’s by no means gone on the IL except for just a few days on the COVID record in 2021. In truth, Stop is the one pitcher to make no less than 32 begins in every of the final 5 seasons (although Kevin Gausman has made no less than 31 in every).
Regardless of main MLB in begins since 2021, Stop ranks solely seventh in innings pitched as a result of he doesn’t go deep into video games. He ranked 83rd in baseball this yr (minimal 100 innings) with 5.25 innings per begin. In his good years, no less than, Stop has managed to rank high 40 with 5.7 innings per begin, however nonetheless, he’s one thing of an anti-Framber Valdez on this regard.
Stop had a decrease profile than Eloy Jimenez when the 2 Cubs prospects have been despatched together with two others to the White Sox for lefty Jose Quintana in 2017. The next summer season, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic prophetically wrote, “Sometime, possibly this will probably be referred to as ’The Dylan Stop Commerce.’”
Stop discovered his footing with the White Sox in 2021, happening a 12.4 WAR run over a three-year interval. With two years of management remaining, the rebuilding Sox despatched him to San Diego for a package deal led by three prospects. Stop had a robust 2024 season in San Diego, highlighted by the second no-hitter in Padres historical past.
Stop comes armed with a 97.1 mile per hour common fastball that ranked sixth amongst certified starters this yr. Stop threw essentially the most precious slider in baseball in each 2022 and ’24 (he even wrote a poem about it), and he throws it much more than his fastball nowadays. When batters swing at Stop’s choices, they usually miss – this yr, he was ninety fifth percentile in that regard. Stop’s 29.8 Okay% ranked third amongst certified starters this yr, and he’s persistently ranked high ten within the recreation in strikeout price.
As alluring as Stop’s strikeouts and sturdiness are to GMs, he’s at all times issued too many free passes. Stop walked practically 10% of batters this yr, third-worst amongst certified starters. Neither is he trending in the precise path; Stop walked 11% of batters since June. If Stop has an off-year by way of batting common on balls in play as he did this yr with a .320 mark (maybe considerably as a result of Padres’ protection), the consequence is usually a complete lot of baserunners. Although he’s a flyball pitcher, Stop has typically been in a position to maintain the ball within the yard.
Statcast xERA and SIERA usually present Stop as a sub-3.60 ERA pitcher, but it surely’s troublesome to disregard the disappointing vibes of two 4.50ish seasons within the final three. Stop’s agent, Scott Boras, represented one other excessive strikeout, excessive stroll, five-and-dive sort free agent starter not too long ago in Blake Snell.
Even off a Cy Younger 2023 season that concluded with 22 begins of utter dominance, Snell didn’t discover the $200MM deal he was doubtless searching for the primary time via free company. That led him to a two-year, $62MM deal signed with the Giants in March of 2024. Snell then scuffled out of the gate, solely to go on one other epic run and land a five-year, $182MM take care of the Dodgers (together with deferrals).
Although Stop by no means reached the heights of Snell, he hits free company a couple of yr youthful and with out sturdiness issues. Stop turns 30 in December, and it’s potential some workforce will overlook his ugly ERA and signal him long-term. That’s the place the MLBTR projection is at current. If one thing near $200MM isn’t introduced, Stop and Boras might look to signal a two or three-year take care of opt-outs, earn a big wage in ’26, and re-enter the market sans QO and (hopefully) with a 3.50 or higher ERA. As with all free agent on this record, two years with an opt-out may be lower than perfect given an anticipated lockout through the 2026-27 offseason.
Stop’s market might embrace the Giants, Mets, Blue Jays, Orioles, Purple Sox, Cubs, and Angels, amongst others.
4. Munetaka Murakami, 3B/1B: eight years, $180MM
Tim: Mets / Anthony: Purple Sox / Darragh: Dodgers / Steve: Mets
It’s a good query as as to if Murakami can really deal with third base on the huge league stage, but it surely’s not prone to matter all that a lot. Any workforce that’s bidding on the 25-year-old slugger, who’s being posted by the Yakult Swallows of Japan’s Nippon Skilled Baseball, will probably be bidding on his off-the-charts energy. Murakami has true 80-grade energy (on the 20-80 scale) from the left facet of the plate — the kind of prodigious thunder we’ve seen from lefty sluggers like countryman Shohei Ohtani and fellow free agent Kyle Schwarber. He’s topped 30 homers in 5 of his seven full seasons (NPB seasons are 144 video games lengthy) and would have completed so in 2025 had an indirect harm not shelved him for a pair months to start the season.
Murakami returned on absolute fireplace, belting 22 dwelling runs in solely 224 journeys to the plate. He turned in a .273/.379/.663 batting line, strolling in additional than 14% of his plate appearances and delivering a comical .390 ISO (slugging minus batting common). Highlights of his all-fields energy are enjoyable to look at, each for the completely towering moonshots he can produce and for the blistering line-drive homers like this 117 mph torpedo to proper discipline.
Murakami is a two-time NPB MVP, however each of these MVPs are just a few years outdated now, falling in 2022-23. He hasn’t carried out at fairly that dominant stage since, and issues about his strikeout price have emerged. The 6’1″, 213-pound masher fanned in solely 21% of his plate appearances from ’22-’23, however he’s gone down on strikes in 28.8% of his turns on the plate within the three seasons since (together with 28.6% this season).
The swing-and-miss issues could be a bit lessened if main league scouts felt Murakami might play a strong third base. That doesn’t look like the case. He’s spent the majority of his profession in Japan on the scorching nook, together with a lot of the 2025 season, however publicly accessible scouting studies and main league scouts assessed Murakami for background functions on this record indicated that his future house is as a primary baseman/designated hitter. That ratchets up the strain for his bat to play, however Murakami has dominated NPB in such prodigious trend that there’s likelihood of that.
Murakami’s “worst” season in Japan, by measure of the wRC+ metric, got here in 2019, when he was “solely” 14% higher than common … as a 19-year-old rookie. He’s been no less than 53% higher than common on the plate in each season since, with this yr’s outrageous 210 mark suggesting he was 110% higher than common.
On high of his outrageous energy potential, Murakami has one key benefit over everybody else on this record: age. He’s 25 as of this writing and can flip 26 in February. Age is king on the open market, as we’ve seen with mega-deals for Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Juan Soto and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Murakami isn’t going to succeed in the heights of anybody from that group, however he’s promoting 4 seasons of his 20s and all of his early 30s. An enormous nine-figure deal feels genuinely potential, notably if any groups on the market suppose he can no less than play even a satisfactory third base for a yr or two earlier than sliding throughout the diamond.
There’s apparent danger on this profile. Miguel Sano jumps to thoughts as a pretend third baseman with 80 energy who might by no means make sufficient contact to stay whilst a primary baseman. On the flip facet of the coin, there are eventualities the place Murakami is successfully a lite model of Kyle Schwarber’s ability set — however eight years youthful with extra defensive worth as a reliable first baseman. The vary of outcomes is in all places on Murakami, however the upside right here is tantalizing sufficient that we’re predicting an enormous funding — doubtless one with opt-outs alongside the best way.
There will probably be a large value on high of the contract assured to Murakami himself. The signing membership would owe a posting payment to the Swallows that’s proportional to the scale of the contract: 20% of the deal’s first $25MM, 17.5% of the following $25MM, and 15% of spending thereafter. A $180MM contract would include a posting payment simply shy of $29MM. It’s price noting that the posting payment shouldn’t be a part of a workforce’s aggressive steadiness tax calculation.
The Purple Sox, Mets, Yankees, Angels, Padres and Mariners all make various levels of sense. The Dodgers don’t appear prone to be concerned — not with Freddie Freeman at first and Ohtani at DH. (They might technically commerce Max Muncy and roll with Murakami at third base for 2 years till Freeman’s contract is up … however that’s a attain.) However most different big-market golf equipment might in all probability discover a solution to get Murakami into the lineup in the event that they really feel his practically unequalled uncooked energy is well worth the danger.
5. Alex Bregman, 3B: six years, $160MM
Tim: Tigers / Anthony: Phillies / Darragh: Mets / Steve: Tigers
Alex Bregman hits the free agent marketplace for a second time, opting out of his Purple Sox deal feeling a little bit bit lighter with out the load of a qualifying supply. The market will determine whether or not he improved his standing in any other case since turning down final winter’s six-year supply, $171.5MM supply from the Tigers, which included deferred cash and an opt-out after the second yr.
Spherical numbers are usually a Boras Company aim, even when it takes a number of contracts to attain a milestone. Bregman reportedly sought seven years and $200MM from the Tigers. He earned $40MM in 2025, although portion of that will probably be paid effectively into the longer term. There could be a sure magnificence to including $160MM in new cash to the $40MM he made this yr.
Bregman’s observe report is well-established after ten years within the Majors. He was drafted second total by the Astros out of Louisiana State in 2015, a draft that additionally produced fellow high free brokers Kyle Tucker, Josh Naylor, and Trent Grisham inside the first 15 picks.
Bregman established himself as a pressure for the Astros in 2017, the beginning of a three-year run during which he ranked second in baseball in WAR for place gamers. Even post-peak, Bregman has settled in as a constant 4+ WAR participant. He’s made three All-Star groups, together with this yr, and acquired MVP votes in 4 separate seasons.
Bregman is thought for his sturdy contact charges; he’s usually been top-10 within the recreation in that regard. Bregman has by no means been one to place up huge barrel or hard-hit charges. As a substitute, he swings at strikes, makes contact when he swings, and will get essentially the most exit velocity potential out of these swings. Bregman’s protection on the scorching nook stays persistently above-average, even leading to his first Gold Glove final yr at age 30.
Bregman’s legacy does have one blemish, as he was a participant within the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal. Some followers might by no means forgive him, however the scandal didn’t appear to have an effect on the markets of George Springer and Carlos Correa. Moreover, Bregman is broadly revered as a frontrunner by gamers across the recreation, and had a coach-like impression in his lone yr with the Purple Sox.
With the Astros’ presents falling quick final winter, Bregman left the one workforce he’d recognized, turning down presents from the Tigers and Cubs earlier than touchdown a three-year, $120MM take care of the Purple Sox that included vital deferrals and opt-outs after annually.
With meticulous consideration to his swing, Bregman jumped out to a sturdy 156 wRC+ via his first 226 plate appearances with the Purple Sox. At that time, nonetheless, a proper quadriceps pressure knocked him out for 49 days. Although he was mentioned to not be 100%, Bregman saved up the identical blistering tempo for over a month upon his return. Maybe the lingering harm ultimately caught up with him, as Bregman put up a brutal .180/.273/.262 line in his ultimate 139 common season plate appearances.
On the season, Bregman’s 125 wRC+ was consistent with his latest work, although his scorching begin made far more appear potential. His stroll price had dropped to a career-low final yr however bounced again to 10.3% with Boston.
From all-around manufacturing to clubhouse impression, there’s so much to love with Bregman. Nonetheless, he turns 32 in March, and six-year free offers at that age without cost agent place gamers are uncommon. The final one was Freddie Freeman in March 2022. The apparent quantity to high is Matt Chapman’s six-year, $151MM extension with the Giants. Chapman can also be represented by Boras, although that was one thing of an odd scenario the place Giants possession reportedly had Buster Posey work immediately with Chapman shortly earlier than Farhan Zaidi’s ouster (although Boras disputed this account).
Bregman may be pleased getting $160MM+ whether or not it’s on a 5 or six-year time period. There appears to be an expectation the Purple Sox will get it completed; they shed Rafael Devers’ contract and his accompanying place drama in a June commerce with the Giants. In his two years on the job, chief baseball officer Craig Breslow hasn’t signed a free agent for greater than Bregman’s three years (which turned one yr anyway). He’s completed 5 extensions of six-plus years, however solely Garrett Crochet’s deal even took a participant via age 32. Bregman is presumably seeking to signal via age 36 or 37, and he’s in all probability too outdated to trouble with opt-outs once more except he has no different alternative.
By the top of the yr, the Tigers had turned to a Zach McKinstry/Andy Ibañez platoon on the scorching nook, whereas the Cubs predominantly went with Matt Shaw. The Tigers, having made good long-term presents final winter, appear extra prone to renew their pursuit of Bregman. If issues don’t work out with the Purple Sox, the Angels, Blue Jays, Mariners, Mets, and Phillies might be different prospects.
6. Framber Valdez, SP: 5 years, $150MM
Tim: Giants / Anthony: Cubs / Darragh: Giants / Steve: Orioles
If you learn concerning the Astros signing Framber Valdez out of the Dominican Republic on the age of 21, the phrase “historic” will get thrown round, provided that the highest worldwide free brokers are 5 years youthful. The Astros signed the late-blooming Valdez for a mere $10K, armed with a curveball that “stood out from day one,” as then-international scouting director OuncesOcampo advised Jake Kaplan of The Athletic.
It’d be years earlier than the lefty would land on anybody’s prospect radar. Valdez reached the Majors in late 2018, however didn’t set up himself till he landed the Astros’ fifth starter job out of the membership’s 2020 “summer season camp.” He put up a effective ten-start season, and shined in 4 further postseason outings.
Valdez fractured his left ring finger throughout spring coaching the next yr, ducking potential surgical procedure for a late-Could season debut. Thus started a superb run of sturdiness for Valdez, interrupted solely by an April 2024 month-long stint for elbow irritation. Since Valdez’s ’21 season debut, he ranks second in MLB common season innings behind solely Logan Webb.
Past avoiding the IL, Valdez has been one among baseball’s high bullpen-savers since securing his spot within the Astros’ rotation again in 2020. In every of these six seasons, Valdez has ranked no worse than eighth in baseball in innings per begin, averaging no less than 6.1 per outing. In 2025, the standard begin lasted lower than 5.2 innings.
Valdez averaged 192 innings per yr from 2022-25, matching that quantity this yr. He’s logged an extra 85 profession postseason innings, incomes a hoop in 2022 when he posted a 1.44 playoff ERA. 2022 was Valdez’s best season, with a 2.82 ERA in an AL-leading 201 1/3 common season frames – a marketing campaign that landed him fifth within the Cy Younger voting. Valdez set an MLB single-season report with 25 straight high quality begins that yr.
Valdez has usually been in a position to hover a tick above common in his strikeout price, and typically a tad worse than common in issuing free passes. However he’s a grasp at maintaining the ball on the bottom, with a groundball price within the 60% vary that’s often good for high three in baseball. Because of this, Valdez is routinely amongst baseball’s finest at limiting dwelling runs.
ERAs are inclined to fluctuate, however Valdez’s 3.66 mark this yr was consistent with his present ability set. It’s harmful to try to learn into small samples, however Valdez didn’t have a robust stroll yr end. He was right down to a 2.62 ERA after a July twenty eighth gem towards the Nationals, however limped to a 6.05 mark with a sub-18 Okay% over his ultimate ten begins. That stretch included a cross-up of catcher Cesar Salazar that appeared purposeful to many viewers at dwelling, however was mentioned by each events to be unintentional.
Three-plus further begins within the postseason had turn into typical for Valdez, however the Astros’ eight-year playoff streak ended this yr. In his ultimate begin of the yr, and maybe his Astros profession, Valdez saved the membership’s wild card hopes alive with seven sturdy innings.
Valdez has mentioned the precise issues about returning to the Astros, however in practically 14 years beneath Jim Crane’s possession the workforce has but to exceed Lance McCullers Jr.’s five-year, $85MM extension from March 2021 in each years and whole for a beginning pitcher. Maybe extra related, they’ve topped McCullers’ $17MM common annual worth by doing a pair of contracts with Justin Verlander with respective $33MM and $25MM AAVs.
Valdez is a contact extra quantity than dominance, and because of his late entrance into baseball, he’ll attain free company at 32 years of age. Other than Zack Greinke coming off a 1.66 ERA in 2015, we haven’t seen a six-year deal for a 32-year-old free agent beginning pitcher. Although uncommon, 5 years is on the desk; Blake Snell achieved it a yr in the past on the identical age. After accounting for deferrals, Snell’s deal equated to about $150MM, maybe an affordable goal for Valdez.
Valdez comes tagged with a qualifying supply, no completely different than youthful competing free brokers Dylan Stop and Ranger Suarez. We’ll quickly study whether or not Valdez’s observe report of logging innings will take priority over his advancing age. The Giants, Blue Jays, Mets, Orioles, Purple Sox, Angels, and Cubs are among the many potential suitors.
7. Tatsuya Imai, SP: six years, $150MM
Tim: Cubs / Anthony: Dodgers / Darragh: Mets / Steve: Dodgers
Imai, who is predicted to be posted by NPB’s Seibu Lions, is the very best international pitcher on this yr’s class. He has an opportunity to land the largest contract of any pitcher primarily based on his efficiency in Japan and his youth. The 5’11” right-hander gained’t flip 28 till Could, making him the youngest free agent pitcher of notice. He’s coming off consecutive dominant seasons.
Imai turned in a 2.34 ERA final yr and posted a 1.92 mark throughout 163 2/3 innings this previous season. He was one among six NPB pitchers with no less than 100 innings who allowed two or fewer earned runs per 9. Imai ranked second in NPB with 178 strikeouts and led the league with a 27.8% strikeout price. Japan’s high league is a positive one for pitchers, however Imai has been wonderful even inside that context.
That wasn’t at all times the case. Imai struggled early in his profession, notably with command. He walked no less than 11% of opponents in every of his first six seasons. Imai has step by step minimize the free passes in six consecutive years, although, and this previous season’s 7% mark is strong. He’s unlikely to ever have pristine command, however he’s now throwing sufficient strikes that there’ll be loads of groups who undertaking him as a beginning pitcher.
Golf equipment that like him will in all probability view Imai as a possible mid-rotation arm. He sits within the mid-90s along with his fastball and may push in the direction of the higher 90s at his finest. Imai’s slider is the very best secondary providing in a four- or five-pitch repertoire. One evaluator with whom MLBTR spoke felt Imai projected extra as a back-end arm or a late-inning reliever, however the workforce that wins the bidding is of course going to be one that’s assured he’ll be an above-average starter.
As is the case with Murakami, the workforce that indicators Imai will owe a major posting payment to his NPB membership. Our $150MM prediction would include a payment of $24.375MM that pushes the general funding near $175MM. Imai’s discipline will probably be decided largely by groups’ scouting evaluations, but it surely stands to motive he’ll be linked to a lot of the big-market franchises which might be often concerned on the highest NPB free brokers. The Dodgers, Yankees, Mets, Cubs, Padres and Purple Sox all make sense as potential touchdown spots. Imai may additionally be coveted by a workforce seeking to make in-roads into the Japanese market, such because the Orioles.
8. Cody Bellinger, OF/1B: 5 years, $140MM
Tim: Yankees / Anthony: Rangers / Darragh: Yankees / Steve: Yankees
The 2 injury-ruined years following Bellinger’s shoulder surgical procedure are a distant reminiscence. Whereas the previous NL Rookie of the 12 months and NL MVP has had an uneven three seasons relationship again to his 2023 rebound, the general high quality of his work in that point has been simple. In his previous 1,781 plate appearances, Bellinger has slashed .281/.338/.477 with 73 dwelling runs, 77 doubles and 9 triples. The strikeouts that after plagued him haven’t solely gone down — he’s turn into one of many hardest gamers in all of baseball to punch out.
Bellinger’s age-29 season with the Yankees resulted in a .272/.334/.480 with 29 homers (his most since 2019) and a career-low 13.7% strikeout price (Sixteenth-lowest in MLB amongst certified hitters). He was significantly better at Yankee Stadium than on the street, as one would count on for a pull-heavy lefty with above-average energy. Bellinger wasn’t essentially a foul hitter on the street, however 18 of his 29 round-trippers have been produced within the Bronx.
One much more notable cut up, nonetheless, is Bellinger’s platoon cut up — or moderately, his lack thereof. Bellinger thrived in left-on-left conditions this season, hitting .353/.415/.601 in 176 turns on the plate. This isn’t only a 2025 growth, both. The 2-time All-Star has torched lefties throughout the previous three seasons, hitting a mixed .329/.371/.546 in 526 plate appearances. Among the many 125 gamers who’ve taken no less than 100 plate appearances towards left-handed pitching as a left-handed hitter since 2023, Bellinger and his 151 wRC+ path solely Yordan Alvarez for the MLB lead. Put extra merely: Cody Bellinger is principally platoon-proof. That’s precious all through the season however particularly within the playoffs, when opposing managers are most aggressive with their pitching matchups.
Defensively, Bellinger continues to be playable in all three outfield spots and at first base. The Yankees used him virtually completely within the outfield, with Paul Goldschmidt and Ben Rice taking appreciable time at first base. Bellinger graded as a plus defender in each corners and was a bit beneath common in middle. He hasn’t performed a whole lot of first base in recent times — 26 innings in 2025 and 581 total since 2023 — however he’s drawn above-average grades there throughout that point.
Bellinger didn’t get the colossal long-term deal he and the Boras Company certainly sought coming off his authentic 2023 rebound season with the Cubs, but it surely was a no brainer for him to decide out of the ultimate season of his present deal when it was a internet $20MM choice. Bellinger, who can not obtain a qualifying supply after receiving one earlier in his profession, has already banked $77MM since being non-tendered by the Dodgers, and he’s now firmly in place to get the nine-figure deal that eluded him within the 2023-24 offseason. The Yankees wish to maintain him, and Bellinger would make sense for the Mets, Phillies, Tigers, Giants, Blue Jays, Reds, Padres and Guardians, amongst others.
9. Kyle Schwarber, DH: 5 years, $135MM
Tim: Phillies / Anthony: Phillies / Darragh: Phillies / Steve: Phillies
The fourth total decide in 2014, Schwarber had two 30-homer seasons with the Cubs early in his profession. Chicago non-tendered him after an unproductive displaying through the shortened 2020 marketing campaign. That proved to be a significant misstep for the Cubs’ entrance workplace. Schwarber rebounded with a 32-homer displaying between the Nationals and Purple Sox, then signed a four-year take care of the Phillies going into 2022.
That was among the best free agent signings of the previous few years. Schwarber appeared in MVP ballots within the first three seasons and is on observe for no less than a high 5 end this yr. He has hit .226/.349/.507 with 187 longballs over the previous 4 seasons. Solely Aaron Decide has extra homers in that point.
Final season was Schwarber’s finest. He led MLB with 132 runs batted in whereas pacing the Nationwide League with a career-high 56 dwelling runs. Schwarber completed the yr with a .240/.365/.563 slash whereas beginning all 162 video games. Unsurprisingly, Schwarber’s Statcast web page is a sea of pink. He’s alongside Decide, Shohei Ohtani, James Wooden and Oneil Cruz on the high of the batted ball metrics leaderboards. It’s authentic 80-grade energy on the scouting scale. Schwarber goes to method or exceed 200 strikeouts yearly, however he’s additionally rank among the many high handful of hitters in walks to maintain his on-base share excessive.
Schwarber returns to the market upfront of his age-33 season. He’s prone to turn into the primary place participant at that age to signal for no less than 4 years since Starling Marte did it over the 2021-22 offseason. A five-year deal at that age could be with out precedent however won’t be out of the query, particularly if a signing workforce desires to barely decrease the annual worth for aggressive steadiness tax functions. Schwarber ought to turn into the primary 33-year-old free agent hitter to surpass $100MM and the primary full-time designated hitter of any age to take action.
The Phillies have made no secret of their want to convey Schwarber again. Phils’ gamers and executives have effusively praised his clubhouse presence and management on high of the dominant outcomes. They issued him a qualifying supply, which he’ll clearly reject. That ensures they’d get a compensatory decide after the fourth spherical of the 2026 draft if he indicators elsewhere, however their offseason precedence is to maintain him round. They’re prone to face a push from the Reds, whose lineup could be remodeled if they’ll persuade the Cincinnati-area native to play for his childhood favourite workforce. There’s an argument for the Cubs bringing him again if Tucker walks, whereas the Purple Sox and Orioles might be lengthy shot suitors.
10. Ranger Suarez, SP: 5 years, $115MM
Tim: Blue Jays / Anthony: Giants / Darragh: Cubs / Steve: Cubs
Suarez was an unheralded novice signee who spent the primary few seasons of his profession in a swing position with the Phillies. He has been a gradual mid-rotation arm since they gave him a rotation spot going into 2022. Suarez has posted a sub-4.00 ERA in three of the previous 4 seasons. He doesn’t blow hitters away however finds success along with his capability to maintain the ball on the bottom and keep off barrels. He’s tenth in MLB with a 50.8% grounder price over the previous 4 seasons (minimal 400 innings).
Final season was arguably the very best of Suarez’s profession. He turned in a 3.20 earned run common with a barely above-average 23.2% strikeout price whereas strolling fewer than 6% of opponents. He set a brand new profession mark with 157 1/3 innings and posted a top quality begin in 17 of his 26 outings. Other than an early-season stint on the injured record with decrease again soreness, he was reliably sturdy and efficient. As an added bonus, Suarez has confirmed himself a robust October performer over the Phils’ latest playoff appearances. He has a 1.48 ERA whereas placing out greater than 1 / 4 of opposing hitters over 11 postseason outings.
It’s however an unconventional profile for a pitcher who’s prone to command a nine-figure deal. In an age of energy pitching, he’s getting by with a sinker that averaged 90 MPH. His swinging strike price has landed between 8-10% in all 4 seasons as a full-time starter, beneath the ten.6% league mark for beginning pitchers. Suarez has additionally required no less than one stint on the injured record in every of the previous 5 years. None have confirmed all that critical, and his most up-to-date arm-related subject was a minor elbow pressure that he suffered pitching for his native Venezuela within the 2023 World Baseball Basic. There’s no indication that groups are going to have critical questions on Suarez’s sturdiness, however he has additionally but to succeed in 160 innings in an MLB season due to the scattered harm historical past.
Philadelphia made Suarez a qualifying supply, which he’ll reject. Whereas he has some statistical similarities to Max Fried, he’s unlikely to return near the eight-year, $218MM deal Fried commanded due to the 4 mile per hour hole of their respective velocities. A five- or six-year deal might be on the desk. Suarez could possibly beat the $110-115MM Kevin Gausman and Robbie Ray precedents, which are actually fours outdated. The Phillies appear likelier to prioritize a reunion with Schwarber than convey Suarez again. Any contender might match, with groups just like the Giants, Yankees, Orioles, Purple Sox, Blue Jays and Cubs anticipated to be out there for a #2/3 sort starter.
11. Pete Alonso, 1B: 4 years, $110MM
Tim: Reds / Anthony: Mets / Darragh: Purple Sox / Steve: Purple Sox
If at first you don’t succeed, attempt once more. After an appropriate long-term deal did not materialize for Pete Alonso final winter, he signed a two-year, $54MM deal to stick with the Mets. Naturally, the second yr was a $24MM participant choice, which means Alonso had draw back safety however anticipated to return to the market with season.
31 in December, Alonso made his fifth All-Star recreation in 2025 and posted a 141 wRC+ that represents his finest work since 2022. He fell two longballs shy of his fourth 40-homer marketing campaign, however greater than made up for it by setting profession highs with 41 doubles and a .272 batting common. There was a little bit of inconsistency, notably with a brutal month of July, however a 153 wRC+ over the season’s ultimate two months means Alonso re-enters free company on a excessive notice.
Since his 2019 debut, Alonso’s 264 dwelling runs rank third in MLB, although friends Aaron Decide, Kyle Schwarber, and Shohei Ohtani all gained floor in 2025 by mashing 53, 56, and 55 dingers respectively.
I realized at present that precise polar bears can run in extra of 36 ft per second, quicker than the speediest of MLB gamers. Alas, Alonso has eighth percentile dash pace (amongst MLB people), making him a internet damaging on the basepaths. Alonso can also be one of many recreation’s worst defensive first basemen, per Statcast Outs Above Common.
The batting a part of Alonso’s Statcast web page continues to be coated in pink, and Alonso’s anticipated batting common was even higher than his actual one. His 2025 offensive season ranks second solely to Schwarber amongst free brokers, and Alonso is 21 months youthful than his fellow NL East slugger.
Certain, Alonso ought to in all probability be a part of Schwarber as a full-time DH, however even then you may make a fairly good case for the previous as a greater funding. Alonso strikes out much less, and is ineligible for a qualifying supply. The Mets’ late-season collapse prevented Alonso from accentuating his free agent case, not {that a} sturdy postseason did him a lot good final winter.
In 2023, the Mets reportedly provided Alonso a seven-year, $158MM extension that will’ve coated the 2024-30 seasons. Having banked $50.5MM for 2024-25, Alonso and Scott Boras now have to high $107.5MM over the following 5 years to return out forward. That appears believable sufficient.
With Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns targeted on bettering run prevention, is there a spot for Alonso within the quick or long-term? Shifting Alonso to the DH spot would imply one other poor defender, Juan Soto, has to remain on the grass. Mets proprietor Steve Cohen referred to as the Alonso negotiations “exhausting” earlier than a deal was accomplished final winter; it’s unclear whether or not both facet could be thrilled with a two-year take care of an opt-out once more. The Mets appear unlikely to present him the long-term deal he desires. It’s not recognized whether or not Alonso acquired higher than a three-year supply from any workforce final winter.
Topping 5 years could be a shock, and there’ll certainly be golf equipment hoping to land Alonso for 3 or 4 years. A $26MM annual worth would put Alonso consistent with the AAV on Paul Goldschmidt’s $130MM extension, which started in his age-32 season. Attending to $27MM would tie him with Freeman’s pre-deferral AAV. We’ve obtained Alonso nudging previous that mark on a four-year pact, although a five-year deal can’t be dominated out.
The Mets might as soon as once more linger as a fallback choice, prepared to pounce with one other short-term deal, however there’ll be different suitors with a outstanding want at first base. The Purple Sox, Reds, Rangers, Guardians and Angels all acquired middling manufacturing from their first base choices (although clearly it’d be a fairly large shock to see Cleveland push to this stage). The Mariners and Padres have impending free brokers at first base. A four-year deal within the $27MM AAV vary, or 5 years within the mid-20s AAV-wise, might be in play for the slugger.
12. Josh Naylor, 1B: 5 years, $90MM
Tim: Mariners / Anthony: Reds / Darragh: Mariners / Steve: Mariners
Naylor doesn’t have the facility that Alonso brings to the desk, however he’s one other first-base-only participant who’ll hit the market and not using a qualifying supply — in his case, by advantage of the truth that he’s ineligible to obtain one after convey traded midseason. Between that and Naylor’s youth — he gained’t flip 29 till subsequent June — he might be extra preferable to some groups searching for first base assist.
Whereas each Naylor and Alonso are strict first basemen, the similarities of their profiles typically cease there. Naylor has a 31-homer season beneath his belt (2024) however has usually been extra of a 20-homer bat. He brings a hit-over-power ability set to the plate, fanning in solely 13.7% of his plate appearances this previous season and simply 16% of his profession plate appearances. Naylor’s batted-ball metrics are all at or very near league-average. He doesn’t stroll at an particularly excessive clip, and whereas he’s clearly a really clever baserunner — he stole 30 bases in 2025 — he ranks in simply the second percentile of huge leaguers by way of dash pace.
These limitations however, Naylor simply retains hitting. He’s been no less than 18% higher than league-average on the plate in every of the previous 4 seasons, by measure of wRC+. The 2015 Marlins first-rounder touts a collective .275/.336/.464 batting line in 2,230 turns on the plate since 2021. Statcast charges him as a barely above-average first baseman with the glove, whereas Defensive Runs Saved has him barely beneath. He might not be a real plus defender at first, however he hasn’t been a legal responsibility over there.
As famous with regard to Alonso, the market hasn’t precisely been form to pure first basemen in recent times. On the flip facet, it does are inclined to deal with gamers who attain free company at 28 or youthful fairly properly. There should be a strong center floor for Naylor, who might command a deal of 5 or extra years however in all probability not at a premium annual worth. Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto mentioned on our podcast final month that he hopes to re-sign Naylor. They’ll be within the combine together with maybe the Reds, Purple Sox, Rangers, Guardians, Angels and Padres. Naylor is younger sufficient {that a} workforce on its means out of a rebuild might seemingly throw its hat into the ring as effectively.
13. Edwin Diaz, RP: 4 years, $82MM
Tim: Dodgers / Anthony: Giants / Darragh: Yankees / Steve: Blue Jays
Diaz already set the report for the biggest total assure ($102MM) and largest common annual worth ($20.4MM) any reliever has ever acquired. His five-year, $102MM take care of the Mets allowed him to decide out and return to free company this winter, and with “solely” two years and $37MM remaining on that pact, he took the decide out and can take intention at toppling no less than one among his personal standing information.
With Diaz set to pitch subsequent yr at 32, it’s unlikely he’ll command one other five-year deal. That makes it unlikely that he can discover one other nine-figure deal and high his report assure. Nonetheless, Diaz ought to nonetheless have sufficient juice to get a four-year contract, and he might take intention at his AAV report.
A ruptured patellar tendon suffered through the 2023 World Baseball Basic worn out Diaz’s whole ’23 season, however he’s proper again to peak kind. Diaz’s 2024 season produced a 3.52 ERA that stands because the second-highest of his good profession, however his Okay-BB profile remained excellent and his 2025 season was one among his finest. Diaz tossed 66 1/3 innings, saved 28 video games and fanned a whopping 38% of his opponents — towards a lower-than-average 8.1% stroll price. He’s not averaging 99 mph on his four-seamer, however he nonetheless sat 97.2 mph in 2025 and recorded an outrageous 18% swinging-strike price. That was fourth-best among the many 287 huge league pitchers who tossed no less than 60 innings, trailing solely Mason Miller, Aroldis Chapman and Griffin Jax. His 62% opponents’ contact price was the fourth-lowest in MLB as effectively.
Diaz won’t be the finest reliever within the majors proper now, however he’s not far off. He’ll flip 32 in March. As MLBTR’s Contract Tracker exhibits, there have been 5 relievers prior to now decade who’ve secured a contract of 4 or extra years starting at age 32 or older: Robert Suarez, Raisel Iglesias, Mark Melancon, Darren O’Day and Wandy Peralta. O’Day and Peralta have been setup males who have been by no means going to command top-of-the-scale cash. (Peralta’s four-year time period was largely a CBT duck by the Padres.) Diaz is healthier now than any of these pitchers have been after they secured these offers.
It’s price mentioning that Suarez did get a fifth yr at this age, although that was with a extra modest $9.2MM annual worth. It’s arduous to think about a workforce going 5 years with top-of-the-scale annual worth for a second time, however 4 years at greater than $20.4MM yearly appears achievable.
The Mets pounced to proactively re-sign Diaz earlier than he might actually even check his market final time. That deal was beneath former GM Billy Eppler. Will new president of baseball operations David Stearns make a equally aggressive strike? It’s arduous to see, but it surely’s at all times potential proprietor Steve Cohen might take issues into his personal arms and retain his celebrity stopper. If not, Diaz goes to attract curiosity from principally each big-market contender (e.g. Yankees, Dodgers, Giants, Blue Jays) and presumably from some smaller-payroll golf equipment with loads of long-term monetary flexibility (e.g. Tigers, Orioles). The Angels haven’t been shy about shelling out big {dollars} for relievers, both (Raisel Iglesias, Robert Stephenson).
14. Michael King, SP: 4 years, $80MM
Tim: Orioles / Anthony: Tigers / Darragh: Orioles / Steve: Yankees
King, 31 in Could, spent the primary few seasons of his MLB profession working principally in a multi-inning reduction position for the Yankees. His continued effectiveness and accidents to numerous different starters led the Yankees to attempt him out in a rotation position late in 2023. King put up a 2.23 ERA over 9 begins. It was sufficient for the Padres to make him the centerpiece of the Juan Soto commerce the next offseason.
San Diego saved King within the rotation going into 2024. They have been rewarded with the very best season of his profession. He completed seventh in Cy Younger balloting behind a 2.95 ERA over 31 appearances. He was out to a fair higher begin to his 2025 stroll yr, pitching to a 2.59 ERA whereas placing out 28% of opponents via his first 10 begins.
The Padres scratched King from a scheduled begin on Could 24. Then-manager Mike Shildt mentioned that King felt like he’d slept awkwardly on his shoulder and will make the next begin. That was to not be. He went on the injured record just a few days later and was ultimately recognized with a pinched nerve. The workforce dominated out any structural harm, however the nagging harm wound up costing him three months.
King got here again in mid-August, began one recreation, then went again on the injured record with left knee irritation doubtless attributable to ramping up too shortly. King returned just a few weeks later and made 4 begins in September however was nowhere close to as efficient as he’d been early within the yr. He didn’t make it past 5 innings in any of these appearances and gave up 10 runs in 15 2/3 innings.
He was wholesome sufficient for the Padres to hold him on their playoff roster. The workforce clearly didn’t belief him, although, as they turned to a diminished Yu Darvish to start out an elimination recreation whereas maintaining King within the bullpen. He pitched a scoreless inning in reduction, placing out three of 4 batters confronted. His stuff seemed sharp, as he averaged a little bit beneath 96 MPH on his fastball. It’s simpler to chop free in a one-inning stint in a high-pressure atmosphere, although, so the shoulder subject nonetheless clouds his market.
Regardless of the tough end, it was a simple name for King to say no his finish of a $15MM mutual choice with the Padres in favor of a $3.75MM buyout. It additionally wasn’t terribly stunning that the Padres issued King a qualifying supply. As a aggressive steadiness tax payor, they’ll obtain draft picks after the fourth spherical if King and Stop signal elsewhere.
Earlier than the harm, King was trending in the direction of a nine-figure deal. That’s much less doubtless now, and the qualifying supply doesn’t assist. Given his age and the approaching lockout, we expect King ought to take a four-year supply if it’s within the $80MM vary. If these don’t materialize, he’s a candidate for a short-term take care of an opt-out.
15. Zac Gallen, SP: 4 years, $80MM
Tim: Diamondbacks / Anthony: Angels / Darragh: Giants / Steve: Giants
Gallen has a whole lot of main league success on his observe report however all of the latest traits haven’t been nice. Again in 2022, he tossed 184 innings for the Diamondbacks with a 2.54 ERA. His 26.9% strikeout price, 6.6% stroll price and 46% floor ball price have been all above league common. He completed fifth in Cy Younger voting.
In 2023, he elevated his workload to 210 innings, plus one other 33 2/3 within the postseason. In that common season work, his ERA climbed to three.47. His stroll price improved a bit to five.6% however his strikeouts fell to 26% and his grounder price dropped to 41.8%. In 2024, he missed over a month because of a hamstring pressure, limiting him to 148 innings. His 3.65 ERA, 25.1% strikeout price and eight.7% stroll price have been all worse than the yr prior, although he elevated his floor ball price to 46.2%.
2025 noticed an even bigger drop in outcomes. He stayed wholesome and logged 192 innings however his ERA climbed to 4.83. His 21.5% strikeout price, 8.1% stroll price and 43.6% floor ball price have been all near league par. In a way, he appeared to enhance because the yr went alongside, as he had a 5.40 ERA within the first half and a 3.97 ERA within the second half. Nonetheless, his first half strikeout price of twenty-two.2% was really higher than his 20.5% price within the second. He appeared to profit from success, as his BABIP went from a league-average .290 within the first half to only .241 within the second half.
A couple of years in the past, Gallen gave the impression to be a budding ace who was pitching his solution to a nine-figure assure. However he’s now coming off a middling season. His strikeout price has dropped in three straight years. Maybe Gallen will settle for his decline in expertise and try to max out this winter, notably with a lockout anticipated after the 2026 season. But when his market is tender, he might wind up going the short-term, opt-out route, which might permit him to bounce again and rebuild worth earlier than returning to free company for a bigger payday.
Complicating issues, Gallen acquired a qualifying supply from the Diamondbacks. He faces the identical set of professionals and cons as King, who was born 70 days earlier again in 1995.
Gallen’s inventory is undeniably down however even his diminished leads to 2025 would improve virtually any rotation round baseball, particularly as golf equipment will probably be hoping they’re shopping for low on a man who might return to an ace-like kind.
16. Devin Williams, RP: 4 years, $68MM
Tim: Giants / Anthony: Blue Jays / Darragh: Dodgers / Steve: Mets
The trickiest analysis within the reduction class, Williams hits the market coming off the worst season of his profession. A former second spherical decide who struggled as a minor league starter, Williams took off as soon as the Brewers moved him to the bullpen in 2019. He reached the majors that yr and established himself as one of many sport’s high strikeout artists by his first full season. After a pair years of dominant setup work, Williams turned a full-time nearer when the Brewers traded Josh Hader on the ’22 deadline.
Williams went 36 for 40 in save possibilities whereas posting a 1.53 ERA the next yr. He missed the primary half of the ’24 season after being recognized with a number of stress fractures in his again throughout Spring Coaching. Williams returned from that wanting each bit as dominant. He saved 14 of 15 alternatives whereas delivering a 1.25 ERA over 22 common season appearances down the stretch. His time in Milwaukee ended on a crushing notice when he surrendered a go-ahead dwelling run to Pete Alonso in an elimination recreation, however the Yankees undoubtedly felt they have been getting one of many sport’s finest closers after they acquired him final winter. New York despatched starter Nestor Cortes and rookie infielder Caleb Durbin to the Brew Crew for one yr of Williams’ companies.
Williams by no means absolutely clicked within the Bronx. He was blown up 3 times earlier than the top of April, main the Yanks to take him out of the nearer position. He appeared to proper the ship in Could and June and reclaimed the ninth inning as soon as Luke Weaver went on the injured record. Then got here one other poor stretch between July and August, main the Yanks to accumulate David Bednar and decide to Williams in a setup position. He posted a 5.06 ERA after the All-Star Break, and whereas he technically managed 4 scoreless innings within the postseason, he allowed a pair of inherited runners to attain to primarily lock up an elimination loss to the Blue Jays within the Division Collection.
Williams concluded the common season with a 4.79 ERA. He recorded 18 saves and 15 holds whereas blowing 4 leads and taking the loss six instances. The outcomes clearly weren’t what the Yankees anticipated. That mentioned, there will probably be groups that also really feel Williams isn’t distant from the shape that made him one of many high 5 relievers within the recreation. His 94.1 MPH common fastball pace is basically a match for the rate from his knockout ’23 season. Williams’ wiffle ball changeup/screwball, the so-called “Airbender,” nonetheless strikes not like any pitch in MLB. Amongst pitchers with 20+ innings this yr, he ranked thirteenth with a 34.7% strikeout price and twelfth in swinging strike share.
So what explains the downturn in Williams’ efficiency? There’ll clearly be some who attribute it to the intense lights of New York. The extra logical rationalization is a 55.2% left on base price that was the bottom within the majors (minimal 50 innings). A real incapability to strand runners would clearly be an issue for a reliever, however LOB% tends to not be statistically dependable in small samples. Williams had by no means had bother pitching out of bother in Milwaukee. There’s precedent for an elite reliever to have an ERA spike after which bounce again. Edwin Diaz had a 5.59 ERA in 2019 then was at 1.75 the following yr. Hader had a 5.22 ERA in 2022 after which completed the next yr at 1.28. Good golf equipment may even see this as an opportunity to get a premium expertise when his market is a bit tender.
Understandably, Williams’ time in New York went poorly sufficient that the Yankees selected to not subject a qualifying supply. That helps Williams pursuing the very best multiyear deal this winter, as an elite bounceback season in 2026 would certainly end in a QO.
The Marlins have already been linked to Williams as they put together for a run at a late-inning reliever. The Tigers, Angels, Orioles, Diamondbacks, Braves and Cubs may be within the combine.
17. Brandon Woodruff, SP: three years, $66MM
Tim: Mets / Anthony: Mets / Darragh: Mets / Steve: Cubs
Woodruff has been among the best pitchers within the league since he earned a spot in Milwaukee’s rotation in 2019. He was a high 5 Cy Younger finisher in 2021 and mixed for a 2.76 ERA with a 30.2% strikeout price between 2020-23. A warning signal arose when Woodruff missed a lot of the first half of the ’23 season with shoulder discomfort. He returned and dominated down the stretch, however the righty underwent an anterior capsule restore surgical procedure that October. The rehab course of would value him the ’23 postseason and your complete 2024 marketing campaign.
The Brewers selected to not tender Woodruff a contract for what would have been his final yr of arbitration. They as an alternative renegotiated a backloaded two-year deal that paid him $7.5MM in wage over these two seasons and allowed him to gather a hefty $10MM mutual choice buyout after the ’25 marketing campaign (which is definitely not but due). Woodruff wasn’t fairly able to return for the ’25 marketing campaign, although the Brewers despatched him on a minor league rehab project in the midst of April.
Woodruff’s rehab had just a few pauses. He missed a pair weeks with ankle tendinitis, then was shut again down in early June after taking a comebacker off his throwing elbow. Woodruff was lastly in a position to make his return shortly earlier than the All-Star Break. He picked up primarily the place he’d left off, reeling off 64 2/3 innings of three.20 ERA ball over 12 begins. He struck out a career-high 32.3% of opponents towards a personal-low 5.4% stroll price. The Brewers have been shaping as much as have Woodruff and Freddy Peralta as co-aces atop their playoff rotation.
That was to not be. Milwaukee positioned Woodruff again on the injured record within the ultimate week of the common season with a average lat pressure. The 2-time All-Star mentioned the harm occurred throughout a between begins bullpen session. Woodruff acknowledged in September that he was “not stunned” and acknowledged that he knew the shoulder would possibly flare up sooner or later as he labored again from the surgical procedure. The Brewers by no means formally shut him down for the season, however he had but to renew throwing by the point the workforce had set their roster for the NLCS. It doesn’t appear there was a lot of an opportunity that he might’ve pitched within the World Collection both.
On October third, MLB.com’s Adam McCalvy wrote, “The excellent news is that after Woodruff visited with Dr. Keith Meister in Dallas, each indication is that his surgically repaired proper shoulder is sound, and he has a strong long-term outlook for pitching past this season.” He continued, “Woodruff has been receiving therapy for the lat pressure, a course of which has been described to him as akin to treating a strained hamstring. ”
Groups are actually tasked with a risk-reward calculus on an especially gifted pitcher who has made all of 23 begins during the last three years. Woodruff’s outcomes have been as sturdy as ever as soon as he returned from the surgical procedure, however the uncooked stuff wasn’t the identical. A fastball that after averaged 96-97 MPH was right down to 93 this yr. Woodruff additionally misplaced a pair ticks off his changeup and curveball whereas buying and selling out his slider for a brand new cutter.
The Brewers’ option to subject Woodruff a qualifying supply didn’t come as a significant shock. The prospect of draft decide forfeiture will definitely harm his market, notably within the circumstances of CBT-paying suitors.
Woodruff turns 33 in February. His age would’ve capped him at three or 4 years even when he’d been absolutely wholesome. Assuming a clear bodily, we nonetheless count on Woodruff to have sturdy demand on a short-term deal as a possible entrance of the rotation starter – presumably sufficient to safe three years regardless of the QO. Woodruff, a Mississippi native, has spoken extremely of the roots he’s dug in Milwaukee. He might put aside his open-market incomes potential to return subsequent yr, as Shane Bieber did in Toronto. In that case, it’d be as simple as accepting the $22.025MM QO.
But when Woodruff declines to search for the very best contract, the Mets, Giants, Orioles, Yankees, Purple Sox, Dodgers, Tigers, and Braves are amongst a dozen or so groups that might plausibly make a run at him.
18. Trent Grisham, CF: 4 years, $66MM
Tim: Angels / Anthony: Rays / Darragh: Angels / Steve: Astros
In the midst of a single season, Trent Grisham shifted his attraction from his glove to his bat. That transformation goes to make him much more cash than anybody might’ve anticipated in spring coaching.
Grisham was a Brewers first-rounder out of highschool in 2015. He made his MLB debut in August 2019, and was shipped to the Padres with Zach Davies for Luis Urias and Eric Lauer 4 months later. The Padres despatched Manuel Margot packing that winter and put in Grisham as their beginning middle fielder for 2020. On the age of 23, Grisham delivered what would lengthy stand as his best offensive season and in addition gained his first Gold Glove in that COVID-shortened marketing campaign. The Gold Glove was well-deserved; he was one of many quickest, rangiest gamers in baseball on the time. Stardom appeared within the offing.
Grisham’s pace and protection held as elite for years, although his bat declined. He picked up a second Gold Glove in 2022, however that got here with a career-worst 83 wRC+ and 28.6% strikeout price.
After 4 years because the Padres’ beginning middle fielder, the membership despatched Grisham to the Yankees as a secondary piece together with Juan Soto. He had a forgettable 2024 season for the Yankees, getting platooned greater than ever and taking part in in solely 76 video games regardless of being on the lively roster all season. After driving the pine for all 14 Yankees postseason video games final yr, Grisham was broadly thought-about a non-tender candidate. As a substitute, he took a $500K pay minimize for a $5MM pre-tender deal to stay a Yankee for 2025.
With Cody Bellinger swapped out for Juan Soto this yr, Grisham appeared poised for an additional yr as a fourth outfielder. As a substitute, Grisham hit his means right into a semi-regular position, aided by Jasson Dominguez failing to grab one himself. In his age-28 season, Grisham doubled his earlier career-high with 34 dwelling runs, and he went completely nuts in high-leverage conditions, too. Grisham isn’t a kind of “he went to Driveline” tales, nonetheless; the person nicknamed The Massive Sleep advised MLB.com’s Robert Hudson, “I feel I’m simply extra dedicated to my course of this yr.”
Grisham’s newfound offensive prowess was backed by Statcast indicators, corresponding to an 89th percentile barrel price and an anticipated slugging share even greater than his precise .464 mark. Nor was it an April mirage; Grisham’s first and second halves have been each proper round his season wRC+ of 129. Amongst certified middle fielders, solely Byron Buxton out-hit Grisham. He bolstered his season with a 14.1% stroll price, good for ninth in baseball. Although Grisham has had success at instances towards lefties in his profession, he’s managed solely an 86 wRC+ towards them in 196 plate appearances since 2024.
Grisham posted a strong career-best 3.2 fWAR, although that will’ve been greater had he not reversed his ability set. He was the very best middle fielder in baseball in 2022, however Grisham’s pace and vary dropped precipitously from that time. Grisham had thirty second percentile dash pace this yr, making him maybe the slowest common middle fielder in baseball. For the primary time in his profession, Grisham’s Statcast Outs Above Common slipped to a below-average stage (albeit solely barely). By measure of Defensive Runs Saved, he was fifth-worst in baseball, although his fame appears to stay intact.
Unwilling to pay Grisham greater than $5MM a yr in the past, the Yankees have been pressured to determine whether or not his offensive explosion justifies greater than quadrupling his wage. The membership is confronted with the potential lack of two beginning outfielders, given Bellinger’s free company. They selected to subject Grisham a qualifying supply, searching for both some middle discipline certainty for 2026 if he accepts, or draft decide compensation after the fourth spherical if he indicators elsewhere. A number of different groups determine to hunt assist in middle discipline, together with the Angels, Giants, Rays, Orioles, Dodgers, Mets, and Phillies.
19. Kazuma Okamoto, 3B/1B: 4 years, $64MM
Tim: Padres / Anthony: Diamondbacks / Darragh: Pirates / Steve: Cubs
Okamoto, the captain of Nippon Skilled Baseball’s Yomiuri Giants and among the best hitters in Japan, will probably be posted for main league groups this winter. Although he and countryman Murakami are each feared middle-of-the-order bats in NPB, there are causes for Okamoto to be additional down the record.
In the beginning is age. At 29 years outdated (30 subsequent June), Okamoto is 4 years older than Murakami. He’s been a constant supply of energy abroad however doesn’t have the identical 80-grade uncooked energy possessed by Murakami.
On the plus facet, Okamoto has extra defensive utility. Whereas he’s not prone to be a plus defender on the scorching nook, one scout who noticed him play a number of instances this yr described Okamoto to MLBTR as a serviceable, succesful third baseman within the majors. Some golf equipment will nonetheless certainly view him as a primary baseman, however Okamoto no less than appears extra able to taking part in third. He additionally strikes out bit much less, having fanned in solely 11.3% of his plate appearances this yr. That’s a career-low and effectively past his typical mark, however Okamoto hasn’t punched out at even a 20% clip since 2019.
Be that as it might, there are questions on how effectively he’ll hit huge league pitching. FanGraphs’ Eric Longenhagen calls Okamoto a power-over-hit first baseman towards main league pitching, noting the slugger’s struggles towards fastballs clocked at 94 mph or greater. We’ve seen a number of stars from each NPB and the KBO battle to acclimate to MLB velocity however ultimately make the adjustment, nonetheless (Jung Hoo Lee standing as one latest instance).
Scouts who talked to MLBTR about Okamoto really feel he’s a second-division common on the scorching nook or first base however extra of a part-time bat on a deeper, contending roster. There’s sufficient uncooked energy right here (60-grade) and sufficient observe report that he ought to nonetheless command a multi-year deal. The Angels don’t have any apparent reply at third base. The Mets might have holes at each infield corners if Alonso departs. The Phillies would possibly want a 3rd baseman in the event that they transfer on from Alec Bohm. A workforce just like the Cubs might view Okamoto as a security internet for Matt Shaw at third base and a possible platoon associate for Michael Busch at first, but it surely’s unlikely that somebody of Okamoto’s legendary standing in Japan would signal for a part-time position within the majors.
20. Eugenio Suarez, 3B: three years, $63MM
Tim: Purple Sox / Anthony: Athletics / Darragh: Reds / Steve: Reds
Groups searching for further energy however unwilling to go to the lengths essential to signal Schwarber or Alonso have a extra budget-friendly choice in Suarez. The 34-year-old tied a career-high mark with 49 homers between the D-backs and Mariners in 2025. Suarez struggled down the stretch with Seattle however for greater than a calendar yr — June 2024 via July 2025 — was one of many recreation’s elite energy hitters.
There’s ample danger with Suarez. He’ll flip 35 subsequent July. He strikes out an excessive amount of. His protection on the scorching nook has dipped in latest seasons and is now beneath common. Suarez continues to be playable at third, nonetheless, and there simply aren’t many free brokers who can credibly be projected for 40-plus dwelling runs. Suarez has game-changing energy and infrequently rattles off dwelling runs in bunches. When he’s going effectively, he’s the kind of bat that may carry a workforce.
After signing an extension with the Reds — who initially acquired him from the Tigers in change for Alfredo Simon (whoops!) — Suarez is now set to enter free company for the primary time in his profession. By advantage of that midseason commerce, he can’t obtain a qualifying supply. He’ll take elite energy, a 49-homer platform and an impeccable clubhouse fame to the market in the hunt for a multi-year deal.
Three-year offers for gamers this outdated aren’t frequent however aren’t extraordinary. Christian Walker and Jose Abreu signed three-year pacts after they have been even older. Josh Donaldson signed a four-year take care of the Twins at this age, albeit off a greater platform season and with a extra adorned total observe report. Suarez and his “good vibes solely” mantra ought to nonetheless be standard sufficient to command no less than a two-year take care of a hearty annual worth, and if curiosity is adequate sufficient for a 3rd yr, he might very effectively high the $60MM deal Walker secured with the Astros final offseason. We’re of the thoughts that Suarez will certainly get that third yr, notably since he can’t obtain a qualifying supply after being traded midseason.
Suarez’s market may additionally be influenced by his willingness to play first base, with this yr’s six innings marking his solely huge league expertise there. If Suarez is open to time at first base and DH, his market might embrace the Purple Sox, Tigers, Angels, Cubs, Mets, Phillies, Padres, and Pirates.
21. Robert Suarez, RP: three years, $48MM
Tim: Mets / Anthony: Dodgers / Darragh: Mets / Steve: Dodgers
Suarez returns to free company after opting out of the ultimate two years and $16MM on his five-year contract with the Padres. Whereas it was a shock to see a workforce make a five-year dedication to a reliever who was already 32 years outdated, Suarez greater than lived as much as that funding. He’s coming off consecutive seasons with no less than 65 innings and a sub-3.00 ERA. He led the Nationwide League with 40 saves in 2025 and has an MLB-high 76 saves over the previous two seasons.
After posting consecutive league common strikeout charges in 2023-24, Suarez punched out a robust 27.9% of batters confronted this previous season. He minimize his walks to a career-low 5.9% clip and turned in a 2.97 ERA in a career-high 69 2/3 innings. Suarez had just a few wobbly performances in a three-week span between the center of June and early July. He was in any other case lights out behind the San Diego bullpen, posting a 2.17 ERA with a near-30% strikeout price within the second half.
Suarez has given up a little bit extra arduous contact as his ground-ball charges have fallen over the previous couple years. His strikeout and whiff charges are good however not elite for a back-end arm. It’s not a flawless profile, however Suarez has a pair of 98-99 MPH fastballs and a low-90s changeup that may miss bats. He has confirmed he’s able to dealing with the strain of pitching within the ninth inning.
Age is the largest obstacle to his free company. Suarez didn’t start pitching professionally till he was 24 years outdated. He spent just a few seasons pitching in Japan earlier than making the bounce to MLB at 31. He’ll be 35 in March. There hasn’t been a three-year deal for a 35-year-old reliever since Will Harris signed a $24MM assure over the 2019-20 offseason. Mariano Rivera is the one mid-late 30s reliever to signal for 3 years at greater than $10MM yearly. Suarez has an uphill battle to becoming a member of that firm, however MLBTR proprietor Tim Dierkes believes he’ll get there.
The Padres clearly love Suarez, however they appear prone to let him stroll after including Mason Miller to an already stacked bullpen. The Marlins are recognized to be on the lookout for a late-inning reliever. The Angels, Dodgers, Blue Jays, Mets, Cubs, Giants, Orioles, Rangers, Yankees, Tigers, Reds, and Braves are among the many different groups that might add a better in free company.
Not like Diaz, Suarez didn’t obtain a qualifying supply, so he enters the market unburdened by draft decide compensation.
22. Shota Imanaga, SP: three years, $45MM
Tim: Angels / Anthony: Padres / Darragh: Diamondbacks / Steve: Rangers
After Imanaga’s rookie season in 2024, the notion of the Cubs declining their three-year, $57MM choice only one yr later didn’t appear believable. Imanaga made the 2024 All-Star workforce, completed fourth in NL Rookie of the 12 months voting and completed fifth in NL Cy Younger voting. He paced the Cubs with 173 1/3 innings, logged a 2.91 ERA, fanned one quarter of his opponents and solely issued walks at a tiny 4% clip. His contract seemed like a cut price.
Quite a bit has modified in a yr, nonetheless. Imanaga posted a 2.82 ERA via his first eight begins however did so with strikeout and stroll charges that trended within the fallacious path. A hamstring pressure sidelined him for about seven weeks. He returned in late June, averaging solely 90.7 mph on his heater — down from 91.7 mph a yr prior — and quickly turning into one among MLB’s most homer-prone pitchers. Imanaga tossed precisely 100 innings post-injury. He logged a good 4.14 ERA and posted an impeccable 3.1% stroll price … but additionally allowed 24 dwelling runs — a median of two.16 round-trippers per 9 frames.
By the point the postseason rolled round, Imanaga had clearly misplaced the belief of Cubs brass. His penchant for serving up dwelling runs and chronic struggles within the first inning led the Cubs to make use of an opener forward of him within the Wild Card spherical. Imanaga obtained a conventional begin within the NLDS towards the Brewers however served up 4 runs in 2 2/3 innings on the energy of two homers. With the Cubs’ season on the road and Imanaga on 4 days’ relaxation later that spherical, Chicago opted for a bullpen recreation. They misplaced 3-1 to their division rivals in Milwaukee.
Imanaga’s 11.9% swinging-strike price and 31.8% opponents’ chase price have been each about 10% higher than common in 2025, however they have been nowhere near the prior season’s 14.5% and 36.3%. His diminished capability to generate chases and whiffs led to a below-average 20.6% strikeout price. Couple that with the misplaced velocity and big uptick in dwelling runs allowed, and the Cubs seem prepared to maneuver on.
Imanaga declined a $15MM participant choice after the Cubs declined their three-year choice. He did so even if exercising the choice would’ve assured him one other $15MM participant choice. Successfully, Imanaga opted out of a two-year, $30MM assure that contained another opt-out provision. Doing so is a transparent sign that his camp is of the idea he can high $30MM in free company.
The Cubs continued this recreation of rooster by issuing Imanaga the $22.025MM qualifying supply. This represents an actual drag on his market. Nonetheless, Imanaga guess on himself by turning down the two-year choice, and could also be disinclined to return given the Cubs’ lack of religion in him.
Even with the pink flags, Imanaga tossed 144 2/3 innings of three.73 ERA ball with a terrific stroll price. He nonetheless has a good fame as a pitcher, and was a fan favourite in Chicago. He can solicit presents and maintain off on deciding till November 18th at 3pm, which is the deadline to just accept the Cubs’ QO. Whereas accepting stays believable, our guess is that Imanaga will discover a three-year supply elsewhere.
The Angels, Tigers, Braves, Cardinals, Rangers, D-backs, Padres, Giants, and Nationals might all be looking out for reasonably priced innings this winter. Even when Imanaga’s debut marketing campaign in 2024 was his peak, he is usually a strong fourth starter, notably for a workforce with a pitcher-friendly dwelling park.
23. Jorge Polanco, 2B/3B: three years, $42MM
Tim: Pirates / Anthony: Mariners / Darragh: Mariners / Steve: Royals
The Mariners’ authentic commerce for Polanco seemed like a swing-and-a-miss. The longtime Twins infielder hit so poorly in his first season as a Mariner in 2024 that the workforce declined what as soon as seemed like a no brainer membership choice over the switch-hitting infielder. Polanco underwent knee surgical procedure after the 2024 season, revealing that he’d performed via a strained patellar tendon for a lot of the yr.
When the M’s and Polanco parted methods firstly of final offseason, it appeared like a one-and-done pairing between the 2. The Mariners have been looking out for greater fish at a number of infield positions. Polanco wanted a rebound, and attempting to bounce again at one of many majors’ most pitcher-friendly venues in Seattle didn’t sound interesting. But the 2 events discovered their means again to 1 one other. A late deal to re-sign Polanco was initially met with skepticism, however Polanco turned again the clock with a terrific common season and routinely performed the hero because the Mariners’ season pushed all the best way to Sport 7 of the ALCS.
In 524 plate appearances, Polanco raked at a .265/.326/.495 tempo (132 wRC+). His 26 dwelling runs have been the second-most of his profession, trailing solely the fluky 2019 marketing campaign that noticed him pop 33 homers within the juiced-ball season. He hit effectively from either side of the plate and turned in a 15.6% strikeout price that stands because the second-lowest of his profession in a 162-game season — and represents a precipitous drop from the prior season’s career-worst 29.2% mark.
It’s clear that Polanco wasn’t taking part in near 100% in 2024 — but it surely additionally appears he wasn’t at full energy for a lot of 2025, both. The thought when re-signing Polanco was to play him at third base, however he logged simply 5 video games there. An indirect harm early within the season didn’t ship Polanco to the IL however restricted him sufficient that he was relegated to DH work and was restricted towards left-handed pitching early on. Polanco spent extra time as a DH than an infielder this yr, logging 88 video games at DH in comparison with simply 287 innings at second base and 43 on the scorching nook.
Which may not be sufficient to persuade groups that he’s viable at third, however Polanco’s bat was so good in 2025 that it doesn’t matter a lot. Whether or not he indicators as a second baseman, a 3rd baseman, a hybrid choice and even as a primary baseman/designated hitter, the calling card is his bat. Even with final yr’s struggles and an unpleasant displaying within the shortened Covid season, Polanco is a .260/.330/.450 hitter over his previous 3,355 plate appearances. That’s 16% higher than common, per wRC+. He’s 32, however Polanco clubbed 29 homers in 150 video games between the common season and the playoffs — together with two in a single recreation towards the aforementioned Skubal through the ALDS.
Polanco ought to discover no less than two years, if not three, in free company. The Mariners, Giants, Tigers, Royals, Yankees, Rangers, Jays, Marlins, Mets and Phillies all make a point of sense right here. Polanco’s market will probably be bolstered by the Mariners’ choice to not subject a qualifying supply.
24. Chris Bassitt, SP: two years, $38MM
Tim: Braves / Anthony: Athletics / Darragh: Braves / Steve: Yankees
Bassitt simply wrapped up a three-year, $63MM take care of the Blue Jays. He remained the regular mid-rotation presence that the Jays anticipated after they signed him. Bassitt topped 30 begins in all three seasons and posted an earned run common between 3.60 and 4.16 in annually. That included 170 1/3 innings of three.96 ball this previous season. He struck out a barely above-average 22.6% of opponents towards a strong 7.1% stroll price.
The veteran right-hander prevented the injured record for nearly the whole thing of his time in Toronto. His solely IL stint as a Blue Jay got here in September. He completed the common season on the shelf with decrease again irritation and was inactive for the Division Collection towards the Yankees. He returned for the ALCS. He didn’t crack a playoff rotation that included Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage, Max Scherzer and Shane Bieber. Bassitt was an extremely precious a part of the ALCS and World Collection pitching employees, although. The Jays plugged him into the bullpen and used him alongside Jeff Hoffman, Louis Varland and Seranthony Dominguez in key conditions. Bassitt delivered, firing 8 2/3 innings of one-run ball whereas placing out 10.
It’s a pleasant end for a pitcher who ought to once more be in demand as he returns to the market. Bassitt turns 37 in February, so he isn’t going to safe one other three-year contract. He ought to be capable to safe a two-year deal at a good annual price. Bassitt nonetheless tasks as a rock strong fourth starter who takes the ball each fifth day. A fastball that after sat above 93 MPH now checks in additional within the 91-92 vary — no less than out of the rotation — but it surely’s adequate stuff to publish underlying numbers that align with a 4.00 ERA sort pitcher.
The Jays weren’t in a position to make Bassitt a qualifying supply as a result of he acquired one from the Mets when he was beforehand a free agent. Toronto might attempt to convey him again, however groups just like the Braves, Yankees, Diamondbacks, Orioles, Astros, Angels, A’s and Giants might all match.
25. Merrill Kelly, SP: two years, $36MM
Tim: Angels / Anthony: Diamondbacks / Darragh: Diamondbacks / Steve: Diamondbacks
Few have had a profession arc take an identical form to that of Kelly, a former Rays eighth-rounder (2010) who by no means surfaced within the majors earlier than heading abroad to the Korea Baseball Group. Kelly broke out with the KBO’s SK Wyverns (now referred to as the SSG Landers), starring of their rotation for 4 seasons earlier than attempting his hand at a return to Main League Baseball. The Diamondbacks introduced not solely a chance however a multi-year main league contract — albeit it a bargain-rate $5.5MM over two seasons.
That contract, which contained two further membership choice years, proved to be an immense cut price. Kelly pitched 573 innings of three.96 ERA ball over its 4 seasons and was prolonged in April 2022, tacking on further two years and $18MM in assured cash. Kelly pitched effectively in 2023-24, making it a simple choice for the Snakes to select up a 2025 membership choice. He was traded to the Rangers midseason as Arizona took a step again forward of the commerce deadline, and Kelly went on to present Texas one other 10 serviceable begins to shut out the season. He’s now a outstanding free agent for the primary time, only a month after his thirty seventh birthday. With Kelly born about 4 months earlier than Bassitt, it’s simple to attract a comparability on this market between the 2.
Since returning to North American ball, Kelly has a 3.77 ERA, a 22% strikeout price and a 7.2% stroll price in simply over 1,000 innings pitched. That features a 3.52 earned run common, 22.3% strikeout price and 6.4% stroll price in 32 begins this previous seasons. Kelly sits just below 92 mph along with his four-seamer and has a below-average swinging-strike price, however the right-hander additionally presents plus command and a largely sturdy observe report.
There have been some accidents alongside the best way, nonetheless. Most notably, Kelly required thoracic outlet surgical procedure in 2020 and missed three months of the 2024 season because of a shoulder pressure. He by no means confirmed any sick results from that 2020 TOS process, nonetheless, and he bounced again from final yr’s shoulder pressure with one among his finest seasons within the majors.
Age will cap Kelly’s contract size. Since 2010, the one three-year offers for pitchers beginning at age 37 or later have been Wealthy Hill’s $48MM take care of the Dodgers in 2016 and Max Scherzer’s $130MM take care of the Mets in 2021. Kelly’s stroll yr and broader observe report in all probability aren’t adequate to make him the recipient of an ultra-rare third yr for a pitcher of his age, however he’s a extra interesting free agent than Kenta Maeda was when he landed two years and $24MM starting along with his age-36 season.
Kelly spoke extremely of his time with the D-backs when he returned to Chase Subject as a customer with the Rangers late this summer season. Arizona wants rotation assist and can certainly attempt to re-sign him. Maybe he’ll be amenable to a slight hometown low cost, but when not the D-backs, Kelly might assist nearly any postseason hopeful seeking to solidify the center of its rotation. The Yankees, Purple Sox, Giants, Blue Jays, Padres, Cubs, Orioles, Braves and loads of others might all make a bid.
26. Brad Keller, RP: three years, $36MM
Tim: Yankees / Anthony: Braves / Darragh: Yankees / Steve: Braves
It looks as if each offseason includes a reliever coming off an out-of-nowhere breakout season. Keller is that this winter’s model. The righty had some early-career success as a starter after the Royals chosen him within the Rule 5 draft. It wasn’t essentially the most thrilling profile, however he rode a whole lot of ground-balls to respectable outcomes between 2018-20. Keller’s numbers tailed off over the following couple seasons, and he completed the ’23 marketing campaign on the injured record with what was initially recognized as a shoulder impingement.
It turned out to be thoracic outlet syndrome. Keller underwent surgical procedure over the 2023-24 offseason. He struggled to a 5.44 ERA between the White Sox and Purple Sox, leaving him to signal a minor league contract with the Cubs going into 2025. Keller impressed in Spring Coaching and earned a season-opening bullpen spot. It didn’t take lengthy earlier than he earned Craig Counsell’s belief as arguably his finest reliever.
Keller was working in virtually completely high-leverage spots earlier than the top of Could. He wound up pitching 69 2/3 innings of two.07 ERA ball over 69 appearances. He recorded 25 holds and a trio of saves whereas solely giving up three leads all season. A fastball that had been 93-94 for many of his profession was above 97 on common in brief stints. Keller punched out 27.2% of opponents whereas getting ground-balls on greater than 56% of balls in play — a high 10 mark amongst relievers with 50+ frames. He solely obtained higher because the season progressed. Keller solely gave up one run whereas placing out 35 hitters throughout 27 2/3 innings within the second half. He adopted up with 5 2/3 frames of one-run ball within the playoffs.
That ensures that Keller will discover a multi-year deal this offseason. Keller’s market might increase if some groups wish to construct him again as a starter, as he was with the White Sox final yr. Keller ought to be a part of the likes of Rafael Montero, Joe Jimenez, Robert Stephenson and Jeff Hoffman as high-end setup arms who command three-year contracts. The Cubs have typically most popular to construct their bullpens via short-term offers, so there’s a good likelihood they let Keller stroll.
27. Lucas Giolito, SP: two years, $32MM
Tim: Orioles / Anthony: Giants / Darragh: Rangers / Steve: White Sox
Giolito hit the market after declining his finish of a $19MM mutual choice with the Purple Sox. He’d transformed what had been a $14MM membership choice right into a mutual provision by reaching 140 innings this yr. That gave him the power to return to the market, although he does so with extra questions than it appeared he’d have six weeks in the past.
Throughout his time with the White Sox, Giolito was one of many sport’s most sturdy pitchers. That wasn’t the case over his two years in Boston. Giolito blew out throughout Spring Coaching 2024 and required inner brace surgical procedure that value him that whole season. He was again this spring however suffered a hamstring pressure that saved him from making his workforce debut till the top of April. Giolito confirmed indicators of rust upon his return, as he gave up 4.78 earned runs per 9 over his first six begins.
Issues clicked as soon as the calendar flipped to June. Giolito reeled off a 3.03 ERA throughout 113 innings over his subsequent 20 begins. His underlying marks weren’t as spectacular. Giolito struck out simply 20% of opponents whereas issuing walks practically 10% of the time. Even when he wasn’t a real #2 starter, he averaged practically six innings per look and seemed like a succesful mid-rotation arm throughout that stretch.
Giolito projected because the #3 arm in Boston’s playoff rotation. Nonetheless, because the common season drew to an in depth, the Sox introduced that Giolito could be inactive for the Wild Card Collection due to flexor irritation and a bone subject in his elbow. The Purple Sox have been eradicated within the first spherical, but it surely’s clear that Giolito would’ve missed your complete postseason regardless of how far the workforce superior. He has reportedly resumed a throwing program and is believed to have a completely intact ulnar collateral ligament. There’s nothing to counsel he gained’t be a full go for Spring Coaching. Nonetheless, it’s suboptimal to hit free company coping with an elbow-related harm lower than two years faraway from surgical procedure.
One level in Giolito’s favor is that the Purple Sox determined to not subject a qualifying supply. That alternative might characterize pessimism concerning the righty being price $22.025MM subsequent yr, but it surely might additionally simply be the Purple Sox maintaining powder dry early within the offseason as they’re anticipated to pursue a higher-tier rotation addition.
Giolito turned 31 in July. He doesn’t have the down-ballot Cy Younger upside he confirmed earlier in his profession when he missed much more bats than he does now. A totally wholesome Giolito would offer comparable youth and mid-rotation capability to the likes of Luis Severino and Eduardo Rodriguez. We might’ve predicted a three- and even four-year contract had he not had any late-season elbow bother. We’re now shading right down to a two-year deal, maybe with an opt-out after subsequent season. That’d be an identical contract to the one he signed with the Purple Sox in 2023, when he was going through questions on consecutive seasons of middling efficiency moderately than sturdiness issues. The Astros, A’s, Rangers, Braves, Mets, Padres, Giants, Orioles, and Tigers are amongst a dozen-plus groups that might test in.
28. Ha-Seong Kim, SS: two years, $30MM
Tim: Braves / Anthony: Padres / Darragh: Braves / Steve: Braves
Kim not too long ago declined a $16MM participant choice for the upcoming season. He didn’t have an important first yr in his return from final October’s shoulder surgical procedure, however even with that surgical procedure recognized to be impacting his readiness for the 2025 season, he nonetheless landed two years and $29MM with an opt-out. On condition that he’s now wholesome and set to enter an offseason market devoid of authentic shortstop choices, he and the Boras Company certainly really feel there’s no less than one other two-year take care of an opt-out available. In a market devoid of shortstops apart from Bichette, we wouldn’t rule out three years for Kim.
Kim’s end-of-season batting line isn’t a lot to take a look at. He hit .324/.304/.345 in 191 plate appearances between the Rays, who signed him to that beforehand talked about two-year deal, and the Braves, who claimed him off waivers on the finish of August. Kim’s bat was nonexistent with Tampa Bay, however he caught fireplace for many of his run in Atlanta. In his first 19 video games with the Braves, Kim slashed .309/.372/.456 with three homers, a double, a 9.1% stroll price and a 15.4% strikeout price. It’s solely 78 plate appearances, but it surely was encouraging. A 1-for-19 stoop to complete out his season tanked his numbers a bit, however there was no less than a interval of the ultimate month of play the place Kim seemed fully again to kind.
Although Kim has by no means been a real impression bat in MLB, he was a barely above-average offensive performer from 2022-24 (.250/.336/.385, 106 wRC+) who made vital contributions on the basepaths and with the glove. Kim has been a plus defender at shortstop, second base and third base since coming to the majors from his native South Korea. As such, some groups would possibly take a look at him as a utility piece moderately than a real one-position starter, however the shortstop class is so barren that he ought to obtain curiosity as a starter.
Atlanta clearly likes Kim. That they have been prepared to assert him means they have been snug paying him $16MM subsequent yr, in any case. They’ll be within the combine to retain him, however different groups with potential shortstop wants embrace the Tigers, Pirates, Brewers, and Guardians. The Yankees would possibly search for some infield insurance coverage with Anthony Volpe beginning on the IL. The Giants or Royals might make sense in the event that they wish to plug Kim in at second base.
29. J.T. Realmuto, C: two years, $30MM
Tim: Phillies / Anthony: Phillies / Darragh: Phillies / Steve: Padres
Realmuto confirmed in 2025 that there’s nonetheless a lot left within the tank, however his days as a premium all-around catcher additionally look to be prior to now. His .257/.315/.384 batting line was 6% worse than league-average, by measure of wRC+, however nonetheless checked in a bit higher than that of the common catcher. He’s nonetheless plus in the case of controlling the run recreation (29.7% caught-stealing price), however Realmuto has now registered damaging blocking grades (in line with Statcast) in consecutive seasons and has seen his once-vaunted framing grades decline sharply.
The market presents little in the best way of starting-caliber catchers, which might work to Realmuto’s profit. Victor Caratini and Danny Jansen are arguably essentially the most notable options on the open market. The previous has posted good price stats within the batter’s field however has primarily operated as a backup. The latter has now had back-to-back poor seasons on the plate.
Groups preferring to not flip to the commerce or non-tender market gained’t have a extra reliable choice than Realmuto. He’s caught no less than 99 video games in each full season since 2015, hardly ever lacking notable time on the injured record. A two-year deal right here is probably going, as the one latest three-year deal for a catcher aged-35 or older was Yadier Molina’s $60MM pact from means again in 2017. The Phillies wish to maintain Realmuto, however he’ll doubtless draw various ranges of curiosity from the Rangers, Rays, Padres and Guardians, amongst others.
30. Ryan O’Hearn, 1B/DH/OF: two years, $26MM
Tim: Marlins / Anthony: Mariners / Darragh: Marlins / Steve: Marlins
O’Hearn went from DFA fodder in Kansas Metropolis to a focus of the lineup on a contending Baltimore membership. The previous Royal reinvented himself in orange and black, breaking out with a .277/.343/.445 batting line (121 wRC+) in a bit greater than 1400 plate appearances over his three seasons at Camden Yards. Final season’s 14% strikeout price proved too low to maintain, however this yr’s 20% mark continues to be much better than the 26.8% mark O’Hearn logged in practically 1,100 turns on the plate with Kansas Metropolis.
A few of that might be because of platooning, however O’Hearn’s numbers towards fellow lefties have ticked up throughout the previous three seasons. Since touchdown in Baltimore, he’s posted a .261/.326/.442 line towards southpaws. That’s a pattern of solely 182 plate appearances, because the O’s nonetheless tended to platoon him, however O’Hearn has dealt with the alternatives he’s been given fairly properly. That manufacturing isn’t the results of a very gaudy BABIP spike; his .322 mark in these spots is true consistent with his total .314 mark relationship again to 2023.
O’Hearn totaled new career-high marks in plate appearances (544) and residential runs (17) between the Orioles and Padres this previous summer season. He posted above-average marks from each DRS and OAA at first base however has usually been below-average within the outfield corners. Even with sub-par glovework there, nonetheless, O’Hearn has sufficient outfield expertise that golf equipment might signal him to play a good bit on the grass. The bat has been adequate to justify that method.
Since he’s already 32 (33 subsequent July) and has been extra of a part-time participant than an on a regular basis bat, O’Hearn might discover himself capped at two years — although he and his reps will certainly push for 3. The Padres would certainly prefer to maintain him round, however O’Hearn’s comparatively restricted incomes energy might put him within the worth vary for lots of golf equipment searching for assist at first base and/or within the outfield corners. The Marlins, Purple Sox, White Sox, D-backs, Twins and Rockies all acquired negligible output from first base in 2025, whereas the Pirates, Reds, Guardians and O’Hearn’s outdated mates in Kansas Metropolis noticed loads of battle within the outfield corners.
31. Harrison Bader, OF: two years, $26MM
Tim: Giants / Anthony: Royals / Darragh: Guardians / Steve: Angels
Bader is the one true plus defensive middle fielder on this yr’s free agent market. He’s beforehand had notable platoon splits however loved the very best season of his profession towards right-handed pitching in 2025, slashing .300/.369/.476. A lot of that was because of a .372 BABIP towards righties, however Bader additionally posted improved contact and strikeout charges. He cut up the 2025 season between left discipline and middle, taking part in his traditional model of high quality protection.
The defensive excellence hasn’t been sufficient to get him paid in prior offseasons. Bader has signed one-year offers with the Mets ($10.5MM) and Twins ($6.25MM) over the previous two winters. He’s coming off a significantly better all-around displaying this yr, with a career-best 17 homers and career-best 122 wRC+. Bader hit .277/.347/.449 between Minnesota and Philadelphia this yr, together with a torrid .305/.361/.463 displaying with the Phillies following a deadline commerce that despatched outfield prospect Hendry Mendez and teenaged righty Geremy Villoria again to Minnesota.
Bader is a plus runner with wonderful outfield vary and a robust throwing arm. He strikes out an excessive amount of, doesn’t possess notably thrilling batted-ball metrics and has, at finest, common energy. Quite a bit his offensive contributions are going to differ yr to yr primarily based on his fortune on balls in play (or lack thereof). This yr’s .359 BABIP appears ripe for regression, regardless of some modest beneficial properties in hard-hit price.
golf equipment can in all probability count on common offense, good pace and robust protection from Bader. For a 31-year-old (32 in June) who’s coming into a bleak marketplace for middle fielders, that needs to be sufficient to get him a multi-year deal this time round. Glove-first outfielders with unstable offensive performances usually don’t break the financial institution in free company — simply ask Jackie Bradley Jr. and Kevin Kiermaier. However Bader has doubtless proven sufficient to get a multi-year contract — doubtless a two-year take care of an outdoor likelihood of three. The Phillies might attempt to maintain him, and golf equipment just like the Guardians, Royals, Mets, D-backs, and Tigers obtained little to no manufacturing out of middle discipline in 2025.
32. Raisel Iglesias, RP: two years, $26MM
Tim: Braves / Anthony: Orioles / Darragh: Giants / Steve: Braves
Iglesias turns 36 in February, so age isn’t on his facet, however his observe report is great. Early on within the 2025 season, it seemed like the previous All-Star was working out of fuel. He was shredded for a 6.75 ERA via his first 24 innings. That terrible stoop stretched into early June, however Iglesias was nonetheless throwing arduous, lacking bats and limiting walks alongside the best way — he was simply far too homer-prone.
That’s by no means been an enormous subject for him earlier than and it wasn’t an issue at everywhere in the season’s ultimate 4 months. From June 9 via season’s finish, Iglesias was totally dominant. He totaled 43 1/3 innings with a 1.25 ERA, fanned 30.4% of his opponents and solely walked 6.3% of his opponents. His .194 BABIP and 84% strand price in that point underscore the way during which that Terminator-esque stretch can’t be absolutely sustained, however that Okay-BB profile and a large 15.4% swinging-strike price confirmed there’s a lot left within the tank.
Two-year offers starting with a reliever’s age-36 season are uncommon, however there’s an opportunity Iglesias’ dominant end and excellent observe report (2.71 ERA, 253 saves, 29.8 Okay%, 6.8 BB% since 2016) get him there. The Braves are in all probability hoping to maintain him, however each contending membership is looking out for large arms behind the ’pen every offseason.
33. Nick Martinez, SP/RP: two years, $25MM
Tim: Padres / Anthony: Guardians / Darragh: Yankees / Steve: Mets
Martinez has spent the previous 4 years as baseball’s final swingman. He’s able to respectable outcomes as a back-end starter or as a high-leverage reliever. That continued in 2025 with the Reds. General, he gave the Reds 165 2/3 innings with a 4.45 ERA. That included a 4.72 ERA in 26 begins and a 2.61 ERA in 14 reduction appearances.
There are some worrying traits. Martinez is now 35 years outdated. His strikeout has been dropping, going from 23% in 2023 to twenty.4% final yr and 17% this yr. Nonetheless, his stroll price has been low and he continues to be superb at limiting arduous contact. He additionally offers sturdiness, having not been on the injured record since he got here again to North American ball going into the 2022 season.
Groups clearly worth his reliability and suppleness. When he was first getting back from his stint in Japan 4 years in the past, the Padres gave him a four-year, $25.5MM assure with opt-outs. He opted out one-year later and secured a contemporary three-year, $26MM deal. That led to a two-year, $26MM take care of the Reds. The primary yr in Cincinnati went so effectively, with a 3.10 ERA in 142 1/3 innings, that he opted out and the Reds gave him a $21.05MM qualifying supply.
He shouldn’t have that form of incomes energy now, no less than by way of common annual worth. It was a fairly stunning QO within the first place and his leads to 2025 weren’t as sturdy because the yr prior. His ERA crept up, his strikeout price fell and he’s a yr older. Nonetheless, his capability to pitch both as a starter or reliever or each makes him a match on nearly any membership. Which will make him standard sufficient to safe a pleasant two-year deal for himself.
34. Luis Arraez, 1B: two years, $24MM
Tim: Rangers / Anthony: Rangers / Darragh: Diamondbacks / Steve: Twins
Arraez’s nickname is “la regadera” or, “the sprinkler,” for the way during which he sprinkles hits across the diamond. Getting into this offseason, nonetheless, it’d change to the “litmus check.” Arraez is a throwback in practically each sense of the phrase — a three-time batting champ with just about no energy who hardly ever walks however strikes out even much less usually. He’s baseball’s premier contact bat, having fanned in solely 3.1% of his plate appearances this previous season.
In at present’s period of excessive velocity, spin price, induced vertical break, pitch design, proprietary pitch labs and advance scouting, that strikeout price is genuinely exceptional. It’s additionally the lone true standout in Arraez’s ability set. The 28-year-old (29 subsequent April) has by no means posted a batting common decrease than this previous season’s .292. He’s additionally begun to swing extra incessantly in recent times, on the expense of his as soon as above-average stroll price. Arraez has drawn a free cross in simply 4.7% of his plate appearances relationship again to 2023, and he’s homered simply 22 instances in practically 2000 plate appearances alongside the best way.
Arraez’s profession ISO (slugging minus batting common) is simply .096. That’s the bottom among the many 81 hitters who’ve tallied 3,000 plate appearances in that point and the fourth-lowest among the many 197 hitters with 2000-plus plate appearances (trailing Nicky Lopez, Myles Straw and Isiah Kiner-Falefa). Arraez is a singles machine, however he has virtually no energy and must bat effectively over .300 to publish a very plus on-base share.
If Arraez have been a slick-fielding shortstop or a plus defensive middle fielder, groups in all probability wouldn’t thoughts the singles-only method on the plate. He’s a .303/.337/.392 hitter over the previous two seasons, in any case. However Arraez has had knee issues relationship again to his minor league days and was at all times one thing of a participant and not using a true defensive dwelling. He labored primarily at second base early in his huge league profession however has primarily performed first base in recent times. Since 2024, Arraez has performed solely 421 innings at second base and been dinged for -5 DRS and -9 OAA. In 1526 innings at first base, he’s been a scratch defender per DRS however -12 per OAA.
Traditionalists have lengthy lamented the way during which fashionable entrance places of work have forged apart older stats like batting common, runs batted in and pitcher wins/losses in evaluating gamers. The elevated concentrate on launch angle, velocity and hitting for energy has made golf equipment, gamers and lots of followers extra accepting of strikeout totals that will’ve appeared unthinkable just a few many years in the past.
Arraez, in some ways, will probably be a litmus check for a way a lot groups nonetheless worth batting common. It’s the one huge arrow he has in his quiver, but it surely’s a outstanding one which is kind of with out rival all through the sport. Will that immediate a workforce to eschew fashionable considering and splurge for a long-term deal, or will at present’s entrance places of work see a singles-hitting first baseman with no defensive/baserunning worth? Arraez has been price simply 2.3 wins above alternative since 2024, per Baseball-Reference. FanGraphs pegs him at a flat 2.0 WAR.
We’re predicting a modest multi-year deal that’ll really feel eminently affordable to a big portion of followers and readers however doing so beneath the belief that many groups will choose Arraez on a one-year deal, at most. Except a workforce that prioritizes contact hitters (e.g. Royals) is prepared to place Arraez at second base, he in all probability wants a workforce with a principally open first base/DH combine. That might imply the Purple Sox, White Sox, Mariners, Rangers, Rockies or Nationals. Unsurprisingly, Arraez hits the market unencumbered by a qualifying supply.
35. Zack Littell, SP: two years, $24MM
Tim: Nationals / Anthony: Angels / Darragh: Padres / Steve: Angels
Littell spent the early a part of his profession working principally in center reduction. He had a pleasant 2021 season with the Giants however by no means actually earned their belief and was minimize free after the ’22 marketing campaign. Littell had a quick stint in Boston earlier than being claimed off waivers by the Rays in Could 2023. He turned the most recent Tampa Bay pitching growth success story. The Rays constructed him up as a beginning pitcher within the second half that yr. He has spent the previous two seasons as a gradual supply of back-of-the-rotation innings.
The righty posted a 3.63 ERA over 29 appearances in 2024. He made 32 begins this previous season divided between the Rays and Reds, who acquired him on the commerce deadline. Littell tied for eleventh in MLB with 186 2/3 innings whereas permitting 3.81 earned runs per 9. He owns a 3.73 ERA in 61 begins over the previous two seasons. The Reds turned to him as their Sport 2 playoff starter, however the Dodgers tagged him for 3 runs throughout 3 1/3 frames in what proved to be an elimination recreation.
Other than the sturdiness, Littell’s calling card is his elite management. He has the sixth-lowest stroll price (4.5%) amongst pitchers with 200+ innings over the previous two seasons. Littell goes to assault the strike zone however has fringe stuff. His four-seam and sinker every land within the 91-92 MPH vary, main him to rely equally as usually on his slider and splitter. He doesn’t miss many bats and can quit a whole lot of dwelling runs. Solely Jake Irvin gave up extra longballs than Littell’s 36 this yr.
It’s not essentially the most thrilling profile, however Littell ought to command a multi-year deal from a workforce that wishes steady bulk innings from the fourth or fifth rotation spot. If the Reds don’t convey him again, groups just like the Angels, A’s, and Giants might present curiosity. He turned 30 final month and has an outdoor shot at pulling a three-year contract just like the $39-40MM offers signed by Tyler Anderson and Zach Eflin. A two-year deal that ensures between $20MM and $30MM may be the safer guess.
36. Ryan Helsley, RP: two years, $24MM
Tim: Angels / Anthony: Marlins / Darragh: Marlins / Steve: Diamondbacks
Helsley had a multi-year run as one of the vital formidable late-inning weapons within the recreation. From 2022-24, he pitched 167 2/3 innings with a 1.83 ERA, 82 saves, a 34.6% strikeout price and a 9.2% stroll price out of the Cardinals’ bullpen. He appeared like one of the vital apparent commerce candidates in baseball final offseason as St. Louis took a step again and started specializing in getting alternatives for youthful gamers, however they made the choice to hold onto Helsley and hope for higher presents on the deadline.
Had the right-hander loved a typical first half, which may have panned out — demand for bullpen assistance is at all times at its peak in July, and the availability is extra restricted than within the offseason — however Helsley was extra “superb” than elite. His strikeout price dipped to 26.1%. His fastball, whereas nonetheless a blistering 99.3 mph on common, was down a couple of half mile per hour from its peak. Opponents have been hitting him significantly tougher than in prior seasons. The Mets nonetheless fortunately traded for the flamethrowing righty, however that’s when the wheels got here off.
Helsley was blasted for a 7.20 ERA in 22 innings with the Mets. He gave up as many homers in two months with the Mets (4) as he did in two full years with the Playing cards from 2023-24. There’s little question that Helsley had some rotten luck in Queens. A .362 BABIP and 52.6% strand price each appear prone to regress in constructive trend. Helsley himself puzzled about whether or not he may be tipping pitches. Regardless of the motive for his struggles as a Met, Helsley was shortly demoted to a lower-leverage position because of his alarming struggles.
The poor displaying in New York led to a 4.50 ERA total on his season. Helsley nonetheless averages higher than 99 mph, however his strikeout price has dipped in three consecutive seasons, falling from 39.3% again in 2022 to “simply” 25% in 2025. This yr’s 14.9% swinging-strike price, whereas nonetheless wonderful, is a far cry from the 17.4% mark he posted from 2022-24.
One other workforce may be prepared to look previous the faceplant with the Mets and guess on the rate, swinging-strike price and observe report. A multi-year deal can’t be dominated out; we’re solely three years faraway from Taylor Rogers touchdown three years and $33MM on the again of a 4.76 ERA due largely to his observe report and bat-missing capability. Not many relievers common 99 mph, and even fewer can achieve this with solely barely below-average command. Helsley’s big swinging-strike price creates some optimism for a rebound in strikeout price, too. There are numerous paths he might take. We’re betting on two years with an opt-out, although Helsley might additionally go for a straight one-year and even attempt to max out for 3.
37. Gleyber Torres, 2B: one yr, $22.025MM
Tim: Tigers / Anthony: Tigers / Darragh: Tigers / Steve: Tigers
Torres seemed like a possible celebrity with the Yankees early in his profession. The previous high prospect belted 38 homers in 2019 whereas splitting time between the 2 center infield spots within the Bronx. He wasn’t defender, however the offensive ceiling was tantalizing.
Torres’ bat declined swiftly over the following 5 seasons, nonetheless. He was nonetheless a comfortably above-average hitter (.261/.332/.411, 110 wRC+), however that’s a far cry from flirting with 40 homers in what we now know because the juiced-ball season in 2019. That’s very true given the way during which he’s slid down the defensive spectrum. Gone are Torres’ days as a shortstop; he’s firmly a second baseman now — and one which hasn’t sounded all that eager on shifting to different positions.
In 2024, Torres’ huge end to the season wasn’t sufficient to get him a prolonged multi-year deal in free company. He signed with the Tigers for a yr and $15MM and successfully had the inverse of his ’24 season: terrific begin, middling end. Following the season, the Tigers revealed that Torres had performed via a sports activities hernia for a number of months and would bear offseason surgical procedure. He’s anticipated to be prepared for spring coaching. That definitely helps to elucidate the brutal end. Torres was the beginning second baseman for the American League All-Star workforce in 2025 however floundered with a .223/.320/.339 slash following the break.
Torres now heads again into free company with a good bit working towards him. The Tigers made him a qualifying supply, which got here as a little bit of a shock. A number of of his potential suitors, such because the Royals, must give up their third-highest draft decide. CBT payors, however, must forfeit their second and fifth-highest picks in addition to $1MM in worldwide bonus pool cash. The QO might be an actual market-killer for Torres in and of itself.
Plus, the market hasn’t compensated pure second basemen all that effectively over the previous decade plus, and Torres is attempting to alter that whereas coming off a brutal end and offseason surgical procedure. On the plus facet, he’ll play all of subsequent season at age 29, and as deep into the season because the All-Star break he was hitting .281/.387/.425.
Most of that harm got here towards left-handed pitching. Torres is round league-average towards righties and bat versus lefties. He walked at a career-high 13.5% in 2025 and struck out in simply 16.1% of his plate appearances. He’s a hit-over-power bat at a defensive place MLB entrance places of work don’t worth all that extremely, and his glove on the keystone grades out poorly.
Any hope Torres would possibly’ve had earlier in his profession of ultimately securing a mammoth contract has largely evaporated. He’s the kind of strong, non-star common that has been negatively affected because the open market has slowly squeezed out MLB’s center class of free brokers over the previous decade. We really feel his best option is to just accept the $22.025MM QO, even with the looming lockout. He’ll flip 30 shortly after it begins.
If Torres chooses to say no the QO and hit the market, there are apparent suits with the Giants, Royals, Jays (relying what occurs with Bichette), A’s and Angels, amongst others.
38. Justin Verlander, SP: one yr, $22MM
Tim: Astros / Anthony: Yankees / Darragh: Giants / Steve: Astros
Verlander will flip 43 in February, however the future Corridor of Famer has no plans to name it quits. Coming off one more strong season at age 42, it’s simple to grasp why. Although poor assist from his lineup and bullpen left the three-time Cy Younger winner with only a 4-11 report on the season, every thing else in Verlander’s profile nonetheless has the look of a mid-rotation starter. He pitched 152 innings with a 3.85 ERA, a 20.7% strikeout price, a 7.9% stroll price and a 34.5% ground-ball price. Verlander managed arduous contact higher than the common pitcher, averaged 93.9 mph on his heater and posted an 11% swinging-strike price that’s precisely league-average.
The disappointing 4 wins pushed Verlander’s profession whole to 266, tied for thirty seventh all-time. Previous to the season, USA Right this moment’s Bob Nightengale wrote that Verlander was “pushed to turn into baseball’s first 300-game winner since Randy Johnson in 2009, and solely the twenty fifth in baseball historical past.” It might take three or 4 extra wholesome seasons to get there, however one shouldn’t doubt the longer term Corridor of Famer.
Although he’s not the dominant ace he as soon as was, Verlander seemed improbable down the stretch with a 2.60 ERA and 70-to-24 Okay/BB ratio over his ultimate 72 2/3 innings (22.8 Okay%, 7.8 BB%). He averaged about 5 2/3 innings per begin in that stretch of 13 appearances and about 5 1/3 innings per begin total in 2025.
The Giants signed Verlander to a one-year, $15MM contract final winter when he was coming off an terrible 5.48 ERA in an injury-shortened season that noticed him make simply 17 begins. He’s a yr older now however has additionally proven himself to be succesful in a means that wasn’t completely sure this time final yr. He’s virtually definitely not going to command a two-year contract at his age, however his 2025 season ought to earn him a elevate over final yr’s wage. A one-year deal within the vary of this yr’s qualifying supply worth appears becoming.
Giants president of baseball operations Buster Posey has already voiced curiosity in a Verlander reunion, however he’ll in all probability be on the radar of most contending golf equipment. Signing with a profitable membership is definitely a precedence for a 43-year-old hoping to win a 3rd World Collection ring and push as near 300 profession wins as potential. He’s at the moment 34 shy however has beforehand spoken of pitching till he’s 45. The Giants, Dodgers, Yankees, Purple Sox, Blue Jays, Orioles, Cubs and Phillies all make sense — and there’s a fairly clear match and wish at his outdated stomping grounds again in Detroit’s Comerica Park, too.
39. Cody Ponce, SP: two years, $22MM
Tim: White Sox / Anthony: Cardinals / Darragh: Brewers / Steve: Giants
In all probability a shock entrant on the record for a lot of readers, Ponce is a relative unknown to the overall MLB fan base however is firmly on the radar of huge league scouts. The previous Brewers second-rounder pitched briefly within the majors with the Pirates from 2020-21 however was roughed up for a 5.86 ERA in 55 1/3 MLB frames.
Ponce has spent the previous 4 seasons pitching in Asia, spending the 2022-24 campaigns in Japan earlier than pitching for the Hanwha Eagles of the Korea Baseball Group in 2025. The proper-hander posted sturdy numbers with the Nippon-Ham Fighters in 2022-23, struggled with the Rakuten Golden Eagles in 2024, and broke out with one of the vital dominant pitching performances in KBO historical past this previous season.
Ponce, 32 subsequent April, logged 180 2/3 innings with a 1.89 ERA out of the Hanwha rotation in 2025. He fanned an unimaginable 36.2% of his opponents towards only a 5.9% stroll price. The large 6’6″, 255-pound righty piled up 252 strikeouts total — shattering the earlier report of 225. (The KBO performs a 144-game season, as in comparison with MLB’s 162-game slate, it needs to be famous.) He additionally set the KBO’s single-game strikeout report when he set down 18 batters on strikes versus the SSG Landers again in Could.
Ponce sat 93.2 mph along with his four-seamer throughout his MLB days, however he’s added velocity and now sits round 95-96, often climbing as excessive as 98 mph. He pairs the improved heater with a cutter, changeup and curveball, the latter two of which each miss bats at an above-average stage.
The breakout displaying for Ponce has some parallels to that of Erick Fedde just a few years in the past, although Ponce’s prior NPB success in 2022-23 is one thing that Fedde didn’t have on his observe report. Scouts who spoke to MLBTR opined that Fedde had higher command however Ponce presents extra upside and significantly better weapons to overlook bats within the majors. He’ll be a yr older than Fedde was when he made his MLB return, however we’re betting that Ponce can nonetheless high Fedde’s total assure, and a 3rd yr won’t be completely out of the query.
40. Kyle Finnegan, RP: two years, $20MM
Tim: Tigers / Anthony: Yankees / Darragh: Diamondbacks / Steve: Tigers
Non-tendered by the Nats after a brutal end to his 2024 season, Finnegan returned on a one-year, $6MM deal (with deferrals) after discovering a frosty market in free company. He bounced again with a strong first 4 months in D.C., but it surely was a commerce to the Tigers that actually elevated him. New teaching and a a lot heavier slate of knowledge tailor-made to his strengths and weaknesses coaxed a brand new stage of efficiency out of Finnegan. He’s at all times thrown arduous however by no means missed bats like one would possibly count on from somebody sitting 97 mph along with his heater.
The Tigers had Finnegan throw his slider at career-high charges and barely raised the horizontal launch level on each his four-seamer and splitter. He rattled off 18 innings with a 1.50 ERA, 34.8% strikeout price and 6.1% stroll price. Finnegan didn’t miss many bats within the postseason however was clearly one among A.J. Hinch’s most trusted relievers each within the common season and within the playoffs.
Finnegan has been good for a mid-3.00s ERA each season relationship again to 2021, however fielding-independent metrics have by no means absolutely purchased into the ability set. Different golf equipment across the league maybe agreed for awhile; he wasn’t traded on the 2023 or 2024 deadlines even with the Nats rebuilding. This Tigers run has the makings of one thing extra attractive, nonetheless, and it might result in the primary multi-year deal of the righty’s profession. Finnegan will pitch subsequent season at 34, so he’s unlikely to command greater than two years, however he ought to do so much higher than a deferred $6MM this time round.
41. Luke Weaver, RP: two years, $18MM
Tim: Diamondbacks / Anthony: Mariners / Darragh: Orioles / Steve: Cubs
Weaver has spent most of his profession as an inconsistent back-end beginning pitcher. He was gifted sufficient to be chosen within the first spherical and headline the Diamondbacks’ commerce return for Paul Goldschmidt, however he held a 5.14 profession ERA between six groups by the top of the 2023 season. His fortunes turned when the Yankees moved him to the bullpen after a late-season waiver declare that yr.
The righty fired 84 innings of two.89 ERA ball whereas placing out 31% of opponents in 2024. He was Aaron Boone’s most trusted late-game arm by their run to the World Collection. The Yankees acquired Devin Williams final offseason to maintain Weaver in a setup position. He pitched very effectively over the primary two months and reclaimed the ninth inning with Williams’ early-season struggles. Weaver had allowed simply three runs in 25 2/3 innings when a left hamstring pressure despatched him to the injured record firstly of June.
Whereas he made a faster than anticipated restoration from that harm, he was nowhere close to as efficient after he returned. Weaver allowed a 5.31 ERA over his ultimate 40 appearances. His velocity was unchanged, and he maintained a formidable strikeout and stroll profile. The problem was his dwelling run price, which spiked to almost two longballs per 9 innings over the season’s ultimate few months. He didn’t do himself any favors on this yr’s playoffs both, as he allowed six or seven batters to succeed in over three appearances.
It was a rocky end to an total productive two-year run within the Bronx. Weaver owns a 3.21 ERA with a 29.5% strikeout price and seven.8% stroll share over the previous two seasons. The house run spike is a priority, particularly because the longball was his greatest subject as a starter. There are some parallels to former teammate Clay Holmes, who additionally had an uneven stroll yr after a typically sturdy profession in pinstripes. The 32-year-old Holmes however commanded a strong three-year, $38MM with an opt-out to work as a beginning pitcher with the Mets.
Weaver, additionally 32, advised The New York Put up in September that he’s open to an identical alternative. Weaver didn’t say he’d solely entertain signing with a workforce that’d let him begin, however he might present an identical flexibility as Jeff Hoffman did a yr in the past. He’d hardly be the primary pitcher to return as a greater beginning pitcher after an intervening bullpen stint. Weaver has strong command and a fastball-changeup combine that mitigates the platoon issues he would possibly face navigating a lineup a number of instances. The larger subject could also be creating a greater breaking pitch than the cutter he used lower than 10% of the time this yr. Although we’ve landed on a two-year deal for Weaver, we wouldn’t be shocked by a three-year pact of the Hoffman/Holmes selection.
42. Tyler Rogers, RP: two years, $18MM
Tim: Orioles / Anthony: Tigers / Darragh: Orioles / Steve: Mets
Rogers is among the most original gamers within the recreation at present, regardless of being the dual of lefty Taylor Rogers. Tyler’s fastballs common within the low-to-mid-80s however from a submariner supply that’s arduous to select up. He’s very sturdy, having by no means gone on the massive league injured record, which has allowed him to toss no less than 70 innings in every of the final 5 seasons. Over these 5 seasons, he has a 2.71 ERA. His 17% strikeout price isn’t spectacular however his 4.4% stroll price is tiny and his 56.3% floor ball price is big. He’s among the best within the league at staying off barrels and limiting arduous contact.
Groups typically choose to have energy pitchers of their setup roles however Rogers seems to be a particular case. He reached 30 holds in 4 of the final 5 seasons. The Mets made him a key deadline pickup, sending Drew Gilbert, Blade Tidwell and Jose Butto to the Giants. The Mets then had him in a excessive leverage position down the stretch. That’s partly as a result of struggles of Ryan Helsley and others however Rogers additionally held his personal with a 2.30 ERA for the Mets.
It’s one of many tougher markets to foretell. Just lately, pitchers with good outcomes however poor velocity haven’t discovered sturdy markets. Phil Maton is essentially the most obtrusive instance. He at all times places up good numbers however barely touches 90 mph. His previous two free agent journeys have resulted in one-year offers price a mixed $8.5MM. Rogers could also be an exception as a result of he’s so exceptionally sturdy and he offers a bullpen with a novel look that nobody else can present.
43. Seranthony Dominguez, RP: two years, $18MM
Tim: Cubs / Anthony: Braves / Darragh: Blue Jays / Steve: Athletics
Dominguez, 31 subsequent month, throws arduous and misses bats in bunches. He additionally walks far too many hitters. It’s a reasonably typical late-inning profile — one which’s regularly landed him in medium to high-leverage spots on contending golf equipment all through his profession. Dominguez cut up the 2025 season between the Orioles and Blue Jays, tossing a career-high 62 2/3 innings with a 3.16 ERA, a hefty 30.3% strikeout price and a equally hefty 13.8% stroll price.
Relationship again to his 2022 return from Tommy John surgical procedure, Dominguez has pitched 222 1/3 innings with a 3.60 earned run common, 24 saves, 55 holds, a 27% strikeout price and a ten.7% stroll price. He’s averaged 97.6 mph on his four-seamer and 98.1 mph on his sinker in that point — together with respective marks of 97.6 mph and 97.8 mph in 2025. His 13% swinging-strike price (13.7% in 2025) is comfortably above league-average and helps the concept that Dominguez can proceed piling up strikeouts at premium ranges. Command is an apparent flaw, however Dominguez helps offset his glut of free passes by persistently inducing weak contact; opponents have averaged solely 86.6 mph off the bat towards him with a paltry 33.6% hard-hit price relationship again to 2023.
A 3-year deal in all probability isn’t out of the query, however setup arms of this sort incessantly get two-year contracts paying them within the vary of $8-10MM per season. That’s the prediction right here for Dominguez, who ought to draw seems to be as a setup man for any bullpen-needy membership with a bit of money to spend and would possibly even garner some curiosity as a closing choice on some second-division groups.
44. Pete Fairbanks, RP: two years, $18MM
Tim: Marlins / Anthony: Cubs / Darragh: Blue Jays / Steve: Marlins
Fairbanks, 32 subsequent month, was swiped by the Rays from the Rangers in a July 2019 commerce. The 6’6″ righty discovered his footing within the COVID-shortened 2020 season, placing out a 3rd of normal season batters confronted. He pitched in 9 postseason video games that yr, surrendering three dwelling runs in 12 1/3 innings because the Rays misplaced to the Dodgers within the World Collection.
By the point Fairbanks reached the Majors, he’d already undergone Tommy John surgical procedure twice. In April of 2021, Fairbanks suffered a rotation cuff pressure that knocked him out for a month. He returned to the IL in late July that yr with shoulder irritation, lacking one other month.
Fairbanks started the next season on the IL with a torn lat muscle, making his season debut in mid-July. The Rays have been tantalized by Fairbanks’ 99.2 mile per hour fastball and ridiculous 43.7% strikeout price in 2022, and noticed match to signal him to a three-year, $12MM contract extension in January 2023 regardless of his rising harm historical past.
The massive righty skilled numbness from Raynaud’s Syndrome in 2023, however landed on the IL for forearm irritation in Could of that yr. Fairbanks hit the IL once more later that yr with hip irritation. Each IL stints have been transient, and Fairbanks picked up 25 saves on the season.
Fairbanks subsequent went on the IL in April 2024 with a nerve subject, after which once more in August with a lat pressure that ended his season.
This yr issues modified: Fairbanks put collectively his first IL-free season since 2020. He set career-highs with 60 1/3 innings and 27 saves. Nonetheless, since 2024, Fairbanks’ strikeout price has slipped to 24%, only a hair above league common and effectively beneath his heyday. His velocity now sits within the 97 vary.
The trade-happy Rays by no means ending up shifting Fairbanks, they usually selected a $1MM buyout over his $11MM membership choice after his healthiest season. The implication is that no workforce noticed match to pay Fairbanks that wage in 2026. Nonetheless, he stays a hard-throwing, efficient reliever, having posted a 2.83 ERA on the season. A two-year deal appears par for the course, except Fairbanks’ well being historical past scares off suitors.
45. Gregory Soto, RP: two years, $16MM
Tim: Blue Jays / Anthony: Blue Jays / Darragh: Mets / Steve: Athletics
Soto is among the recreation’s hardest-throwing lefties, however he doesn’t fairly generate the outcomes one would possibly count on for somebody who routinely sits 97-98 mph along with his sinker and four-seamer. He’s a perennially serviceable reliever, however whereas Soto’s sinker has effectively above-average motion, his slider doesn’t chunk as a lot as the usual breaking ball within the league and his command of all of his pitches is missing.
The result’s a pitcher who appears like he’s a tweak or two from being dominant however has by no means fairly gotten there. Soto cut up the 2025 season between the Orioles and Mets, working to a mixed 4.18 ERA in 60 1/3 innings — his third straight season with an ERA over 4.00. He additionally fanned 25.1% of his opponents, nonetheless, and turned in a career-best 8.6% stroll price. That’s kind of consistent with league common, so it’s not an important mark, however Soto entered the ’25 marketing campaign with a profession 12% stroll price (11.1% in ’24, 8.8% in ’23). Then once more, he additionally plunked a career-high 11 batters and tossed 10 wild pitches. This isn’t a pitcher with pristine (and even common) command.
Nonetheless, Soto sits upper-90s with two fastballs, piles up grounders and has an above-average strikeout price yearly. He’s the one lefty reliever to crack this record. Soto will pitch all of subsequent season at 31. There’s a tinge of upside right here, and if the “draw back” is one thing consistent with his 3.96 ERA over the previous 297 2/3 innings of his huge league profession, that’s not a foul flooring. Soto’s energy arm, coupled with a fairly bleak class of left-handed relievers this winter, looks as if it might get him to a number of years — however in all probability not a three-year deal.
46. Emilio Pagan, RP: two years, $16MM
Tim: Reds / Anthony: Diamondbacks / Darragh: Reds / Steve: Reds
Pagán has been within the huge leagues for years with a fairly constant profile. His strikeout and stroll charges are good however he offers up too many dwelling runs. Regardless of the issues, he was a free agent two years in the past and secured a two-year, $16MM assure with an opt-out.
That deal was with the Reds, a membership with one of the vital homer-friendly ballparks within the majors. Predictably, the primary yr didn’t go effectively. Pagán missed a few months with a lat pressure and posted a 4.50 ERA. He determined to not set off his decide out, staying in Cincinnati for 2025.
Surprisingly, that labored out. Pagán logged 68 2/3 innings this yr with a 2.88 ERA, 30% strikeout price and eight.1% stroll price. He seemingly had a little bit of assist from a .200 batting common on balls in play and 76.5% strand price. Regardless, his 3.72 FIP and three.18 SIERA counsel he would have completed okay even with much less luck from the baseball gods. He took over the nearer’s position and racked up 32 saves.
The under-the-hood numbers will give golf equipment some pause however Pagán had sufficient curiosity to get a pleasant multi-year deal the final time he was on the market. He’s clearly older now however is probably heading again to the market with some good juice after some success within the ninth inning.
47. Tyler Mahle, SP: one yr, $15MM
Tim: Athletics / Anthony: Cubs / Darragh: Astros / Steve: Diamondbacks
Mahle has some good work on his main league observe report however he goes into 2026 as a query mark. Tommy John surgical procedure restricted him to only 5 begins in 2023 and three in 2024. He additionally handled shoulder points in each 2022 and 2024. These shoulder points returned in 2025, as a rotator cuff pressure put him on the IL for about three months from the center of June till September.
Across the shoulder harm, he did make 16 begins with a 2.18 ERA, although that quantity doesn’t inform the entire story. He averaged 92 mph on his fastball, down two ticks from 2021. He was at 91.6 mph and 91.2 mph in his ultimate two begins after coming off the IL. His 19.1% strikeout price on the yr was subpar and effectively beneath his earlier peak. His strikeout price was between 25% and 30% from 2020 to 2023. He benefited from a .260 BABIP and an 84.6% strand price. His 4.62 SIERA was greater than double his ERA.
The continued well being issues and the diminished stuff might restrict Mahle to one-year offers. Nonetheless, even guys on this scenario can get respectable paydays. Final winter, Max Scherzer obtained $15.5MM coming off an injury-marred 2024. Justin Verlander, Alex Cobb and Charlie Morton all obtained $15MM on one-year offers. Mahle is youthful than all of these guys but it surely’s been just a few years since he’s been each wholesome and efficient for an prolonged stretch of time.
48. Max Scherzer, SP: one yr, $15MM
Tim: Giants / Anthony: Blue Jays / Darragh: Guardians / Steve: Tigers
Scherzer signed a one-year, $15.5MM contract with the Blue Jays final offseason. He had been restricted to 9 begins with the Rangers the yr prior. Scherzer had missed the primary half rehabbing from again surgical procedure and battled late-season shoulder fatigue. The well being issues continued early in his Jays’ tenure. The 41-year-old went on the injured record after his first begin with what the workforce referred to as thumb irritation on his throwing hand. Scherzer defined that he’d been coping with thumb discomfort going again to the ’23 season — which he mentioned was partially accountable for the shoulder issues he’d confronted in 2023-24.
The Jays performed issues cautiously in order to not jeopardize his shoulder or elbow well being. Scherzer was sidelined effectively into June. He stayed wholesome the remainder of the best way and made 16 begins, albeit with combined outcomes. Scherzer allowed a career-worst 5.19 earned runs per 9 throughout 85 innings. His 22.9% strikeout price and 6.4% stroll share have been strong sufficient, however he gave up virtually two dwelling runs for each 9 innings pitched. The longball has turn into more and more problematic as his stuff has dipped late in his profession. Scherzer nonetheless has strong velocity, averaging 93.6 MPH on his four-seam fastball, but it surely’s not the mid-90s juice that he had at his peak.
That is clearly not peak Max Scherzer, however he confirmed he has one thing left within the tank when the lights have been brightest. The Jays held him out of the Division Collection as a result of they felt he matched up poorly with the Yankees. They penciled him again into the rotation for the ALCS and the World Collection. Regardless of a middling strikeout-to-walk ratio, Scherzer gutted out 14 1/3 innings of six-run ball over three begins. He obtained the win in ALCS Sport 4 and turned over a result in the Toronto bullpen in each World Collection outings, although the Jays went on to lose every recreation (together with Sport 7) in additional innings.
Scherzer will probably be restricted to one-year offers for the remainder of his profession. We’re predicting an identical contract to final winter’s that will replicate his Corridor of Fame observe report, ample postseason expertise, and the overall excessive value of free agent beginning pitching. Scherzer definitely isn’t signing with a rebuilding workforce at this stage of his profession. Any contender might take a flier if he doesn’t return to Toronto.
49. Victor Caratini, C: two years, $14MM
Tim: Rangers / Anthony: Rays / Darragh: Rays / Steve: Rays
The switch-hitting Caratini has spent most of his profession as a backup, however he logged a career-high 386 plate appearances in 2025, popped a career-best 12 homers and turned in his second straight season of above-average offense. Relationship again to Opening Day 2024, Caratini is a .263/.329/.406 hitter (108 wRC+) with 20 homers in 660 turns on the plate. His 7% stroll price is a bit beneath common, however his 17.9% strikeout price can also be decrease than league common. He was a greater hitter from the left facet of the plate early in his profession, however sturdy numbers as a right-handed hitter prior to now two seasons have pulled his profession platoon splits to about even.
Defensively, Caratini recurrently attracts good grades from Statcast for his capability to dam balls within the filth. His framing and throwing aren’t as constant. He struggled to uncharacteristic ranges at controlling the run recreation in ’25, throwing out solely 10.9% of thieves regardless of coming into the season with a caught-stealing price practically twice as excessive. His framing marks have been tough early in his profession, sturdy from 2022-24, and down a bit this yr. On the whole, it appears honest to forged Caratini as a strong blocker and framer whose throwing is a bit suspect. For a catcher with an above-average bat, that’s an affordable trade-off.
Caratini will doubtless have curiosity from contending golf equipment who’re set at catcher however hoping to convey him aboard as an overqualified backup. Nonetheless, it’s a skinny marketplace for catching total, and loads of groups will be capable to supply half of a 50-50 timeshare or maybe even a bigger workload as a extra conventional beginning catcher. Astros GM Dana Brown has mentioned he “undoubtedly” has curiosity in maintaining Caratini, however he’ll have competitors from some mixture of the Rays, Rangers, Marlins, Rockies, Padres, Giants and Nationals. The Phillies would make sense, too, if Realmuto indicators someplace apart from Philly, and the Twins might be a speculative match in the event that they commerce Ryan Jeffers.
Final time round, Caratini commanded a two-year deal regardless of coming off a lackluster season on the plate. He’s older now however ought to nonetheless land no less than one other two years, maybe at a barely greater annual price. A 3-year deal is feasible, however Christian Vazquez is the one free agent catcher prior to now decade to land three years beginning at age 32 or later.
50. Willi Castro, INF/OF: two years, $14MM
Tim: Athletics / Anthony: Brewers / Darragh: Padres / Steve: Padres
The switch-hitting Castro had two and a half good seasons in Minnesota after being non-tendered by the Tigers and scooped up by the division-rival Twins on a minor league deal. In 368 video games with the Twins, Castro hit .250/.335/.398 whereas taking part in each place apart from first base and catcher. He was a bit higher than common from either side of the plate, swiped 56 baggage and walked in about 8% of his plate appearances with a strikeout price solely a contact greater than common. Castro isn’t a standout defender anyplace, however he’s the perfect jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none to drop onto a contender’s bench.
Not less than, that’s what it appeared like heading into the deadline. The Cubs picked up Castro and seemingly deliberate to play him in the identical closely used utility position he’d crammed in Minneapolis, however Castro by no means obtained going at Wrigley. He struggled a lot so early that he solely wound up taking part in in 34 video games and taking 110 plate appearances along with his new workforce. The Cubs carried him on their playoff roster however didn’t give him a postseason plate look.
It was an terrible end to the season, but it surely’s nonetheless solely 110 plate appearances. He had practically 14 instances that many in Minnesota, proving alongside the best way that he is usually a precious commodity. That’s to not say that Castro’s poor Cubs tenure gained’t impression his free agent market. It certainly will, however maybe to not the extent one would possibly suppose. An enormous efficiency post-trade would possibly’ve put the 28-year-old Castro (29 in April) in line for a three-year contract. That not feels doubtless, however a two-year deal to bolster a contender’s bench and/or to take a good portion of a second base timeshare might nonetheless be within the playing cards.
Honorable Mentions:
This record was initially revealed on 11-6-25 at 6:10pm central time.
