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ESPN Projects Contracts for the Top MLB Free Agents: List & Analysis

Paul Connor

Host · Writer

15. Tatsuya Imai (Japan): 6 years, $135 million ($22.5M AAV) + $22.125 million posting fee
2025 team: Seibu Lions (NPB) | Position: SP | 2026 Opening Day age: 27

Notes: Dominant NPB starter with 1.92 ERA, 10-5 record, and 178 K in 163.2 IP during 2025 breakout; 27.8% strikeout rate well above league average, plus a combined no-hitter; frontline upside, but MLB adjustment and past control issues pose risks.
Introduction
MLB's 2025-26 free agency period officially begins today at 5 p.m. ET, with several impact players in line for big-money deals.

Let's look at ESPN's projections for how those contracts might unfold:

Note: Order is based on SportsGrid's Top 15 Free Agents.
1. Kyle Tucker: 11 Years, $418 Million ($38M AAV)
2025 Team: Chicago Cubs | Position: OF | 2026 Opening Day Age: 29

Notes: Consensus top free agent; elite five-tool player with consistent 4+ WAR seasons when healthy, but recent injuries (hand fracture in 2025) are a concern. Hit .266/.377/.464 with 22 HR and 25 SB despite setbacks.
2. Bo Bichette: 5 Years, $130 Million ($26M AAV)
2025 team: Toronto Blue Jays | Position: SS | 2026 Opening Day age: 28

Notes: Strong rebound with .311/.357/.483, 18 HR, and AL-leading 181 hits before knee injury; excellent bat-to-ball skills but declining defense and speed may push him to second base.
3. Alex Bregman: 5 years, $160 million ($32M AAV)
2025 team: Boston Red Sox | Position: 3B | 2026 Opening Day age: 32

Notes: Solid .273/.360/.462 with 18 HR in 114 games despite quad injury; plus defender with steady production, but age and injury history temper long-term upside.
4. Cody Bellinger: 6 years, $165 million ($27.5M AAV)
2025 team: New York Yankees | Position: OF/1B | 2026 Opening Day age: 30

Notes: Versatile defender who hit .272/.334/.480 with 29 HR and 98 RBI; improved plate discipline and WAR (5.0), but bat speed decline is a risk.
5. Kyle Schwarber: 4 years, $128 million ($32M AAV)
2025 team: Philadelphia Phillies | Position: DH/OF | 2026 Opening Day age: 33

Notes: Power monster with NL-leading 56 HR and 132 RBI, .928 OPS in 162 games; aging and limited defense cap his value, but bat is elite.
6. Pete Alonso: 4 years, $110 million ($27.5M AAV)
2025 team: New York Mets | Position: 1B | 2026 Opening Day age: 31

Notes: Durable slugger with .272/.347/.571, 38 HR, and 126 RBI; poor defense but top power bat, likely best as DH long-term.
7. Framber Valdez: 6 years, $168 million ($28M AAV)
2025 team: Houston Astros | Position: SP | 2026 Opening Day age: 32

Notes: Workhorse with 3.66 ERA over 192.0 IP; ground-ball specialist but late-season struggles (6.05 ERA in final 10 starts) and attitude concerns noted.
8. Dylan Cease: 5 years, $145 million ($29M AAV)
2025 team: San Diego Padres | Position: SP | 2026 Opening Day age: 30

Notes: Strikeout machine (11.5 K/9) with 215 K in 168 IP; 4.55 ERA misleading per 3.56 FIP, durable with no missed starts since 2019.
9. Ranger Suarez: 4 years, $92 million ($23M AAV)
2025 team: Philadelphia Phillies | Position: SP | 2026 Opening Day age: 30

Notes: Reliable lefty with 3.20 ERA and 151 K in 157 IP; injury history (back issues) and velocity drop are risks, but solid mid-rotation arm.
10. Munetaka Murakami (Japan): 5 years, $80 million ($16M AAV) + $13.875 million posting fee
2025 team: Yakult Swallows (NPB) | Position: 3B/1B | 2026 Opening Day age: 26

Notes: NPB power star (246 career HR) posted this winter; huge upside but rising strikeouts (29%) and contact issues add risk.
11. Michael King: 3 years, $57 million ($19M AAV)
2025 team: San Diego Padres | Position: SP | 2026 Opening Day age: 30

Notes: Solid numbers (3.44 ERA in 73 IP) but injuries (shoulder, knee) limited him; high-risk, high-reward arm.
12. Josh Naylor: 3 years, $52.5 million ($17.5M AAV)
2025 team: Seattle Mariners | Position: 1B | 2026 Opening Day age: 28

Notes: Strong year (.295/.353/.462, 20 HR, 92 RBI) with surprising 30 SB; above-average defender with low strikeouts.
13. Eugenio Suarez: 2 years, $45 million ($22.5M AAV)
2025 team: Seattle Mariners | Position: 3B | 2026 Opening Day age: 34

Notes: Power bat (49 HR) but .298 OBP and declining defense; short-term value as aging slugger.
14. Edwin Diaz: 4 years, $60 million ($15M AAV)
2025 team: New York Mets | Position: RP | 2026 Opening Day age: 32

Notes: Elite closer (1.63 ERA, 98 K in 66 IP); likely headed for record reliever deal, with 38% K rate.
15. Tatsuya Imai (Japan): 6 years, $135 million ($22.5M AAV) + $22.125 million posting fee
2025 team: Seibu Lions (NPB) | Position: SP | 2026 Opening Day age: 27

Notes: Dominant NPB starter with 1.92 ERA, 10-5 record, and 178 K in 163.2 IP during 2025 breakout; 27.8% strikeout rate well above league average, plus a combined no-hitter; frontline upside, but MLB adjustment and past control issues pose risks.
Introduction
MLB's 2025-26 free agency period officially begins today at 5 p.m. ET, with several impact players in line for big-money deals.

Let's look at ESPN's projections for how those contracts might unfold:

Note: Order is based on SportsGrid's Top 15 Free Agents.

ESPN Projects Contracts for the Top MLB Free Agents: List & Analysis

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