With an all-time classic World Series in the books, the offseason has begun. The free-agent market will officially begin today at 4 p.m. CT, giving teams a chance to try to knock the Dodgers off their
pedestal.
Here’s a look at the top 30 free agents available this winter, and my predictions for who will sign them and for how much, plus a list of who else is out there.
1. Kyle Tucker, outfielder
.266/.377/.464, 22 HR, 4.5 fWAR
Tucker blends power and speed, and at age 28, he is still firmly in his prime. He has been an All-Star the last four years and is perennially a 30/30 threat. He battled hand and calf injuries that hurt his numbers a bit – he posted his lowest OPS since 2022. Some are predicting he gets over $400 million, but I’m a bit skeptical he gets that much. Still, expect a bidding war among all the large market clubs, with the Blue Jays expected to make a run at him, and the Giants, Yankees, Dodgers, and Phillies the most likely to land him.
Prediction: Dodgers, ten years, $374 million
2. Framber Valdez, starting pitcher
13-11, 3.66 ERA, 192 IP, 8.8 K/9, 4.0 fWAR
When he’s at the top of his game, Valdez is unhittable. That’s why he threw a no-hitter in 2023 and carried another one into the ninth in 2024. He’s durable – only Logan Webb has thrown more innings since 2022. He had a poor September that may have cost the Astros a playoff spot, but he has a long track record of being among the best pitchers in baseball, and he’s easily the best starting pitcher available this winter. The Astros may have too many long-term obligations to retain him, so expect the Yankees, Mets, Braves, and Giants to be serious bidders for him.
Prediction: Mets, six years, $200 million
3. Bo Bichette, shortstop
.311/.357/.483, 18 HR, 3.8 fWAR
Bichette excelled on the biggest stage in baseball despite a bum knee that caused him to miss the end of the regular season. He’s one of the younger free agents available at age 27, and is coming off his best OPS season. There are questions about his defense at shortstop, but he played well at second in the World Series, and a move to third is also a possibility. Bichette has indicated a desire to stay in Toronto, and there will be pressure to retain him after getting so close to a championship. But a lot of other teams could be interested, including the Tigers, Phillies, and even the team he just faced in the Fall Classic – the Dodgers.
Prediction: Blue Jays, seven years, $193 million
4. Dylan Cease, starting pitcher
8-12, 4.55 ERA, 168 IP, 11.5 K/9, 3.4 fWAR
Cease had an underwhelming 4.55 ERA, but his 3.56 FIP continues a stretch of remarkably consistent numbers in that category. The 29-year-old has been durable as well, which makes him one of the most attractive starting pitchers available. His walk numbers can be a bit high at times – twice he has led the league, but he has also led the league in strikeouts-per-nine twice. There should be a pretty wide range of suitors for him, including the Cubs, Giants, Orioles, Padres, Tigers, and Yankees.
Prediction: Yankees, six years, $180 million
5. Alex Bregman, third baseman
.273/.360/.462, 18 HR, 3.5 fWAR
Bregman didn’t get the deal he wanted last year, settling for a contract with the Red Sox that has an opt out that he will exercise. He posted his best OPS since 2019, but also missed over a month with a quad injury. He’ll turn 32 in the first week of the 2026 season, but he is still an elite power-hitting third baseman with solid defense. The Red Sox should be interested, although some reports indicate he won’t be a priority for them. If not, he has plenty of potential suitors like the Phillies, Dodgers, Mariners, and Cubs.
Prediction: Red Sox, five years, $160 million
6. Pete Alonso, first baseman
.272/.347/.524, 38 HR, 3.6 fWAR
Like Bregman, Alonso found a lighter market than expected last winter, causing him to sign a short-term deal that he will likely opt out of this week. He bounced back with 38 home runs, a league-leading 41 doubles, and his best OPS since his rookie year. He is seeking a seven-year deal, and the 30-year-old will not have draft pick compensation weighing him down as the Mets can’t make him a Qualifying Offer. The Mets weren’t willing to meet his long-term demands last year, so could he jump ship to the cross-town Yankees?
Prediction: Mets, five years, $155 million
7. Munetaka Murakami, third baseman
Murakami is a left-handed hitter with power who is just 25 years old. He hit .286/.392/.659 with 24 home runs in just 69 games last year, and he hit 56 home runs back in 2022 with the Yakult Swallows. He strikes out a lot for a Japanese hitter, however, and his defense is a bit limited. He played some third base for the Swallows, but is likely a first baseman now.
Prediction: Mariners, seven years, $140 million with an opt out
8. Kyle Schwarber, designated hitter
.240/.365/.563, 56 HR, 4.9 fWAR
Only Aaron Judge has hit more home runs over the last four seasons than Kyle Schwarber. The left-handed slugger has also been cited as a fun guy in the clubhouse and has been pretty durable. But he’ll be 33 years old by Opening Day, he can’t play the field, and he hit under the Mendoza line just two years ago. The Phillies have made retaining Schwarber a priority, but the Red Sox would love a reunion with him.
Prediction: Phillies, four years, $128 million
9. Cody Bellinger, outfielder
.272/.334/.480, 29 HR, 4.9 fWAR
What do you make of Cody Bellinger at this point? He went from being MVP to being non-tendered, he was traded for nothing last offseason, and bounced back to become nearly a five-win player last year. The Yankees could really use him for their lineup, and he is open to a return. But if they can’t keep him, he’ll draw attention from the Mets, Mariners, Cubs, Dodgers, and Angels.
Prediction: Yankees, five years, $125 million
10. Ranger Suárez, starting pitcher
12-8, 3.20 ERA, 157.1 IP, 8.6 K/9, 4.0 fWAR
Suárez may be one of the most underrated pitchers in baseball. Over the last two seasons, he is 13th among starters in fWAR. He doesn’t blow anyone away with his fastball, but the 30-year-old gets results. The Phillies have already invested a lot in the rotation, and with Andrew Painter a possibility to join the rotation next year, they may not make much effort to retain Suárez. He should fetch attention from the division rival Braves and Mets, as well as the Orioles, Cubs, Giants, and Tigers.
Prediction: Giants, five years, $120 million
11. Tatsui Imai, starting pitcher
Imai is a 27-year-old right-hander who has been one of the top pitchers in Japan over the last five seasons. He posted a 1.92 ERA with 178 strikeouts in 163 innings for the Seibu Lions this year. He stands at just 5’10” with a fastball that runs in the mid-to-high-90s. Eric Longenhagen and James Fegan at Fangraphs write he has the “stuff of a good mid-rotation starter and is in his prime.” Imai is hoping to be posted, but has not received an indication yet.
Prediction: Padres, four years, $90 million
12. Josh Naylor, first baseman
.295/.353/.462, 20 HR, 3.1 fWAR
Naylor really helped himself out by having the best year of his career, performing in the postseason, and also having a bizarre surge in stolen bases. He’s just 28 years old, and while he’s not a star, he’s a pretty steady bat that puts the ball in play a lot and can hit 20-25 home runs. He commented on social media like he wasn’t returning to Seattle, but they should make a play to bring him back, as should the Diamondbacks.
Prediction: Rangers, four years, $88 million
13. Zac Gallen, starting pitcher
13-15, 4.83 ERA, 192 IP, 8.2 K/9, 1.1 fWAR
Gallen had poor timing to have the worst season of his career, posting the eighth-worst ERA of all qualified starters. But he finished third in Cy Young voting as recently as 2023, when he helped lead the Diamondbacks to a pennant. His strikeout numbers fell this year, but he just turned 30 and is capable of returning to front-line rotation form.
Prediction: Cubs, three years, $80 million
14. Edwin Díaz, relief pitcher
28 SV, 1.63 ERA, 66.1 IP, 13.3 K/9, 2.0 fWAR
Díaz has bounced back well from the knee injury that cost him the entire 2023 season. He is still one of the elite closers in baseball, with the ninth-most fWAR among relievers. He opted out of his current deal, but has expressed a preference to stay with the Mets.
Prediction: Mets, four years, $80 million
15. Michael King, starting pitcher
5-3, 3.44 ERA, 73.1 IP, 9.3 K/9, 0.8 fWAR
King had a breakout season in 2024 when he had a 2.95 ERA and the ninth-best strikeout rate among starters. But he dealt with a pinched thoracic nerve this season that limited him to just 15 starts with diminished numbers across the board. The 30-year-old right-hander doesn’t have a long track record of success, but has shown flashes of brilliance that should attract attention from any team looking for high-upside pitching.
Prediction: Orioles, three years, $72 million with an opt-out
16. Eugenio Suárez, third baseman
.228/.298/.526, 49 HR, 3.8 fWAR
Suárez was fifth in the league in home runs, but hit just .189/.255/.428 after being traded to the Mariners. He strikes out a ton, he’s a subpar defender, and he’s 34 years old. He seems like a guy who will careen off a cliff one season, but if you’re desperate for power, you can take a gamble on getting a few more good years from him.
Prediction: Phillies, three years, $69 million
17. Kazuma Okamoto, first baseman
Okamoto is a power hitter who draws walks and doesn’t strike out much. This year he hit .322/.411/.581 with 15 home runs in 77 games for the Yomiuri Giants, and he smashed 41 home runs in 2023. He missed half the season with an elbow injury and although he can play third base, he will most likely play in the big leagues.
Prediction: Yankees, four years, $66 million
18. Robert Suárez, pitcher
40 SV, 2.97 ERA, 69.2 IP, 9.7 K/9, 1.9 fWAR
Suárez is pretty elite as well, finishing right behind Díaz on the fWAR leaderboard. But he is 35 years old and had some elbow concerns in 2023. Mason Miller will likely take over closing duties in San Diego, but Suárez should have plenty of suitors – basically any contender could use late-inning bullpen help.
Prediction: Braves, three years, $57 million
19. Gleyber Torres, second baseman
.256/.358/.387, 16 HR, 2.6 fWAR
Torres found a soft market last winter and ended up signing a one-year deal with the Tigers. He got off to a great start and was named to the All-Star team, but hit just .223/.320/.339 after that. He’s a good on-base guy with solid power for a middle infielder, but his glove may not keep him at second much longer.
Prediction: Giants, three years, $54 million
20. Shōta Imanaga, starting pitcher
9-8, 3.73 ERA, 144.2 IP, 7.3 K/9, 0.9 fWAR
Imanaga became a free agent when the Cubs declined the three-year option that would have owed him $57 million, and he declined his $15 million player option. They can make him a Qualified Offer, which he could be tempted to accept. His numbers did fall last year, and his velocity seems to be eroding, so the 32-year-old lefty may not get the long-term deal he is seeking.
Prediction: Cubs, three years, $45 million
21. Devin Williams, relief pitcher
18 SV, 4.79 ERA, 62 IP 13.1 K/9, 1.4 fWAR
Devin Williams had a 1.83 ERA in six seasons with the Brewers. They traded him to the Yankees last offseason, and he just stunk up the joint. His peripherals are still good, and his change up is as unhittable as ever, so he seems like a good bet to bounce back.
Prediction: Dodgers, three years, $42 million
22. Merrill Kelly, starting pitcher
12-9, 3.52 ERA, 184 IP, 8.2 K/9, 3.1 fWAR
Kelly has had a nice run since returning from Korea and making his MLB debut at age 30. Now 37, he’s still a consistent starter, despite not having flashy strikeout numbers. He’s probably looking for a three-year deal, but at his age, a two-year pact is more likely.
Prediction: Braves, two years, $36 million
23. J.T. Realmuto, catcher
.257/.315./384, 12 HR, 2.1 fWAR
Realmuto’s offensive numbers continue to sag and he posted his first sub-100 wRC+ season since his rookie campaign. But he’s still a very good defender who can get on base and hit with some pop, and there isn’t any free agent catcher close to as good as him. He’ll be 35 by Opening Day, so expect a short-term deal.
Prediction: Phillies, two years, $28 million
24. Jorge Polanco, second baseman
.265/.326/.495, 26 HR, 2.6 fWAR
Polanco made some adjustments at the plate and enjoyed his best offensive season at age 32. But he’s a liability in the field and may be moved to a corner infield position or even DH, especially with his knee issues.
Prediction: Padres, two years, $27 million
25. Ryan O’Hearn, first baseman
.265/.337/.422 17 HR, 3.0 fWAR
The former Royals slugger adjusted his swing in Baltimore and became an All-Star and a good clubhouse presence. He can get on base and is a good hitter, but is not a big-time home run hitter for a defensively limited player.
Prediction: Twins, two years, $26 million
26. Ha-Seong Kim, shortstop
.234/.304/.345, 5 HR, 0.3 fWAR
I was a bit surprised Kim declined his $16 million player option after injuries limited him to just 48 games this year. But the 30-year-old has good upside as a high-contact, plus defender at short who has some good power for a middle infielder.
Prediction: Braves, two years, $26 million
27. Raisel Iglesias, relief pitcher
29, SV, 3.67 ERA, 66 IP, 9.8 K/9, 0.6 fWAR
Only Emmanuel Clase and Carlos Estévez have more saves over the last three seasons than Iglesias. He gave up some long balls this year, but he’s a strike-thrower who misses bats. He’ll be 36 in January, so this could be his last multi-year deal.
Prediction: Cubs, two years, $25 million
28. Ryan Helsley, relief pitcher
21 SV, 4.50 ERA, 56 IP, 10.1 K/9, 0.2 fWAR
Helsley led the league in saves in 2024 with the Cardinals and is a two-time All-Star, but he just lost it upon being traded to the Mets. He was a bit homer-prone this year, but otherwise his peripherals look fine, and at age 31, he should be a solid bounce-back candidate.
Prediction: Tigers, two years, $24 million
29. Harrison Bader, outfielder
.277/.347/.449, 17 HR, 3.2 fWAR
Bader has not been much with the bat offensively in his career, save for some occasional pop, but he put it all together this year with the Twins and Phillies. The 31-year-old has good speed and terrific defense, but there may be some regression with his overall offense.
Prediction: Royals, two years, $23 million
30. Brad Keller, relief pitcher
3 SV, 2.07 ERA, 69.2 IP, 9.7 K/9, 1.3 fWAR
The former Royals starter has reinvented himself as a hard-throwing reliever who excelled for the Cubs this year. He’s only 30 years old, and if his velocity bump is for real, he could have a nice late career as a closer option.
Prediction: Astros, two years, $21 million
Others:
Rotation options: Tyler Anderson, Chris Bassitt, Walker Buehler, Griffin Canning, Aaron Civale, Patrick Corbin, Nestor Cortes, Zack Eflin, Erick Fedde, Lucas Giolito, Andrew Heaney, Adrian Houser, Zack Littell, Michael Lorenzen, Germán Márquez, Nick Martinez, Dustin May, Miles Mikolas, Chris Paddack, Cal Quantrill, Jose Quintana, Colin Rea, Max Scherzer, Michael Soroka, Marcus Stroman, Tomoyuki Sugano, Justin Verlander
Pitchers trying to get healthy: Jon Gray, Tyler Mahle, John Means, Brandon Woodruff
Bullpen options: Shawn Armstrong, Kyle Finnegan, Caleb Ferguson, Kenley Jansen, Hoby Milner, Emilio Pagán, Drew Pomeranz, Tyler Rogers
First basemen: Luis Arraez, Josh Bell, Wilmer Flores, Ty France, Rhys Hoskins, LaMonte Wade
Infielders: Willi Castro, Adam Frazier, Jose Iglesias, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Yoán Moncada, Dylan Moore, Luis Rengifo, Brendan Rodgers, Miguel Rojas
Outfielders: Miguel Andujar, Michael Conforto, Randal Grichuk, Trent Grisham, Austin Hays, Max Kepler, Cedric Mullins, Rob Refsnyder, Austin Slater, Lane Thomas, Alex Verdugo, Mike Yastrzemski
Aging bats: Paul Goldschmidt, Starling Marte, Marcell Ozuna, Tommy Pham, Carlos Santana, Justin Turner, Jesse Winker
Coming from Asia? Kohei Arihara, Foster Griffin, Cody Ponce, Sung-Mun Song, Kona Takahashi
