With Winter Meetings set to take place this weekend, we take a look ahead at the free agent class heading into the 2026 season. This class will be interesting to see unfold in several ways, the biggest being the looming CBA expiring that will take place after next season. Like we saw before the 2022 season, players and owners couldn’t be further away from the same page when it comes to issues like salary cap, salary floor, and more. For now, there’s still no cap, but teams may be reluctant to spend big money in case one comes into fruition for 2027 and beyond. Low spendors like the Marlins, Orioles, Rays, and Athletics are all reportedly willing to try to bring in free agents, proving that they can spend money if they want. Regardless, this class features a few returning free agents like Pete Alonso, Alex Bregman, Jorge Polanco, and more, with some big-time first-time free agents as well. So here it is, my 2026 MLB Free Agent Predictions, divided into four categories (big contracts, second tier players, short-term options, and end of the line veterans). Hope you enjoy!
Big contracts
Pete Alonso
1B | Age: 31 | Career: NYM ’19-’25
Achievements: 5x All-Star, 1x All-MLB First Team, NL Rookie of the Year (’19), 1x Silver Slugger, 1x NL Homerun leader, 1x NL RBI leader
From: NY Mets | To: NY Mets | Contract: 6 years, $177m
Other Potential Options: Boston, CHI Cubs, NY Yankees, San Diego
2025 Season Stats: .272 AVG, 38 HR, 126 RBI, .871 OPS
Career Stats: .253 AVG, 264 HR, 712 RBI, .857 OPS — 7 seasons
Leading off the list we have Pete Alonso, who hits free agency again after testing it last year. He settled on a 1+2 year deal going back to the Mets, and followed with his best offensive season since his breakout rookie year in 2019. He has undoubtedly become a Mets legend, taking over the franchise homerun title, and seems like he should be at the top of the list for the Mets to bring back. Now with Brandon Nimmo gone, the Mets will be very active on the hitters’ market and can offer Alonso the 1B job with a promise to become the full-time DH in his later years. I don’t see him leaving New York, but don’t count out the Red Sox, Cubs, and Padres, who could all use a power bat/1B.
Munetaka Murakami
1B/3B | Age: 26 | Career: Tokyo (NPB) ’18-’25
NPB Achievements: 1x Champion, 2x MVP, 4x All-Star, Rookie of the Year, Triple Crown, 2x Homerun leader
From: Tokyo | To: Boston | Contract: 10 years, $275m (Team Option after Year 4 based on performance clauses)
Other Potential Options: NY Mets, NY Yankees, Seattle, LA Dodgers, LA Angels
2025 NPB Stats: .286 AVG, 24 HR, 52 RBI, 1.051 OPS
NPB Career Stats: .273 AVG, 265 HR, 722 RBI, .945 OPS — 8 seasons
Murakami has established himself as one of the premier power hitting prospects out of Japan and at only 26, will be looking to land a massive deal. It’ll be a bit of a risk, as we’ve seen many Japanese power hitters not be able to translate their power to the MLB game, especially if the bidding demands up to a 10-year deal for the slugger. I feel like an 8-10 year deal that is very unique could end up happening, meaning the team can get out of it after a handful of years if he doesn’t meet standards. Both New York teams will definitely check in, especially if the Mets lose out on Alonso. The West Coast teams should also be in the running, but I feel the Red Sox will be the ones to come away with him. They have a big need at 1B, and can add the young slugger to their surplus of top prospects in Roman Anthony, Kristian Campbell, and Marcelo Mayer.
Luis Arráez
1B/2B | Age: 29 | Career: MIN ’19-’22, MIA ’23-’24, SD ’24-’25
Achievements: 3x All-Star, 2x Silver Slugger, 3x Batting Champion
From: San Diego | To: LA Angels | Contract: 4 years, $48m
Other Potential Options: Arizona, Miami, Seattle, San Diego
2025 Season Stats: .292 AVG, 8 HR, 61 RBI, 11 SB
Career Stats: .317 AVG, 36 HR, 308 RBI, .777 OPS — 7 seasons
Arraez has been one of the game’s best hitters over the past 5 seasons, winning 3 batting titles and 2 silver sluggers in the process. He is also a versatile defender that can play 1B and 2B full-time. But what exactly is the market for a slap hitter with little power in today’s MLB? It’ll probably be right around $11m-$15m per year, and at only 29, he could likely land a 4 or 5 year deal. The Padres will be interested in bringing him back, with the D-Backs, Marlins, and Mariners potentially needing an extra defender on the right side of the infield. My guess is the Angels come away with him, as they’ll need a good bat to replace Luis Rengifo as the full-time 2B. Plus, it would be a huge top of the order upgrade for a team that has very few guys that hit for average.
Bo Bichette
SS/2B | Age: 28 | Career: TOR ’19-’25
Achievements: 2x All-Star, 1x All-MLB Second Team, 1x AL hits leader
From: Toronto | To: Toronto | Contract: 8 years, $208m (Player Option after Year 4)
Other Potential Options: Atlanta, Miami, San Francisco
2025 Season Stats: .311 AVG, 18 HR, 94 RBI, .840 OPS
Career Stats: .294 AVG, 111 HR, 437 RBI, .806 OPS — 7 seasons
Bichette gets set to test free agency for the first time in his career while putting together one of the best young offensive careers of the 2020s. As a career .294 hitter, the only knocks on Bo will be his injury history and if he’s truly a long-term SS or more of a 2B. Regardless, someone should be willing to commit to him long-term, somewhere in the 8-year range based on what previous late-20’s SS’s have gotten. There isn’t too much of a sweepstakes as it seems both sides want him to stay in Toronto. It’ll be top priority to retain their best supporting piece to Vlad, but if the Jays fall out, the Braves and Giants could look his way.
Alex Bregman
3B | Age: 32 | Career: HOU ’16-’24, BOS ’25
Achievements: 2x WS Champion (’17,’22), 3x All-Star, 1x Gold Glove, 1x Silver Slugger
From: Boston | To: Detroit | Contract: 6 years, $198m (Player Option after Year 3)
Other Potential Options: Philadelphia, Boston, CHI Cubs, Houston
2025 Season Stats: .273 AVG, 18 HR, 62 RBI, .821 OPS
Career Stats: .272 AVG, 209 HR, 725 RBI, .846 OPS — 10 seasons
Bregman enters the free agent market for a second year in a row after an all-star season for the Red Sox that plagued him with injuries. As a 10-year vet with injury history, he’s still been a valuable glove at 3B while his bat talks for itself. The Red Sox could look to bring him back, but with their surplus of young infielders, it seems unlikely. With Alec Bohm set to be a free agent after the year, the Phillies could take a look, and same with the Cubs. But the Tigers have become one of the best WS contenders and are a bat or two away from being a favorite in the AL. Bregman puts them over the top, in my opinion, and this is a move Detroit has to make.
Eugenio Suárez
3B | Age: 34 | Career: DET ’14, CIN ’15-’21, SEA ’22-’23/’25, ARI ’24-’25
Achievements: 2x All-Star
From: Seattle | To: Washington | Contract: 3 years, $60m
Other Potential Options: Seattle, Detroit, Pittsburgh
2025 Season Stats: .228 AVG, 49 HR, 118 RBI, .824 OPS
Career Stats: .246 AVG, 325 HR, 949 RBI, .792 OPS — 12 seasons
Suarez has been arguably the most prolific homerun hitter in the league since 2019 and will hit the market entering his age-34 season. He’ll likely only command a 2 or 3 year deal at his age and with the likelihood he will need to move to 1B or DH very soon. The Mariners could look to retain him, but seem more likely to go with Jorge Polanco while Cole Young will likely become an everyday player. A team that could use him is the Nationals, who are desperate for a 3B to fill out their infield with C.J. Abrams and Luis Garcia Jr. They can afford to go over the top for another bat, and if the Pirates are serious about spending, they should be in on Suarez as well. He’s the perfect guy for a low market rebuilding veteran piece.
Kazuma Okamoto
INF | Age: 30 | Career: Yomiuri (NPB) ’15-’25
NPB Achievements: 6x All-Star, 2x Gold Glove, 3x Homerun leader, 2x RBI leader
From: Yomiuri | To: Pittsburgh | Contract: 5 years, $95m
Other Potential Options: Seattle, LA Dodgers, LA Angels
2025 NPB Stats: .322 AVG, 15 HR, 51 RBI, .992 OPS
NPB Career Stats: .274 AVG, 277 HR, 872 RBI, .856 OPS — 11 seasons
Okamoto has been one of Japan’s best power hitters, and enters the free agent market with another fellow NPB slugger in Murakami. Entering his age-30 season, he shouldn’t command much more than 4 or 5 years, in comparison to Murakami’s 8+ years he’ll likely get. One of the best things about Okamoto’s game is his two-way talent as a Gold Glover and the ability to play all around the infield. You’d have to think that if the Pirates are serious about spending, this would be a perfect fit with their desperate needs all around the infield. This would be their first free agent infield signing since John Jaso. Yikes!
Kyle Tucker
RF | Age: 29 | Career: HOU ’18-’24, CHC ’25
Achievements: WS Champion (’22), 4x All-Star, 1x Gold Glove, 2x Silver Slugger, 1x All-MLB Second Team, 1x AL RBI leader
From: CHI Cubs | To: Toronto | Contract: 11 years, $434.5m
Other Potential Options: NY Yankees, NY Mets, CHI Cubs, LA Dodgers
2025 Season Stats: .266 AVG, 22 HR, 73 RBI, 25 SB
Career Stats: .273 AVG, 147 HR, 490 RBI, 119 SB — 8 seasons
Tucker is by far the grand prize of this year’s free agent class, as the 29-year-old star OF will look to sign a massive deal. He’s commanding somewhere in the $40m range, that should be somewhere in the 9-12 year range, likely with opt outs. His two former teams don’t seem to be top of the line options to pay that hefty price, especially the Cubs who opted not to pay Bellinger last offseason and will likely need to pay PCA soon. In my opinion, it’ll be between the Blue Jays, Mets, Yankees, and Dodgers, all with needs in the outfield and the money to spend. The Yankees and Mets seem like fall back options though, and if the Blue Jays are true about creating a powerhouse for years to come, they should spend every dollar they have to bring Tucker in. A middle of the order of Guerrero, Bichette, Kirk, and Tucker, all under contract for many years, will be a force in the AL for the next decade-plus.
Cody Bellinger
CF | Age: 30 | Career: LAD ’17-’22, CHC ’23-’24, NYY ’25
Achievements: WS Champion (’20), NL MVP (’19), 2x All-Star, NL Rookie of the Year (’17), NL Comeback Player of the Year (’23), 1x All-MLB First Team, 1x All-MLB Second Team, NLCS MVP (’18), 1x Gold Glove, 2x Silver Slugger
From: NY Yankees | To: NY Yankees | Contract: 8 years, $266.4m (Multiple Player Options)
Other Potential Options: NY Mets, LA Dodgers, Toronto
2025 Season Stats: .272 AVG, 29 HR, 98 RBI, .813 OPS
Career Stats: .261 AVG, 225 HR, 695 RBI, 104 SB — 9 seasons
Bellinger enters his first true free agency since being non-tendered back in 2022. He has seemed to have three different careers at only 30, having huge success in his early days, winning MVP at only 24 and a World Series at 25. He then quickly fell off a cliff, and only resurrected his career over the past two seasons with the Cubs and Yankees. Coming off of a great year, he will likely command somewhere between 5-8 years, depending on how strong his market is. Whoever misses out on Tucker, will be going hard after Belly, and it will likely be the same four teams I said before. The Yankees will likely have an edge, and the only thing that will hold them back is if they want another $30m+ outfielder on their payroll. They didn’t seem to mind when it was Juan Soto last year, and as long as Hal doesn’t cheap out, they should be able to bring back their lefty slugger.
Kyle Schwarber
DH | Age: 33 | Career: CHC ’15-’20, WSH ’21, BOS ’21, PHI ’22-’25
Achievements: WS Champion (’16), 3x All-Star, 2x All-MLB Second Team, 1x Silver Slugger, 2x NL Homerun leader, 1x MLB RBI leader
From: Philadelphia | To: Philadelphia | Contract: 3 years, $105m
Other Potential Options: Boston, Detroit, Toronto, Arizona
2025 Season Stats: .240 AVG, 56 HR, 132 RBI, .928 OPS
Career Stats: .231 AVG, 340 HR, 784 RBI, .846 OPS — 11 seasons
Schwarber’s four seasons in Philadelphia were undoubtedly the best stretch of his career, becoming a full-time DH and putting up massive power numbers. Now entering his age-33 season, it’s not far fetched that he will have several productive years left after being in the MVP conversations in 2025. Obviously, the Phillies are going to be the favorites, and they honestly need him so much more than he needs them. But other players could be the Red Sox, Tigers, and even the Blue Jays if they miss out on the two outfielders. Ultimately, I see him returning to Philly due to the team paying him much more than anyone is willing to. The Red Sox are my biggest threat to pull him away from Philadelphia.
Framber Valdez
SP | Age: 32 | Career: HOU ’18-’25
Achievements: WS Champion (’22), 2x All-Star, 1x All-MLB First Team, No-Hitter (’23)
From: Houston | To: CHI Cubs | Contract: 6 years, $168m
Other Potential Options: Houston, NY Mets, Baltimore, Boston, LA Angels
2025 Season Stats: 13-11, 3.66 ERA, 187 Ks, 1.25 WHIP
Career Stats: 81 Ws, 3.36 ERA, 1,053 Ks, 1.20 WHIP — 8 seasons
Switching over to the pitching side, we see a few first time free agents set to hit the market. The top one is Astros’ ace Framber Valdez who has put together a few incredible seasons in a row, replacing Verlander at the top of the rotation. He’s a lefty junk ball pitcher who could be perfect in a rotation to offset harder throwers. The Astros will be in the mix, although it’s more likely they opt to go cheaper with their surplus of arms, and Luis Garcia set to re-join the rotation. The next few that need pitching depth are the Mets, Orioles, and Angels, three teams who struggled mightily in 2025 with their rotations. I like the odds of the Cubs swooping in and adding him as the ace alongside Shota Imanaga, Matthew Boyd, Jameson Taillon, and more. If it’s not the Cubs, I can see the Mets making a big push for him to be their ace.
Ranger Suárez
SP | Age: 30 | Career: PHI ’18-’25
Achievements: 1x All-Star
From: Philadelphia | To: San Francisco | Contract: 5 years, $130m
Other Potential Options: LA Dodgers, San Diego, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Houston
2025 Season Stats: 12-8, 3.20 ERA, 151 Ks, 1.22 WHIP
Career Stats: 53 Ws, 3.38 ERA, 705 Ks, 1.27 WHIP — 8 seasons
Similar to Valdez, Ranger Suarez enters the free agent market as a junk ball lefty. You can make the argument that Suarez is an even better purchase then Valdez, especially being two years younger. The Phillies will likely not re-sign him with their rotation fairly set and pretty expensive already. I think a few of the big markets will be in on him, including the Dodgers, Padres, and Astros who may be looking for a cheaper option compared to Valdez. Ultimately, I see the Giants coming away with him, as they’ll look to fill Verlander’s spot behind Logan Webb and Robbie Ray. That would be a fierce top three in the rotation.
Tatsuya Imai
SP | Age: 28 | Career: Saitama (NPB) ’17-’25
NPB Achievements: 3x All-Star
From: Saitama | To: NY Mets | Contract: 4 years, $88m (Team Option after Year 2)
Other Potential Options: Seattle, NY Yankees, San Francisco, San Diego
2025 NPB Stats: 10-5, 1.92 ERA, 178 Ks, 0.89 WHIP
NPB Career Stats: 66 Ws, 3.07 ERA, 1,045 Ks, 1.27 WHIP — 9 seasons
Imai will look to be this year’s Japanese arm that the league goes up in arms after. With the recent success of Japanese imports like Yoshi Yamamoto, Roki Sasaki, Shota Imanaga, and Kodai Senga, Imai will be highly sought after. At only 28, he’ll likely command a 4 or 5 year deal, likely in the similar money range that Imanaga and Senga got. He has already been adamant on his desire to beat the Dodgers rather than to join them, which is a sweet sound to the baseball world. The West Coast teams like the Mariners, Giants, and Padres will geographically have an upper hand as they tend to do with Asian players. But my guess is if the Mets miss out on Valdez, they will land Imai. They’re going to be determined to sign one of the top pitching free agents, as their need for an ace became apparent in their second half collapse in 2025. Add Imai to the rotation with Senga, Peterson, McLean, and likely another veteran or two.
Dylan Cease (WRITTEN BEFORE HE SIGNED WITH TORONTO)
SP | Age: 30 | Career: CWS ’19-’23, SD ’24-’25
Achievements: No-Hitter (’24)
From: San Diego | To: Toronto | Contract: 3 years, $82m (Player Option after Year 1)
Other Potential Options: NY Yankees, Baltimore, CHI Cubs, Atlanta
2025 Season Stats: 8-12, 4.55 ERA, 215 Ks, 1.33 WHIP
Career Stats: 65 Ws, 3.88 ERA, 1,231 Ks, 1.27 WHIP — 7 seasons
Cease will be looked at as a true Wild Card in this free agency, as a a guy who may break the bank or have to settle on a short term deal. There’s no doubt he struggled in 2025, and despite having another 200+ K season, there will be some concern if he’s a true ace. But at only 30, he’ll likely get paid big money, probably close to $30m/year range. The Padres seem unlikely to re-sign him, and the true contenders will be the Blue Jays and Orioles. The Orioles have a huge need for an ace, but I see the Jays coming away with him to fortify their rotation. Adding him to the mix with Gausman, Berrios, and Yesavage gives them a dynamic core for 2026 and beyond.
Michael King
SP | Age: 31 | Career: NYY ’19-’23, SD ’24-’25
From: San Diego | To: LA Angels | Contract: 4 years, $78m (Player Option after Year 2)
Other Potential Options: Baltimore, San Diego, Miami
2025 Season Stats: 5-3, 3.44 ERA, 76 Ks, 1.20 WHIP
Career Stats: 31 Ws, 3.24 ERA, 559 Ks, 1.19 WHIP — 7 seasons
Yet another Padre starter to hit the market, King has shined since coming over to San Diego from the Yankees in the Juan Soto trade. He was used more as a long reliever/slot starter for the Yankees, but joined the rotation in San Diego and put together back-to-back all-star caliber seasons. If they don’t re-sign Cease, King could be a guy that the Padres look to bring back, and will be relatively cheaper. The Marlins have also checked in, but are unlikely to give him the multi-year deal he wants. In my opinion, the Angels should be the team to grab him. This group needs to win, and after trading for Grayson Rodriguez they will need another top end starter to be a real contender. I can see him getting close to $20m/year with an opt out in case he outgrows the Halos.
Edwin Díaz
CP | Age: 32 | Career: SEA ’16-’18, NYM ’19-’25
Achievements: 3x All-Star, 3x Reliever of the Year (’18,’22,’25), 1x All-MLB First Team, 1x All-MLB Second Team, 1x AL Saves leader
From: NY Mets | To: NY Mets | Contract: 4 years, $80m
Other Potential Options: Toronto, LA Dodgers, CHI Cubs, San Diego
2025 Season Stats: 28 SVs, 1.63 ERA, 98 Ks, 0.87 WHIP
Career Stats: 253 SVs, 2.82 ERA, 839 Ks, 1.04 WHIP — 9 seasons
Diaz, once again, had himself an incredible contract season after putting together the best relief season in baseball last year. Now, heading into his age-32 season, he’ll likely command another 4-5 year deal close to the $100m range, an unprecedented accomplishment for a reliever. The big ballers will all want him, with the three likeliest landing spots being the Mets, Blue Jays, or Dodgers. They all have the money, and all need a true closer after the Jeff Hoffman and Tanner Scott trials for the latter two did not go well in 2025. Despite signing Devin Williams already, Diaz needs to return to the Mets, as I see this as a bigger need than even bringing Alonso back. The rotation and bullpen were abysmal last year, and signing two closer level back end pieces is exactly what the Mets need to compete.
Robert Suárez
CP | Age: 35 | Career: SD ’22-’25
Achievements: 2x All-Star, 1x NL Saves leader
From: San Diego | To: San Francisco | Contract: 3 years, $66m
Other Potential Options: San Diego, LA Dodgers, Baltimore, Toronto, NY Mets
2025 Season Stats: 40 SVs, 2.97 ERA, 75 Ks, 0.90 WHIP
Career Stats: 122 SVs, 2.91 ERA, 219 Ks, 0.98 WHIP — 4 seasons
After coming over as a 31-year-old rookie from Japan, Suarez stepped into the closer role in San Diego and dominated from the jump. But after trading for Mason Miller, despite speculation he may become a starter, a reunion with the Padres doesn’t seem likely. Anyone who misses out on Diaz will look in Suarez’s or Fairbanks’ directions. West Coast rivals Dodgers and Giants will be hot pursuers, as well as the Mets if they miss out on Diaz. I can see the Giants paying big money to bring him in, locking down their closer job for a cheaper price than Diaz will command.
Second tier
J.T. Realmuto
C | Age: 35 | Career: MIA ’14-’18, PHI ’19-’25
Achievements: 3x All-Star, 2x All-MLB First Team, 2x Gold Glove, 3x Silver Slugger
From: Philadelphia | To: San Diego | Contract: 2 years, $26m
Other Potential Options: Texas, Philadelphia, Boston
2025 Season Stats: .257 AVG, 12 HR, 52 RBI, 8 SB
Career Stats: .270 AVG, 180 HR, 677 RBI, .774 OPS — 12 seasons
Padres 2026 Catcher Depth:
Freddy Fermín, Luis Campusano
Jonah Heim
C | Age: 30 | Career: OAK ’20, TEX ’21-’25
Achievements: WS Champion (’23), 1x All-Star, 1x Gold Glove
From: Texas | To: CHI Cubs | Contract: 1 year, $8m
Other Potential Options: San Diego, Cleveland, Pittsburgh
2025 Season Stats: .213 AVG, 11 HR, 43 RBI, 3 SB
Career Stats: .225 AVG, 68 HR, 282 RBI, .653 OPS — 6 seasons
Cubs 2026 Catcher Depth:
Carson Kelly, Reese McGuire, Miguel Amaya
Ryan O’Hearn
1B/DH | Age: 32 | Career: KC ’18-’22, BAL ’23-’25, SD ’25
Achievements: 1x All-Star
From: San Diego | To: NY Yankees | Contract: 2 years, $25m
Other Potential Options: Boston, NY Mets, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh
2025 Season Stats: .281 AVG, 17 HR, 63 RBI, .803 OPS
Career Stats: .252 AVG, 84 HR, 313 RBI, .743 OPS — 8 seasons
Yankees 2026 Infield Depth:
1B Ben Rice, 2B Jazz Chisholm Jr., SS Anthony Volpe, 3B Ryan McMahon, INF Jose Caballero, INF Oswaldo Cabrera
Jorge Polanco
2B/SS/DH | Age: 32 | Career: MIN ’14-’23, SEA ’24-’25
Achievements: 1x All-Star
From: Seattle | To: Seattle | Contract: 2 years, $30m
Other Potential Options: Pittsburgh, LA Dodgers, LA Angels, Cleveland
2025 Season Stats: .265 AVG, 26 HR, 78 RBI, .821 OPS
Career Stats: .263 AVG, 154 HR, 570 RBI, .771 OPS — 12 seasons
Mariners 2026 Infield Depth:
1B Josh Naylor, 2B Cole Young, SS J.P. Crawford, INF Leo Rivas, INF Ben Williamson, INF Ryan Bliss
Luis Rengifo
INF | Age: 29 | Career: LAA ’19-’25
From: LA Angels | To: Pittsburgh | Contract: 3 years, $33m (Team Option after Year 2)
Other Potential Options: Seattle, LA Angels, Miami
2025 Season Stats: .238 AVG, 9 HR, 43 RBI, 10 SB
Career Stats: .250 AVG, 62 HR, 230 RBI, 52 SB — 7 seasons
Pirates 2026 Infield Depth:
1B Spencer Horwitz, 2B Nick Yorke, SS Nick Gonzales, UTIL Jared Triolo, INF Liover Peguero, 1B Endy Rodriguez, INF Enmanuel Valdez, SS Termarr Johnson (#6 prospect)
Amed Rosario
UTIL | Age: 30 | Career: NYM ’17-’20, CLE ’21-’23, LAD ’23/’24, TB ’24, CIN ’24, WSH ’25, NYY ’25
Achievements: 1x AL Triples leader
From: NY Yankees | To: Athletics | Contract: 3 years, $21m (Team Option after Year 2)
Other Potential Options: Washington, Arizona, Miami
2025 Season Stats: .276 AVG, 6 HR, 23 RBI, .745 OPS
Career Stats: .273 AVG, 69 HR, 389 RBI, 110 SB — 9 seasons
Athletics 2026 Infield Depth:
1B Nick Kurtz, 2B Zack Gelof, SS Jacob Wilson, 3B Max Muncy, INF Max Schuemann, 3B/1B Brett Harris, INF Darell Hernaíz, SS Joshua Kuroda-Grauer (#10 Prospect)
Rhys Hoskins
DH/1B | Age: 33 | Career: PHI ’17-’23, MIL ’24-’25
From: Milwaukee | To: Cincinnati | Contract: 2 years, $14m (Mutual Option after Year 1)
Other Potential Options: Texas, Milwaukee, Seattle, Arizona
2025 Season Stats: .237 AVG, 12 HR, 43 RBI, .748 OPS
Career Stats: .238 AVG, 186 HR, 530 RBI, .820 OPS — 8 seasons
Reds 2026 Infield Depth:
1B Spencer Steer, 2B Matt McLain, SS Elly De La Cruz, 3B Ke’Bryan Hayes, 3B/OF Noelvi Marte, UTIL Santiago Espinal, 2B/OF Gavin Lux, 1B/3B Sal Stewart, 3B Christian Encarnacion-Strand
Christopher Morel
3B/OF | Age: 27 | Career: CHC ’22-’24, TB ’24-’25
From: Tampa Bay | To: CHI White Sox | Contract: 2 years, $14.5m ($10m Team Option after Year 1)
Other Potential Options: Atlanta, Milwaukee, Cincinnati
2025 Season Stats: .219 AVG, 11 HR, 33 RBI, 7 SB
Career Stats: .222 AVG, 74 HR, 210 RBI, 31 SB — 4 seasons
White Sox 2026 Infield Depth:
1B Miguel Vargas, 2B Chase Meidroth, SS Colson Montgomery, 3B Lenyn Sosa, INF Curtis Mead, INF Bryan Ramos, SS/2B William Bergolla (#12 Prospect)
Zac Gallen
SP | Age: 30 | Career: MIA ’19, ARI ’19-’25
Achievements: 1x All-Star, 1x All-MLB First Team
From: Arizona | To: Baltimore | Contract: 2 years, $38m (Player Option after Year 1)
Other Potential Options: Arizona, San Francisco, San Diego
2025 Season Stats: 13-15, 4.83 ERA, 175 Ks, 1.26 WHIP
Career Stats: 66 Ws, 3.58 ERA, 1,060 Ks, 1.16 WHIP — 7 seasons
Orioles 2026 Rotation Depth:
Trevor Rogers, Dean Kremer, Kyle Bradish, Tyler Wells, Cade Povich, Brandon Young, Trey Gibson (#12 Prospect)
Zach Eflin
SP | Age: 32 | Career: PHI ’16-’22, TB ’23-’24, BAL ’24-’25
Achievements: 1x AL Wins leader
From: Baltimore | To: Texas | Contract: 2 years, $20m (Team Option after Year 1)
Other Potential Options: Baltimore, Washington, Houston, CHI White Sox
2025 Season Stats: 6-5, 5.93 ERA, 50 Ks, 1.42 WHIP
Career Stats: 68 Ws, 4.28 ERA, 922 Ks, 1.24 WHIP — 10 seasons
Rangers 2026 Rotation Depth:
Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi, Jack Leiter, Cody Bradford, Kumar Rocker, Jacob Latz, Jose Corniell (#3 Prospect), Winston Santos (#4 Prospect)
Zack Littell
SP | Age: 30 | Career: MIN ’18-’20, SF ’21-’22, BOS ’23, TB ’23-’25, CIN ’25
From: Cincinnati | To: Washington | Contract: 3 years, $21m
Other Potential Options: Tampa Bay, Cincinnati, LA Angels
2025 Season Stats: 10-8, 3.81 ERA, 130 Ks, 1.10 WHIP
Career Stats: 34 Ws, 3.88 ERA, 496 Ks, 1.22 WHIP — 8 seasons
Nationals 2026 Rotation Depth:
MacKenzie Gore, Josiah Gray, Trevor Williams, Jake Irvin, Mitchell Parker, Cade Cavalli, Andrew Alvarez, Brad Lord, Jarlin Susana (#87 MLB Prospect)
Merrill Kelly
SP | Age: 37 | Career: ’19-’25, TEX ’25
From: Texas | To: NY Mets | Contract: 2 years, $36m
Other Potential Options: Baltimore, Texas, San Francisco, Detroit
2025 Season Stats: 12-9, 3.52 ERA, 167 Ks, 1.11 WHIP
Career Stats: 65 Ws, 3.77 ERA, 911 Ks, 1.20 WHIP — 7 seasons
Mets 2026 Rotation Depth:
Kodai Senga, Nolan McLean, Sean Manaea, David Peterson, Clay Holmes, Brandon Sproat, Jonah Tong, Christian Scott
Lucas Giolito
SP | Age: 31 | Career: WSH ’16, CWS ’17-’23, LAA ’23, CLE ’23, BOS ’24-’25
Achievements: 1x All-Star, No-Hitter (’20)
From: Boston | To: San Diego | Contract: 2 years, $38m
Other Potential Options: San Francisco, Cincinnati, NY Mets, NY Yankees
2025 Season Stats: 10-4, 3.41 ERA, 121 Ks, 1.29 WHIP
Career Stats: 71 Ws, 4.30 ERA, 1,198 Ks, 1.26 WHIP — 9 seasons
Padres 2026 Rotation Depth:
Nick Pivetta, Joe Musgrove, J.P. Sears, Matt Waldron, Randy Vasquez, Jhony Brito, Yu Darvish (Injured), Miguel Mendez (#5 Prospect)
Nick Martinez
SP | Age: 35 | Career: TEX ’14-’17, SD ’22-’23, CIN ’24-’25
From: Cincinnati | To: NY Yankees | Contract: 2 years, $32m
Other Potential Options: San Francisco, LA Dodgers, San Diego
2025 Season Stats: 11-14, 4.45 ERA, 116 Ks, 1.21 WHIP
Career Stats: 48 Ws, 4.16 ERA, 670 Ks, 1.30 WHIP — 8 seasons
Yankees 2026 Rotation Depth:
Max Fried, Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, Cam Schlittler, Luis Gil, Clarke Schmidt, Will Warren, Chase Hampton (#8 Prospect)
Pete Fairbanks
CP | Age: 32 | Career: TEX ’19, TB ’19-’25
From: Tampa Bay | To: Cincinnati | Contract: 3 years, $42m
Other Potential Options: LA Angels, CHI Cubs, CHI White Sox, Miami
2025 Season Stats: 27 SVs, 2.83 ERA, 59 Ks, 1.04 WHIP
Career Stats: 90 SVs, 3.19 ERA, 332 Ks, 1.17 WHIP — 7 seasons
Reds 2026 Bullpen Depth:
Tony Santillan, Scott Barlow, Graham Ashcraft, Brent Suter, Connor Phillips, Lyon Richardson, Sam Moll, Luis Mey, Ian Gibaut, Zach Maxwell
Kenley Jansen
CP | Age: 38 | Career: LAD ’10-’21, ATL ’22, BOS ’23-’24, LAA ’25
Achievements: WS Champion (’20), 4x All-Star, 2x NL Reliever of the Year (’16,’17), 2x NL Saves leader
From: LA Angels | To: LA Angels | Contract: 1 year, $10m
Other Potential Options: LA Dodgers, Toronto, San Francisco, Arizona
2025 Season Stats: 29 SVs, 2.59 ERA, 57 Ks, 0.95
Career Stats: 476 SVs (4th All-Time), 2.57 ERA, 1,278 Ks, 0.96 WHIP — 16 seasons
Angels 2026 Bullpen Depth:
Reid Detmers, Robert Stephenson, Ben Joyce, Brock Burke, Jose Fermin, Ryan Zeferjahn, Sam Bachman, Carson Fulmer, Chase Silseth, Ryan Johnson, Sammy Peralta
Kyle Finnegan
CP | Age: 34 | Career: WSH ’20-’25, DET ’25
Achievements: 1x All-Star
From: Detroit | To: CHI Cubs | Contract: 2 years, $25m (Player Option after Year 1)
Other Potential Options: Miami, Washington, Detroit, LA Angels, San Francisco
2025 Season Stats: 24 SVs, 3.47 ERA, 55 Ks, 1.11 WHIP
Career Stats: 112 SVs, 3.55 ERA, 343 Ks, 1.29 WHIP — 6 seasons
Cubs 2026 Bullpen Depth:
Daniel Palencia, Eli Morgan, Jordan Wicks, Ethan Roberts, Luke Little, Porter Hodge, Gavin Hollowell, Ben Brown
Luke Weaver
SP/RP | Age: 32 | Career: STL ’16-’18, ARI ’19-’22, KC ’22, CIN ’23, SEA ’23, NYY ’23-’25
From: NY Yankees | To: Miami | Contract: 2 years, $18m
Other Potential Options: NY Yankees, Boston, Arizona, San Diego
2025 Season Stats: 8 SVs, 3.62 ERA, 72 Ks, 1.02 WHIP
Career Stats: 38 Ws, 4.74 ERA, 746 Ks, 1.34 WHIP — 10 seasons
Marlins 2026 Bullpen Depth:
Calvin Faucher, Ronny Henriquez, Anthony Bender, Lake Bachar, Jesus Tinoco, Cade Gibson, Josh Simpson, George Soriano, Freddy Tarnok, Tyler Phillips, Valente Bellozo, Michael Petersen, Tyler Zuber
Emilio Pagán (WRITTEN BEFORE HE SIGNED WITH REDS)
RP | Age: 35 | Career: SEA ’17, OAK ’18, TB ’19, SD ’20-’21, MIN ’22-’23, CIN ’24-’25
From: Cincinnati | To: NY Mets | Contract: 2 years, $24m
Other Potential Options: Cincinnati, San Francisco, Boston, Toronto
2025 Season Stats: 32 SVs, 2.88 ERA, 81 Ks, 0.92 WHIP
Career Stats: 65 SVs, 3.66 ERA, 581 Ks, 1.07 WHIP — 9 seasons
Mets 2026 Bullpen Depth:
Devin Williams, Brooks Raley, A.J. Minter, Huascar Brazoban, Reed Garrett (Injured), Dedniel Nunez (Injured), Richard Lovelady, Dylan Ross, Brandon Waddell, Austin Warren, Jonathan Pintaro
Tyler Rogers
RP | Age: 35 | Career: SF ’19-’25, NYM ’25
From: NY Mets | To: LA Dodgers | Contract: 2 years, $20m
Other Potential Options: NY Mets, NY Yankees, Boston, CHI Cubs
2025 Season Stats: 77.1 IP, 1.98 ERA, 48 Ks, 0.94 WHIP
Career Stats: 19 SVs, 2.76 ERA, 306 Ks, 1.10 WHIP — 7 seasons
Dodgers 2026 Bullpen Depth:
Tanner Scott, Alex Vesia, Brock Stewart, Blake Treinen, Michael Kopech, Anthony Banda, Edgardo Henriquez, Jack Dreyer, Justin Wrobleski, Ben Casparius
Short-term solutions
Wilmer Flores
1B/3B/DH | Age: 34 | Career: NYM ’13-’18, ARI ’19, SF ’20-’25
From: San Francisco | To: Colorado | Contract: 1 year, $6.5m
2025 Season Stats: .241 AVG, 16 HR, 71 RBI, .686 OPS
Isiah Kiner-Falefa
UTIL | Age: 31 | Career: TEX ’18-’21, NYY ’22-’23, TOR ’24/’25, PIT ’24-’25
Achievements: 1x Gold Glove
From: Toronto | To: NY Yankees | Contract: 1 year, $7.5m
2025 Season Stats: .262 AVG, 2 HR, 40 RBI, 15 SB
Miguel Andújar
3B/1B/OF | Age: 31 | Career: NYY ’17-’22, PIT ’22-’23, OAK/ATH ’24-’25, CIN ’25
From: Cincinnati | To: Miami | Contract: 1 year, $6.5m
2025 Season Stats: .318 AVG, 10 HR, 44 RBI, .822 OPS
Adolis García
RF | Age: 33 | Career: STL ’18, TEX ’20-’25
Achievements: WS Champion (’23), 2x All-Star, 1x Gold Glove, ALCS MVP
From: Texas | To: LA Dodgers | Contract: 1 year, $5m
2025 Season Stats: .227 AVG, 19 HR, 75 RBI, 13 SB
Cedric Mullins (WRITTEN BEFORE HE SIGNED WITH RAYS)
CF | Age: 31 | Career: BAL ’18-’25, NYM ’25
Achievements: 1x All-Star, 1x Silver Slugger, 1x 30-30 Club
From: NY Mets | To: Houston | Contract: 1 year, $10m
2025 Season Stats: .216 AVG, 17 HR, 59 RBI, 22 SB
Harrison Bader
CF | Age: 32 | Career: STL ’17-’22, NYY ’22-’23, CIN ’23, NYM ’24, MIN ’25, PHI ’25
Achievements: 1x Gold Glove
From: Philadelphia | To: LA Angels | Contract: 1 year, $9m
2025 Season Stats: .277 AVG, 17 HR, 54 RBI, .796 OPS
Max Kepler
RF | Age: 33 | Career: MIN ’15-’24, NYY ’25
From: Philadelphia | To: Detroit | Contract: 2 years, $14m (Team Option after Year 1)
2025 Season Stats: .216 AVG, 18 HR, 52 RBI, .691 OPS
Mike Yastrzemski
RF | Age: 35 | Career: SF ’19-’25, KC ’25
From: Kansas City | To: LA Dodgers | Contract: 1 year, $6m
2025 Season Stats: .233 AVG, 17 HR, 46 RBI, .735 OPS
Lane Thomas
CF | Age: 30 | Career: STL ’19-’21, WSH ’21-’24, CLE ’24-’25
From: Cleveland | To: San Francisco | Contract: 1 year, $4.5m
2025 Season Stats: .160 AVG, 4 HR, 11 RBI, 4 SB
Germán Márquez
SP | Age: 31 | Career: COL ’16-’25
Achievements: 1x All-Star, 1x Silver Slugger
From: Colorado | To: Texas | Contract: 1 year, $5m
2025 Season Stats: 3-16, 6.70 ERA, 83 Ks, 1.71 WHIP
Tyler Anderson
SP | Age: 36 | Career: COL ’16-’19, SF ’20, PIT ’21, SEA ’21, LAD ’22, LAA ’23-’25
Achievements: 2x All-Star
From: LA Angels | To: CHI White Sox | Contract: 1 year, $12m
2025 Season Stats: 2-8, 4.56 ERA, 104 Ks, 1.41 WHIP
Devin Williams (WRITTEN BEFORE HE SIGNED WITH METS)
CP | Age: 31 | Career: MIL ’19-’24, NYY ’25
Achievements: 2x All-Star, 2x NL Reliever of the Year (’20,’23), NL Rookie of the Year (’20)
From: NY Yankees | To: NY Mets | Contract: 1 year, $10m
2025 Season Stats: 18 SVs, 4.79 ERA, 90 Ks, 1.13 WHIP
Seranthony Domínguez
RP | Age: 31 | Career: PHI ’18-’24, BAL ’24-’25, TOR ’25
From: Toronto | To: San Diego | Contract: 1 year, $9.5m
2025 Season Stats: 2 SVs, 3.16 ERA, 79 Ks, 1.28 WHIP
End of the line veterans
Paul Goldschmidt
1B | Age: 38 | Career: ARI ’11-’18, STL ’19-’24, NYY ’25
From: NY Yankees | To: Milwaukee | Contract: 1 year, $7m
2025 Season Stats: .274 AVG, 10 HR, 45 RBI, .731 OPS
Carlos Santana
1B/DH | Age: 40 | Career: CLE ’10-’17/’19-’20/’25, PHI ’18, KC ’21-’22, SEA ’22, PIT ’23, MIL ’23, MIN ’24, CHC ’25
From: CHI Cubs | To: CHI White Sox | Contract: Minors deal
2025 Season Stats: .219 AVG, 11 HR, 54 RBI, .633 OPS
Tommy Pham
LF | Age: 38 | Career: STL ’14-’18/’24, TB ’18-’19, SD ’20-’21, CIN ’22, BOS ’22, NYM ’23, ARI ’23, CWS ’24, KC ’24, PIT ’25
From: Pittsburgh | To: Pittsburgh | Contract: 1 year, $4m
2025 Season Stats: .245 AVG, 10 HR, 52 RBI, .700 OPS
Starling Marte
RF/DH | Age: 37 | Career: PIT ’12-’19, ARI ’20, MIA ’20-’21, OAK ’21, NYM ’22-’25
From: NY Mets | To: NY Mets | Contract: 1 year, $5.5m
2025 Season Stats: .270 AVG, 9 HR, 34 RBI, .745 OPS
Chris Bassitt
SP | Age: 37 | Career: CWS ’14, OAK ’15-’21, NYM ’22, TOR ’23-’25
From: Toronto | To: Houston | Contract: 2 years, $20m
2025 Season Stats: 11-9, 3.96 ERA, 166 Ks, 1.33 WHIP
Miles Mikolas
SP | Age: 37 | Career: SD ’12-’13, TEX ’14, STL ’18-’25
From: St. Louis | To: Arizona | Contract: 1 year, $6.5m
2025 Season Stats: 8-11, 4.84 ERA, 100 Ks, 1.32 WHIP
Max Scherzer
SP | Age: 41 | Career: ARI ’08-’09, DET ’10-’14, WSH ’15-’21, LAD ’21, NYM ’22-’23, TEX ’23-’24, TOR ’25
From: Toronto | To: CHI Cubs | Contract: 1 year, $5m
2025 Season Stats: 5-5, 5.19 ERA, 82 Ks, 1.29 WHIP
Justin Verlander
SP | Age: 43 | Career: DET ’05-’17, HOU ’17-’22/’23-’24, NYM ’23, SF ’25
From: San Francisco | To: Houston | Contract: 1 year, $10m
2025 Season Stats: 4-11, 3.85 ERA, 137 Ks, 1.36 WHIP
The Sports World According To Paul 