{"id":359592,"date":"2025-11-06T10:41:37","date_gmt":"2025-11-06T10:41:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/359592\/"},"modified":"2025-11-06T10:41:37","modified_gmt":"2025-11-06T10:41:37","slug":"top-50-mlb-free-agents-tucker-bichette-top-2025-26-class-defined-by-depth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/359592\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 50 MLB Free Agents: Tucker, Bichette top 2025-26 class defined by depth"},"content":{"rendered":"

The page is turned so quickly. It\u2019s been just five days since the end of one of the most remarkable baseball postseasons ever, and already, we\u2019re on to the offseason and 2026.<\/p>\n

This here is your landing page for the 2025-26 MLB offseason. It\u2019s our Free Agent Big Board, bulked up to a top 50 (ranked by Tim Britton, Aaron Gleeman, Chad Jennings and Eno Sarris), and featuring stats breakdowns, contract projections, best fits and more. Whenever a player comes off the board, check back here for instant analysis \u2014 how the fit works for the player and the team.<\/p>\n

While not as stacked at the top as recent classes, this year\u2019s free agent group runs deeper than the last few. There\u2019s a Su\u00e1rez for all your team\u2019s needs, be they in the lineup (Eugenio), the rotation (Ranger) or the bullpen (Robert). If your team needs a superstar, Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette are there. Want a slugger? Grab Kyle Schwarber, Pete Alonso or Munetaka Murakami. Did you watch Yoshinobu Yamamoto and wish your team had an ace like that? Well, Framber Valdez, Dylan Cease and maybe Tatsuya Imai are all out there. And who do you picture getting the last out of Game 7 for your team? Is he in uniform already, or would you prefer it be Edwin D\u00edaz?<\/p>\n

Teams are often dismissed for, psh, \u201cwinning the offseason,\u201d but that\u2019s been a pretty good precursor to success when the games are actually played. This is the third year we\u2019ve done our Free Agent Big Board. The team that signed the most guys in each of the first two years \u2014 the Dodgers, of course \u2014 went on to win the World Series.<\/p>\n

Some bookkeeping: The listed age of the player is how old he\u2019ll be on June 30 of next season (and thus what age he\u2019s considered for the full season), the stats are from the 2025 season, the WAR is from FanGraphs<\/a> (unless otherwise noted), the best fits are alphabetical and you can filter through by position or search by name. Yell at us all you want for suggesting the Dodgers, Phillies, Mets and Yankees for every free agent; we\u2019re just being realistic here (and every team is represented as a fit for at least one player).<\/p>\n

Bookmark, star, Ctrl\/Cmd+D depending on your preference, and check back in all winter. In the offseason, this page is always on.<\/p>\n

Position 1B 2B 3B C CF DH LF RP SP SS<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Loading<\/p>\n

Try changing or resetting your filters to see more.<\/p>\n

Britton’s contract projection: <\/b>12 years, $460 million<\/p>\n

The smooth-swinging right fielder is the gem of this free-agent class, a 29-year-old who has posted between four and five wins above replacement in each of the last five seasons. That said, Tucker\u2019s 2025 could have been better.<\/p>\n

Following a trade from the Astros to the Cubs, his offensive numbers were down from the ridiculous pace he set in 2024 and he once again missed playing time. In 2024, it was with a fractured shin, in 2025 with a hand fracture and calf strain. The 110 games he\u2019s missed the last two years are a concern, but a pair of broken bones isn\u2019t as worrisome as a string of soft-tissue injuries would be.<\/p>\n

Tucker doesn\u2019t wow with any one aspect of his game: He\u2019s never hit more than 30 home runs, driven in 100 runs or batted .300. But he hits for a solid average and for extra-base pop, walks as often as he strikes out, can steal 20-plus bases and plays above-average defense in right field. \u2014TB<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Last team<\/p>\n

Toronto Blue Jays<\/p>\n

Britton’s contract projection: <\/b>8 years, $212 million<\/p>\n

A second-round pick in 2016, Bichette quickly established himself as one of the game\u2019s best prospects, and then one of its top shortstops. He\u2019s a two-time All-Star who twice led the American League in hits and has the fifth-highest career batting average among active players. After a disappointing 2024, Bichette bounced back to deliver a fairly typical 2025: 134 wRC+ and 3.8 fWAR with negative defensive metrics. He missed the final month with a knee injury.<\/p>\n

Bichette ranks top 10 in batting average since 2021, and will play all of next season at 28 years old. Even in a thin shortstop market, teams might prefer him at second or third. Most of his value comes from his bat, anyway. \u2014 CJ<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Britton\u2019s contract projection: <\/b>6 years, $171 million<\/p>\n

No. 7 on last year\u2019s Big Board, Bregman signed with the Red Sox on an unusual three-year, $120 million contract that was heavily deferred and included opt-outs after each season. Bregman took his first opportunity to hit the open market again, presumably in search of a longer guarantee.<\/p>\n

His first season outside of Houston was a return to form at the plate. His bat had lagged in 2024, but he produced a 125 wRC+ in 2025, with his 3.8 fWAR dragged down by a quad injury that cost him nearly two months. His production did drag at the end of the year \u2014 .727 OPS in the second half, .640 in September \u2014 but Bregman earned rave reviews as a clubhouse leader who established a winning culture that helped get a young Red Sox team back into the playoffs.<\/p>\n

He opted out of $40 million each of the next two years, so Bregman is clearly eyeing a substantial contract, perhaps with a lower average annual value but with far more guaranteed seasons. He turns 32 in March, but in his 10 major league seasons, Bregman ranks ninth in fWAR. He\u2019s one of the standouts in a generation of talented third basemen. \u2014 CJ<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Last team<\/p>\n

Philadelphia Phillies<\/p>\n

Britton\u2019s contract projection: <\/b>5 years, $145 million<\/p>\n

It\u2019s easy to forget that Schwarber was once treated as a platoon bat and got non-tendered in 2020. He has since established himself as one of the most consistently productive power hitters in the game (and one of the game\u2019s best left-on-left sluggers). Offsetting his low batting average with a high on-base percentage and outrageous power, Schwarber is coming off a career year that saw him hit 56 home runs with a .928 OPS. Only Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani and Cal Raleigh had a higher slugging percentage this season.<\/p>\n

Although he started eight games in left field in 2025, and has minimal experience at first base, Schwarber has almost exclusively been a designated hitter the past two seasons. He\u2019s been with the Phillies since 2022, generating down-ballot MVP votes each year \u2014 this season, he\u2019s among the MVP front-runners \u2014 while hitting 187 homers, tied with Ohtani for the second most in baseball behind Judge.<\/p>\n

Schwarber turns 33 in March, but his career trajectory has been atypical, and his peak seasons have come in his 30s. He\u2019s also respected as a clubhouse leader whose commitment to offseason training has fueled annual improvement at this stage of his career. \u2014 CJ<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Britton\u2019s contract projection: <\/b>7 years, $196 million<\/p>\n

Valdez is an old-school sinkerballer in a strikeout-fueled era, keeping the ball on the ground and out of the seats as well as any starter in baseball. Of the 78 pitchers with at least 500 innings over the past five seasons, Valdez ranks No. 1 in groundball rate and No. 3 in homer rate.<\/p>\n

And he\u2019s not exactly pitching to contact with 875 strikeouts in 902 1\/3 innings during that time thanks mostly to a standout curveball. Strikeouts and grounders are the ideal combo, which is how Valdez has posted a sub-3.70 ERA in six straight seasons.<\/p>\n

He faded in 2025, giving up 42 runs in 58 innings over the final two months, but Valdez was cruising along with a 2.62 ERA as of Aug. 1 and his raw stuff remained stellar enough for teams to believe it may have simply been a rough patch. \u2014 AG<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Last team<\/p>\n

San Diego Padres<\/p>\n

Britton\u2019s contract projection: <\/b>6 years, $174 million<\/p>\n

Cease\u2019s yearly ERAs have fluctuated wildly, but his underlying performances have remained consistent: Tons of strikeouts, lots of walks and an average-ish number of homers allowed.<\/p>\n

While his ERA jumped from 3.47 in 2024 to 4.55 in 2025, suggesting a huge decline, his xERA (3.31 to 3.47) and xFIP (3.44 to 3.56) were largely unchanged and showed him as one of MLB\u2019s best starters. And beyond Cease\u2019s high-octane raw stuff and league-leading strikeout totals, he\u2019s never missed a start due to injury, a rarity among front-line arms.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s possible the ERA swings will suppress his market a bit, but any front office looking to lock up Cease long-term will be delving deeper and putting faith in his slider returning to top form. \u2014 AG<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Britton\u2019s contract projection: <\/b>5 years, $140 million<\/p>\n

So here we are again with Alonso, trying to run back the opt-out playbook that worked well for Matt Chapman and Blake Snell in recent years. Alonso is hitting free agency off a stronger 2025 season than he did last winter, and he no longer has the qualifying offer attached.<\/p>\n

The 31-year-old delivered the best batting average of his career (.272), lowered his strikeout rate, pushed his on-base percentage back near .350 and consistently came through with runners in scoring position. Strictly in the batter\u2019s box, he had as good a year as any free agent besides Schwarber. His defense at first base, however, was a bigger issue than it had been in the past, especially with his throws. A move to DH could come sooner rather than later.<\/p>\n

Alonso is exceptionally durable: He\u2019s missed just 24 games in his seven-year career; Tucker missed 26 last season alone. \u2014TB<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Last team<\/p>\n

New York Yankees<\/p>\n

Britton\u2019s contract projection: <\/b>7 years, $182 million<\/p>\n

Few players have ridden a year-to-year roller coaster quite like Bellinger: from MVP to below replacement level, from non-tender to big-time free agent, from salary dump to five-win player. He\u2019s a free agent for the third time in the last four years, and it feels like he\u2019s hitting it at the right time now. He\u2019s re-established a solid floor of performance while still flashing the All-Star peaks he\u2019s reached less consistently.<\/p>\n

In his one season with the Yankees, he came within four plate appearances of a career high (656) while delivering 59 extra-base hits and playing excellent defense in the corner outfield. He remains capable of playing center, at least in the short term, and is adept at first base as well. Bellinger did most of his damage at home last season, with a .909 OPS at Yankee Stadium compared to .715 on the road. \u2014TB<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Last team<\/p>\n

Philadelphia Phillies<\/p>\n

Britton\u2019s contract projection: <\/b>6 years, $153 million<\/p>\n

Su\u00e1rez\u2019s year-to-year excellence has been understandably overshadowed in Philadelphia by the likes of Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola and Cristopher S\u00e1nchez. But since shifting into the starting rotation in August 2021, the left-hander ranks 11th among starters in fWAR, tucked between Corbin Burnes and Blake Snell \u2014 two guys who signed for a combined $340 million last winter.<\/p>\n

Su\u00e1rez achieves his success distinctly, with a fastball that barely surpasses 90 mph and a strikeout rate around league average. With a sinker, cutter and changeup, he suppresses hard contact and often keeps the ball on the ground. That profile has aged well before, and while his team has struggled the past couple Octobers, Su\u00e1rez has been a postseason mensch with a 1.48 ERA in more than 40 innings pitched. \u2014 TB<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Last team<\/p>\n

Seibu Lions (NPB)<\/p>\n

Britton\u2019s contract projection: <\/b>8 years, $190 million<\/p>\n

Does it help this 5-foot-11 right-hander from Japan that the World Series was just dominated by a 5-foot-10 right-hander from Japan? Probably! The 28-year-old Imai is not Yoshinobu Yamamoto. He isn\u2019t hitting the market at 25, he doesn\u2019t have the same high-level stuff, and he hasn\u2019t overwhelmed NPB the way Yamamoto had.<\/p>\n

Nevertheless, the success of Yamamoto \u2014 and Kodai Senga and Shota Imanaga and on down the line \u2014 makes it easier to take a leap of faith on Imai as a No. 2 or No. 3 starter. Relative to NPB, Imai\u2019s ERA and strikeout rate align well with those of Senga, Yusei Kikuchi, and Hiroki Kuroda before they debuted in MLB. He\u2019s as hard a thrower as anyone who\u2019s made that jump, complementing a fastball in the mid to upper 90s with a slider, splitter and changeup. \u2014 TB<\/p>\n

* denotes standard ERA<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Britton\u2019s contract projection: <\/b>4 years, $84 million<\/p>\n

After opting out of the final two years of the five-year deal he signed in 2022, D\u00edaz has a chance to once again become the sport\u2019s highest-paid closer. After missing all of 2023 thanks to a torn knee ligament, and enduring some inconsistency in 2024, D\u00edaz pitched like his best self in 2025. His ERA was comfortably under 2.00 (1.63), his strikeout rate was 38 percent, and he converted 28 of his 31 save chances.<\/p>\n

D\u00edaz\u2019s velocity has dipped since the knee injury and his transcendent 2022 season, but the mix of his four-seam and his wiffle-ball slider works just so long as he can throw them for strikes. \u2014 TB<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Last team<\/p>\n

San Diego Padres<\/p>\n

Britton\u2019s contract projection: <\/b>3 years, $75 million<\/p>\n

A healthy 2025 might have placed King as the top free agent starter on the market, but a thoracic nerve issue and then a knee injury caused him to miss half of the season. He made only 15 starts in the regular season and pitched one inning out of the bullpen in the playoffs. In 2024, though, King made 30 starts with a 2.95 ERA, garnering him down-ballot Cy Young Award votes.<\/p>\n

Now 30 years old, King broke into the leagues as a Yankees spot starter and multi-inning reliever. He won a permanent spot in their rotation at the end of 2023 and went to the Padres that December as a key piece of the Juan Soto trade. The Padres kept using him as a starter, and he thrived in that role, throwing a four-pitch mix from a deceptive three-quarters arm slot.<\/p>\n

King has proven he has the stuff to be a good big league starter, but he\u2019s only once thrown as many as 105 innings in a major-league season. \u2014 CJ<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Britton\u2019s contract projection: <\/b>1 year, $22 million<\/p>\n

After an outstanding rookie season culminating with a fifth-place Cy Young finish in 2024, the left-handed Imanaga took a sizable step back in Year 2 with the Cubs \u2014 one big enough for Chicago to decline a three-year, $57.75 million option for the pitcher. <\/p>\n

While Imanaga\u2019s ERA jumped nearly a run, his peripherals portended further trouble. His strikeout rate was down below league average, and he benefited mightily from playing in front of arguably the sport\u2019s best defense, sporting a .219 batting average on balls in play. Still, Imanaga\u2019s WHIP was below one, and there\u2019s a reasonable chance another team values him at the salary the Cubs deemed too expensive. \u2014 TB<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Last team<\/p>\n

Seattle Mariners<\/p>\n

Britton\u2019s contract projection: <\/b>4 years, $92 million<\/p>\n

It was another typically strong season for Naylor, with a twist: In addition to his usual slugging prowess, the slow-footed 28-year-old first baseman turned into an amazing base stealer. He went 30-for-32 on steals, including 19-for-19 after a deadline trade to Seattle. He\u2019d never stolen more than 10 bases before, and remained one of the league\u2019s slowest runners, but his timing and baseball IQ were on full display.<\/p>\n

Of course, Naylor\u2019s bat is still the biggest draw. He\u2019s hit .275\/.336\/.464 with a 124 OPS+ in four full seasons, averaging 25 homers and 105 RBIs per 150 games. Mariners fans understandably fell hard for him and may revolt if he\u2019s not re-signed, but there figures to be heavy competition offering sizable long-term deals for arguably the third-best left-handed hitter on the market. \u2014 AG<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Britton\u2019s contract projection: <\/b>3 years, $48 million<\/p>\n

Torres took a one-year, $15 million deal from the Tigers last winter and was an All-Star for the first time since 2019. However, it was due more to a solid all-around season than a return to the impact bat he once was for the Yankees. Torres has slugged under .400 in back-to-back years, but made up for some of the missing power by drawing a career-high 85 walks and his defense seemingly improved at second base.<\/p>\n

Upside is no longer a major part of Torres\u2019 appeal at age 29, but he\u2019s settled in as a good regular and should be in line for plenty of multi-year offers at a thin position. \u2014 AG<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Last team<\/p>\n

Seattle Mariners<\/p>\n

Britton\u2019s contract projection: <\/b>3 years, $69 million<\/p>\n

Low batting averages and high strikeout totals will scare away some suitors, especially at age 34, but Su\u00e1rez is coming off a 49-homer season and his 308 total homers over the past decade are MLB\u2019s third-most behind Aaron Judge (368) and Kyle Schwarber (324). He\u2019s the epitome of an all-or-nothing slugger and that skill set tends to age poorly, but he\u2019s still a capable defender at third base and remarkably durable, playing 95.5 percent of his team\u2019s games during the past 10 seasons.<\/p>\n

Expect a two- or three-year deal at a high annual salary that will balance his ability to make an immediate impact with the risk of decline any signing team will be taking on beyond 2026. \u2014 AG<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Last team<\/p>\n

Yakult Swallows (NPB)<\/p>\n

Britton\u2019s contract projection: <\/b>8 years, $158.5 million<\/p>\n

Murakami might be the biggest risk\/reward play available this winter. The 26-year-old\u2019s power from the left side of the plate is prodigious. He\u2019s hit as many as 56 home runs in an NPB season, and his OPS has been about 35 percent better than the league mark over the last three years \u2014 production in line with that of Seiya Suzuki before he signed with MLB. However, Murakami missed a chunk of last season with elbow and oblique injuries, and there\u2019s concern about the recent decline in his bat-to-ball skills.<\/p>\n

In a league where the average velocity isn\u2019t what he\u2019ll face in stateside and the strikeout rate remains below 20 percent, Murakami has struck out more than 28 percent of the time over the last three seasons. He\u2019s mostly played third in Japan but profiles as more of a first baseman in the big leagues. \u2014 TB<\/p>\n

* denotes standard OPS<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Last team<\/p>\n

Milwaukee Brewers<\/p>\n

Britton\u2019s contract projection: <\/b>2 years, $40 million<\/p>\n

Woodruff answered one major question this past season: When healthy, he\u2019s still a very good pitcher. Coming off shoulder surgery, Woodruff\u2019s fastball velocity was down about three miles per hour \u2014 but his results didn\u2019t waver. In 12 starts for the Brewers, his ERA was 3.20 and his FIP was 3.17. Even with the velo reduction, he struck out better than 32 percent of opposing hitters and lowered his walk rate to a career best 5.4 percent. If he\u2019d done that for 32 starts, he\u2019d be right near the top of this list.<\/p>\n

The problem is Woodruff hasn\u2019t even made 32 starts over the last three seasons, and while most of that is due to shoulder surgery, he was unavailable for this past postseason with a lat strain. \u2014 TB<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Last team<\/p>\n

New York Yankees<\/p>\n

Britton\u2019s contract projection: <\/b>1 year, $18 million<\/p>\n

With his famed \u201cAirbender\u201d changeup, Williams was a two-time Reliever of the Year during his six seasons with the Brewers, but he\u2019s coming off the worst season of his career with the Yankees. Removed from the closer role in April, Williams never regained his old form. His expected statistics suggest there was some bad luck involved, but Williams\u2019 strikeout rate was a career-low 25 percent, and he was slightly more homer-prone than usual.<\/p>\n

Before last season, Williams was considered among the best relievers in baseball. He was the NL Rookie of the Year in 2020 and earned All-Star nods in two of his six seasons with Milwaukee. In March of 2024, though, Williams was diagnosed with two stress fractures in his back and pitched just 22 times that season. He was traded to the Yankees last winter and is hitting the open market a little more than a month after his 31st birthday. \u2014 CJ<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Britton\u2019s contract projection: <\/b>2 years, $46 million<\/p>\n

Kelly has become a steady big league starter in his 30s and delivered a typical season in 2023, pitching to a 3.52 ERA across 32 starts. He doesn\u2019t throw hard or get a lot of strikeouts, but since 2022 he has a 3.47 ERA and ranks 21st in the majors in innings pitched.<\/p>\n

An eighth-round pick in 2010, Kelly spent five seasons in the Rays\u2019 minor league system before pitching in Korea for four years. He signed with the Diamondbacks in December of 2018, when he was 30, and made his big league debut the following season. A shoulder strain cost him more than half of 2024, but he returned to make 32 starts this season, 10 of them after a trade deadline deal to the Rangers.<\/p>\n

Due to the late start to his career, he\u2019s reaching free agency for the first time at 37. \u2014 CJ<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Last team<\/p>\n

Arizona Diamondbacks<\/p>\n

Britton\u2019s contract projection: <\/b>2 years, $42 million<\/p>\n

Nobody saw their stock plunge this past season quite like Gallen, who entered the year in conversation with Valdez and Cease as the best starters on the market. Instead, the 30-year-old right-hander assembled the worst season of his career, with an ERA in the high fours and peripheral stats to match. After years of minor decreases, his strikeout rate plummeted below the league average, and his all-around stuff was down for much of the year.<\/p>\n

Gallen did put together an excellent August and solid September, and his track record suggests the potential for some rebound for a pitcher still within his prime. \u2014TB<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Last team<\/p>\n

Seattle Mariners<\/p>\n

Britton\u2019s contract projection: <\/b>2 years, $35 million<\/p>\n

Polanco\u2019s first season in Seattle was a mess, but the Mariners doubled down for $7.75 million and he bounced back with a strong 2025 at the plate, hitting .265\/.326\/.495 with 26 homers in a tough offensive environment while nearly cutting his strikeout rate in half.<\/p>\n

Years of leg injuries make it hard to see him as a viable starting second baseman, but his switch-hitting power is more than enough to work at designated hitter or first base. Despite his sliding down the defensive spectrum, Polanco should be in line for a multi-year deal as one of the better non-star hitters on the market. \u2014 AG<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Last team<\/p>\n

San Diego Padres<\/p>\n

Britton\u2019s contract projection: <\/b>3 years, $54 million<\/p>\n

After Edwin D\u00edaz, Suarez is the best closer on the market, poised to capitalize on the subpar seasons from other free-agent closers Devin Williams and Ryan Helsley. Over the last two seasons, nobody\u2019s earned more saves than Suarez\u2019s 76, and the right-hander combined a stronger strikeout rate with the lowest walk rate of his career.<\/p>\n

Yes, Suarez will play next season at 35, but he also averaged a shade under 99 mph with his fastball this past season, when he converted 40 of 45 save chances. \u2014 TB<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Last team<\/p>\n

Philadelphia Phillies<\/p>\n

Britton\u2019s contract projection: <\/b>3 years, $45 million<\/p>\n

The sport\u2019s best catcher when he signed his last deal, Realmuto has been worth about 2 fWAR in each of the last three seasons. In his mid-30s, he\u2019s still one of the game\u2019s most durable backstops.<\/p>\n

Since 2019, eight times a player has caught 130 or more games, and Realmuto owns half of them, including 132 games behind the dish in 2025. His offense has understandably fallen off, dipping below league average last year for the first time. \u2014 TB<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Last team<\/p>\n

New York Yankees<\/p>\n

Britton\u2019s contract projection: <\/b>3 years, $54 million<\/p>\n

For three years, Grisham was trending toward irrelevance in free agency, but a career year in 2025 has resurrected his value as an everyday center fielder. Grisham hit 34 home runs, the second-most of anyone who played at least 90 games in center (only the Twins\u2019 Byron Buxton had more). His 129 wRC+ was also behind only Buxton among center fielders.<\/p>\n

Grisham\u2019s speed and defensive metrics weren\u2019t nearly as good as when he won two Gold Gloves with the Padres, but his bat made up for it. Grisham produced a career-best 3.2 fWAR in his second season with the Yankees, going from bench player to one of the top 70 position players by fWAR. His extreme left-right splits suggest he might be best used as the strong side of a platoon. \u2014 CJ<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Last team<\/p>\n

Yomiuri Giants (NPB)<\/p>\n

Britton\u2019s contract projection: <\/b>4 years, $78.5 million<\/p>\n

The righty-swinging Okamoto may not possess the same upside as Murakami, but he\u2019s probably a safer bet in the short term. Entering his age-30 season, a shorter-term deal is likely in the cards. Okamoto\u2019s OPS has been about 40 percent better than the NPB average over the last three seasons, similar to Seiya Suzuki before he signed with the Cubs. Like Murakami, while Okamoto has played more third base in NPB, he\u2019s likely to spend time at first base in the majors. He has a better chance of providing positive defensive value there than Murakami. \u2014 TB<\/p>\n

* denotes standard OPS<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Britton\u2019s contract projection: <\/b>1 year, $16 million<\/p>\n

Helsley is hitting free agency one year removed from his best season and coming off a two-month stint with the Mets that went more or less disastrously. Helsley can still motor his fastball up to 100 mph, and when he\u2019s right, his slider is difficult to lay off. But his numbers with St. Louis were more pedestrian up to the trade deadline, and a pitch-tipping issue waylaid his time in New York. For the season, his strikeout rate was down quite a bit, and there\u2019s less reason to brush aside his 2025 as an aberration than there is for fellow closer Devin Williams. \u2014 TB<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Last team<\/p>\n

San Diego Padres<\/p>\n

Britton\u2019s contract projection: <\/b>2 years, $36 million<\/p>\n

Coming off his first All-Star selection, O\u2019Hearn has seen his value surge in recent years. He had a 127 wRC+ this season, with most of that production coming in the first four months with the Orioles. He was traded to the Padres at the deadline, and his OPS was almost exactly 100 points lower after the trade.<\/p>\n

But O\u2019Hearn has become a reliable left-handed bat. He was designated for assignment in January of 2023 after a disappointing stint with the Royals. The Orioles acquired him for cash, and he quickly became a productive hitter in Baltimore. Although mostly a DH, he can also play first base and the outfield corners. He\u2019s been used as a left-handed platoon hitter, but he had success against left-handed pitching this season. \u2014 CJ<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Britton\u2019s contract projection: <\/b>3 years, $50 million<\/p>\n

Despite playing just 48 games this season, Kim declined a $16-million option and became a free agent for the second winter in a row. He signed with the Rays last offseason but spent most of the year rehabbing from shoulder surgery before suffering a lower back injury. He played 24 games for the Rays before being claimed off waivers by the Braves on Sept. 1. He played another 24 games for Atlanta.<\/p>\n

All told, Kim had an 82 wRC+ and 0.3 fWAR in a limited sample. In the past, he\u2019s been an above-average defender with a roughly league-average bat, which has made him a valuable everyday player. He\u2019s also 30 years old and hasn\u2019t played much in the past year, but in a thin shortstop market, Kim could be one of the best bets at the position. He also has experience at second and third base. \u2014 CJ<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Britton\u2019s contract projection: <\/b>3 years, $57 million<\/p>\n

Coming off a 2024 season lost to UCL surgery, Giolito didn\u2019t make his 2025 debut until April 30 and had a 6.40 ERA through the first week of June. Beginning June 10, though, Giolito pitched to a 2.51 ERA in his final 19 starts, becoming such a reliable piece of the Red Sox rotation that he finished with a 3.41 ERA in 145 innings.<\/p>\n

By exceeding 140 innings, Giolito turned a team option in his contract into a mutual option, which let him opt into free agency at 31 years old after declining his end of a $17.5 million pact.<\/p>\n

Giolito didn\u2019t strike out as many batters as he did in his prime, but he returned to form as a mid-rotation workhorse. From 2018-23, he threw the eighth-most innings in baseball. He missed this year\u2019s postseason with an elbow injury, but not one that\u2019s expected to affect his 2026 season. \u2014 CJ<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Last team<\/p>\n

Toronto Blue Jays<\/p>\n

Britton\u2019s contract projection: <\/b>2 years, $46 million<\/p>\n

Although the Blue Jays used him out of the bullpen in the postseason, Bassitt\u2019s greatest strength might be his dependability as a mid-rotation starter. He had a 3.96 ERA in 31 starts this season, and he\u2019s averaged more than 30 starts a year since 2021, when he earned his only All-Star selection to date. He was also excellent in the shortened 2020 season (2.29 ERA in 11 starts).<\/p>\n

A lower back injury put Bassitt on the IL at the end of the 2025 regular season, but he returned to allow just one run on three hits in 8 2\/3 innings in the postseason. Bassitt doesn\u2019t get a ton of strikeouts but tends to limit walks and hard contact. He signed a three-year, $63 million deal with the Blue Jays three years ago, and he\u2019s back on the market as a near-37-year-old. \u2014 CJ<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Last team<\/p>\n

Philadelphia Phillies<\/p>\n

Britton\u2019s contract projection: <\/b>2 years, $32 million<\/p>\n

Following three straight seasons with an OPS below .660, Bader settled for a one-year, $6.25 million deal last offseason, and then had a career-year at age 31, batting .277\/.347\/.449 with 17 homers for the Twins and Phillies. Despite losing some raw speed, he can still handle center field and be an elite left fielder, making Bader one of the best defensive free agents available.<\/p>\n

He\u2019ll likely be in line for a multiyear deal this time, although skepticism about his offensive improvement is warranted given an uptick in strikeouts and the lack of substantial changes to his plate discipline or batted-ball metrics. \u2014 AG<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Last team<\/p>\n

San Diego Padres<\/p>\n

Britton\u2019s contract projection: <\/b>2 years, $30 million<\/p>\n

Arraez won three straight batting titles with minuscule strikeout rates to earn cult hero status. But when his batting average dipped to .292 in 2025, his lack of power, patience and defensive value became glaring. Striking out only 21 times in 675 plate appearances is amazing, but 61 RBIs, 66 runs scored and a 99 OPS+ are underwhelming for a top-of-the-order bat limited mostly to first base and designated hitter.<\/p>\n

He\u2019s a fascinating free-agent case because Arraez would have been in line for a huge payday two decades ago. He might have to settle for a modest short-term contract now. He picked a bad time for a career-worst season and the wrong era to be an elite singles hitter. \u2014 AG<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Last team<\/p>\n

Baltimore Orioles<\/p>\n

Britton\u2019s contract projection: <\/b>1 year, $17 million<\/p>\n

Eflin just completed a three-year, $40 million deal, the first two seasons of which were very good. But he struggled in 2025, posting a 5.93 ERA in 14 starts before undergoing season-ending back surgery in August.<\/p>\n

His strikeout percentage plummeted from 26.5 to 19.6 to 16.2 during the contract, creating on-field concerns in addition to the health issue, which will likely lead to a one-year deal. \u2014 AG<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Last team<\/p>\n

Kansas City Royals<\/p>\n

Britton\u2019s contract projection: <\/b>1 year, $11 million<\/p>\n

A strong-side platoon outfielder who\u2019s consistently hit right-handed pitching, Yastrzemski got a late start in the big leagues and is a first-time free agent at 35. But his 126 wRC+ against righties was top 50 in the major leagues in 2025 \u2014 similar to Bobby Witt Jr., Julio Rodr\u00edguez and Byron Buxton \u2014 and he finished the season with an .839 OPS after a trade deadline deal to the Royals.<\/p>\n

The grandson of Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski, Mike spent six seasons in the minor leagues before making his big league debut at 28 in 2019. The Giants had acquired him in a minor spring training trade with the Orioles, and Yastrzemski was something of a sensation in San Francisco. He hit 21 home runs as a rookie and finished eighth in NL MVP voting in 2020. According to Baseball Reference, he\u2019s been worth between a 2.0 and 2.7 WAR in each of his six seasons in the majors. He\u2019s been a dependable bat, but with extreme splits. Yastrzemski had an .809 OPS against righties this season but only a .427 OPS against lefties. \u2014 CJ<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Britton\u2019s contract projection: <\/b>3 years, $30 million<\/p>\n

After seven years struggling to find consistency with a 4.33 ERA as a starter, Keller made the full-time switch to the bullpen and thrived. Compared to his time as a starter, Keller boosted his strikeout rate, cut his walks and added 3 mph to his fastball.<\/p>\n

Now it\u2019s just a question of how much faith the league has in his age-29 breakthrough being sustainable, because he certainly pitched like a high-end setup man for the Cubs in 2025. \u2014 AG<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Britton\u2019s contract projection: <\/b>2 years, $20 million<\/p>\n

Littell is 2 1\/2 seasons into a successful transition to the rotation that began in mid-2023, posting a 3.67 ERA in 414 1\/3 innings and 75 starts.<\/p>\n

There is some smoke and mirrors involved, as Littell\u2019s strikeout rate, homer rate and fastball velocity are among the lowest by starters during that period, but he also has a very low walk rate and logged a career-high 186 2\/3 innings in 2025. \u2014 AG<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Britton\u2019s contract projection: <\/b>1 year, $14 million<\/p>\n

A year ago, Ozuna finished in the top five of NL MVP balloting with a .300\/30 homer\/100 RBIs season that was the best full season of his career. His encore, however, was derailed by a hip issue he played through for much of the summer; he hit .179 for a three-month stretch in the middle of the season. Ozuna mitigated the free-fall in batting average to some degree by boosting his walk rate. Only Aaron Judge and Juan Soto earned free passes at a higher rate. \u2014 TB<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Britton\u2019s contract projection: <\/b>1 year, $11 million<\/p>\n

Like Ryan Helsley ahead of him on this list, Mullins\u2019 OK season took a major turn for the worse with a deadline trade to the Mets. The major question for the 31-year-old will be how much longer he can handle center field. Defensive metrics were split on his four months in Baltimore last season; he ranked near the bottom of the sport in defensive runs saved while outs above average rated him positively. He was better by both measures with New York, which was overshadowed by the .182 batting average that got him benched down the stretch.<\/p>\n

Mullins\u2019 breakthrough 30\/30 campaign in 2021 is now five years in the rear view, and he’s settled in as a league-average hitter. In center, that\u2019s legitimately valuable given the scarcity of two-way players there. In a corner, it\u2019s run of the mill. \u2014 TB<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Last team<\/p>\n

New York Yankees<\/p>\n

Britton\u2019s contract projection: <\/b>2 years, $19 million<\/p>\n

A back-end starter who emerged as a late-inning reliever, Weaver\u2019s surface-level numbers in 2025 were disappointing, but his under-the-hood metrics were far more encouraging. Although his actual ERA was almost a run higher than it had been in his breakout 2024 season, his expected ERA was quite a bit lower and the quality of contact fairly similar. His strikeout rate was down in 2025, but his chase rate was up.<\/p>\n

A first-round pick of the Cardinals in 2014, Weaver reached the majors as a touted rotation prospect but was inconsistent in that role. He was traded to the Diamondbacks for Paul Goldschmidt and eventually was claimed off waivers by the Yankees at the end of 2023. Weaver entered 2024 with a career 5.14 ERA, looking like little more than a long reliever or spot starter.<\/p>\n

In 2024, though, Weaver became a full-time reliever and pitched well enough to become the Yankees\u2019closer at the end of the season and into the playoffs. He was still a late-inning arm in 2025, but with less consistent results. \u2014 CJ<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Last team<\/p>\n

Toronto Blue Jays<\/p>\n

Britton\u2019s contract projection: <\/b>1 year, $14 million<\/p>\n

At 41, Scherzer is no longer a front-line starting option, and he hasn\u2019t been a reliable innings-eater either, having thrown a total of 128 1\/3 regular-season innings in the past two seasons with a 4.77 ERA. Yet, the soon-to-be Hall of Famer was not only entrusted with a start in Game 7 of the World Series, but he delivered a strong outing against the Dodgers\u2019 outstanding offense. There\u2019s still something there, and you can bank on Scherzer doing everything in his power to maximize that something. \u2014 TB<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Britton\u2019s contract projection: <\/b>2 years, $26 million<\/p>\n

It\u2019s been more than six years since May\u2019s major league debut, yet he\u2019s made only 57 starts, and this season was the first in which he threw more than 56 innings. Injuries, both typical and strange, have repeatedly kept May off the field, and his free agent status seems to hinge more on what he could be than what he\u2019s actually done.<\/p>\n

From 2019 to 2023, May pitched to a 3.10 ERA but threw only 191 2\/3 innings. He dealt with elbow, foot and back injuries \u2014 he had Tommy John surgery in 2021, then a revision procedure in 2023 \u2014 and underwent emergency surgery for a torn esophagus in 2024 after a bite of salad got lodged in his throat.<\/p>\n

May was mostly healthy in 2025 and made 23 starts with a 4.96 ERA. He had a 5.40 ERA after a trade deadline deal to the Red Sox, but he finished the season again on the IL, this time with right elbow neuritis. \u2014 CJ<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Last team<\/p>\n

Milwaukee Brewers<\/p>\n

Britton\u2019s contract projection: <\/b>1 year, $10 million<\/p>\n

Since missing all of 2023 with a torn ACL, Hoskins hasn\u2019t been the same, and he played sparingly for Milwaukee down the stretch, losing his starting job to Andrew Vaughn.<\/p>\n

He\u2019s still a solid source of right-handed power, homering 38 times in 221 games the past two seasons, but that\u2019s come with a .223 batting average and an average 102 OPS+ at a position where more is expected. He\u2019ll likely be looking to bounce back on a one-year deal. \u2014 AG<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Last team<\/p>\n

Milwaukee Brewers<\/p>\n

Britton\u2019s contract projection: <\/b>1 year, $8 million<\/p>\n

A catcher with enough bat to get occasional starts at designated hitter, Jansen has been in demand the past two seasons. The Red Sox traded for him at the deadline in 2024 (they mostly wanted his bat), and the Rays made him a priority signing last winter (they wanted his stability behind the plate). The first-place Brewers then traded for Jansen in the summer (but used him mostly as a pinch hitter and backup).<\/p>\n

Since 2019, Jansen ranks 12th in fWAR among big league catchers. He\u2019s had fewer than 350 plate appearances each year since 2020, but he\u2019s been an above-average hitter with occasional power and excellent defensive metrics for blocking (not so good for framing). Jansen\u2019s not necessarily been a standout, but he can be the lead option in a timeshare behind the plate. \u2014 CJ<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Britton\u2019s contract projection: <\/b>2 years, $24 million<\/p>\n

In 2025, Iglesias blew four of his first 12 save chances and was one of the chief reasons Atlanta was stuck in neutral for two months. Even as his team\u2019s season never got back on track, Iglesias sure did: From the second week of June on, he converted 21 of 22 save chances with a 1.25 ERA and 1.98 FIP, striking out 30 percent of opposing hitters. <\/p>\n

Iglesias will be 36 next season, and his stuff isn’t as tantalizing as that of the four closers ahead of him on this list. But stack him up against that group since 2022, and he\u2019s pitched the most games and innings, earned the most saves, walked hitters at the lowest rate and compiled an ERA and FIP right in line with the rest of the cohort. \u2014 TB<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Last team<\/p>\n

Los Angeles Angels<\/p>\n

Britton\u2019s contract projection: <\/b>1 year, $10 million<\/p>\n

With three more saves, Jansen will move ahead of Lee Smith for sole possession of third-most all time behind only Mariano Rivera and Trevor Hoffman. There\u2019s little doubt he\u2019ll look to sign with a team that will give him a chance to close, a role he\u2019s continued to earn into his late 30s.<\/p>\n

At 37 years old \u2014 he turned 38 in September \u2014 Jansen had 29 saves and a 2.59 ERA with the Angels in 2025. His strikeout rate was the lowest of his career, but his 0.94 WHIP was his lowest since 2017. Lefties gave him some trouble, but righties had just a .399 OPS against him, and he was mostly dominant outside of two bad outings in May. Opponents hit just .090 against him in the second half.<\/p>\n

So, even at 38, looks like a source of experienced stability in the ninth inning, and every save will add to his all-time resume.\u2014 CJ<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Last team<\/p>\n

Toronto Blue Jays<\/p>\n

Britton\u2019s contract projection: <\/b>2 years, $17 million<\/p>\n

Traded at the deadline for the second year in a row, Dom\u00ednguez became a key part of Toronto\u2019s bullpen down the stretch, finishing with a 3.16 ERA and 79 strikeouts in 62 2\/3 innings.<\/p>\n

His subpar control and homer issues were a problem during the Blue Jays\u2019 playoff run, reminding potential suitors of the risk he brings to a late-inning role. Still, Dom\u00ednguez\u2019s high-voltage raw stuff remains enticing. \u2014 AG<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Britton\u2019s contract projection: <\/b>1 year, $8 million<\/p>\n

A core piece of the Twins\u2019 lineup for 2 1\/2 seasons, Castro was an All-Star in 2024 before being traded to the Cubs at this year\u2019s deadline, where he posted a .485 OPS (minus-0.5 bWAR). <\/p>\n

He\u2019s no longer capable of handling shortstop regularly defensively and his bat is a little light to start in a corner spot, but Castro\u2019s fielding flexibility, switch-hitting ability and above-average speed make him an ideal 10th man and semi-regular. \u2014 AG<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Britton\u2019s contract projection: <\/b>1 year, $9.5 million<\/p>\n

Pag\u00e1n has always racked up strikeouts, but his longstanding homer issues (1.5 career HR\/9) have made it risky to rely on him in high-leverage roles. He broke through with a career-high 32 saves for the Reds in 2025, posting an ERA below 3.00 for the second time in three seasons, but even that included 10 homers across 68 2\/3 innings.<\/p>\n

Entering his age-35 season, he\u2019d fit best as a setup man in a home ballpark that\u2019s more forgiving for an extreme fly-ball pitcher. \u2014 AG<\/p>\n

Last team<\/p>\n

Los Angeles Dodgers<\/p>\n

Britton\u2019s contract projection: <\/b>2 years, $22 million<\/p>\n

A tantalizing talent with a powerful fastball, Kopech has only occasionally lived up to his enormous potential. He\u2019s often been hurt, as he was through most of 2025 when he pitched only 11 innings because of knee and shoulder issues. Down the stretch in 2024, though, Kopech was a force out of the Dodgers bullpen, pitching to a 1.13 ERA with a 0.79 WHIP and more than 10 strikeouts per nine innings.<\/p>\n

Kopech won\u2019t turn 30 until April 30, and his potential as a hard-throwing reliever makes him an intriguing option in free agency. But he\u2019s boom-or-bust. Any team that can keep him healthy and harness his ability could reap a tremendous reward in the late innings, but the risk is also high.\u2014 CJ<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The page is turned so quickly. It\u2019s been just five days since the end of one of the…\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":359593,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[41],"tags":[1279,1280,1276,1281,1271,1274,5048,1282,1283,1885,2382,1284,1285,2502,1286,4247,1287,1266,1305,2228,5055,2083,1886,1306,1275,1288,62,3692,1289,1278,1290,67,132,68,1291],"class_list":{"0":"post-359592","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-mlb","8":"tag-arizona-diamondbacks","9":"tag-atlanta-braves","10":"tag-baltimore-orioles","11":"tag-boston-red-sox","12":"tag-chicago-cubs","13":"tag-chicago-white-sox","14":"tag-cincinnati-reds","15":"tag-cleveland-guardians","16":"tag-colorado-rockies","17":"tag-detroit-tigers","18":"tag-houston-astros","19":"tag-kansas-city-royals","20":"tag-los-angeles-angels","21":"tag-los-angeles-dodgers","22":"tag-miami-marlins","23":"tag-milwaukee-brewers","24":"tag-minnesota-twins","25":"tag-mlb","26":"tag-new-york-mets","27":"tag-new-york-yankees","28":"tag-oakland-athletics","29":"tag-philadelphia-phillies","30":"tag-pittsburgh-pirates","31":"tag-san-diego-padres","32":"tag-san-francisco-giants","33":"tag-seattle-mariners","34":"tag-sports","35":"tag-st-louis-cardinals","36":"tag-tampa-bay-rays","37":"tag-texas-rangers","38":"tag-toronto-blue-jays","39":"tag-united-states","40":"tag-unitedstates","41":"tag-us","42":"tag-washington-nationals"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"","error":"Validation failed: Text character limit of 500 exceeded"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/359592","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=359592"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/359592\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/359593"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=359592"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=359592"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=359592"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}