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MLB Free Agency: Projected Teams and Contracts for the Top 20 Players

SportsGrid Contributor Just Baseball

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20. Max Scherzer
Max Scherzer
- Age in 2026: 41
- 2025 Stats: 17 GS, 85 IP, 5.19 ERA, 4.99 FIP, 1.29 WHIP, 8.68 K/9
- Contract Prediction: One-year, $10 million
- Team Prediction: Detroit Tigers
Max Scherzer’s season ended on a far stronger note than it began, offering a reminder that even at this stage of his career, he can still rise to the moment. During the Blue Jays’ postseason run to the World Series, Scherzer delivered flashes of his old dominance, posting a 3.77 ERA across three starts. That performance stood in stark contrast to the 5.19 ERA he recorded during the regular season and reinforced the idea that his value is highest when the stakes are at their peak.

As he prepares to enter his age-41 season, durability remains the biggest concern. Injuries have become a recurring obstacle, but when Scherzer is physically right and able to lean on his slider, he remains capable of missing bats and navigating tough lineups. More importantly, his ability to elevate his performance in big moments should make him an appealing option for any contender seeking veteran upside.

The Detroit Tigers stand out as an especially logical fit. They have a clear need for rotation depth and offer Scherzer a legitimate chance to compete immediately. A return to Detroit, where he won his first Cy Young Award, would be a compelling storyline, but beyond nostalgia, his leadership could be invaluable to a club pushing to capitalize during what may be the final year of Tarik Skubal’s current window.

Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis, and insights for this slideshow article.
1) Kyle Tucker
Kyle Tucker, OF
- Age in 2026: 29
- 2025 Stats: 136 G, .266/.377/.464, 22 HR, 73 RBI, 25 SB, 136 wRC+, 4.5 fWAR
- Contract Prediction: 10-year, $430 million deal (AAV: $43M)
- Team Prediction: Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays came agonizingly close to a World Series title, close enough to envision champagne showers before watching the Dodgers celebrate on their home field instead. Falling short in that fashion should spark urgency this offseason, especially for an organization that has repeatedly shown a willingness to spend at the very top of the free-agent market.

This time, the timing feels different. Coming off a season that firmly establishes Toronto as a true destination franchise, the Blue Jays appear poised to finally land the biggest prize available. That’s why Kyle Tucker emerges as a realistic and franchise-altering target.

Picture a lineup featuring Tucker and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hitting back-to-back for the next decade. That kind of left-right pairing is the backbone of championship offenses and something few teams can replicate.

While Tucker has dealt with injuries in recent seasons, his age works heavily in his favor. Entering free agency ahead of his age-29 season, he is perfectly positioned to command a massive long-term deal. Juan Soto reset the market with a 15-year, $765 million contract before turning 26, and while Tucker isn’t the same offensive force, he offers superior defense and elite all-around value.

A Soto-level bidding war may not materialize, but surpassing $40 million annually feels well within reach. If multiple teams make Tucker their top priority, a ten-year deal north of $400 million is absolutely on the table.

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2) Alex Bregman
Alex Bregman, 3B
- Age in 2026: 32
- 2025 Stats: 114 G, .273/.360/.462, 18 HR, 62 RBI, 125 wRC+, 3.5 fWAR
- Contract Prediction: Five-year, $155 million deal (AAV: $31M)
- Team Prediction: Boston Red Sox
Last offseason, the Detroit Tigers made a serious push for Alex Bregman, offering a six-year, $171.5 million contract. Negotiations ultimately stalled over structure. Bregman reportedly wanted an opt-out after the 2025 season, while Detroit was only willing to include one after 2026. When Bregman countered by asking for more total money, the Tigers declined to budge.

Instead, Bregman pivoted to a shorter-term bet on himself, signing a three-year, $120 million deal with the Boston Red Sox. With $60 million deferred, the contract carries a present-day value of just over $31 million annually for luxury tax purposes. After delivering a strong season in Boston, Bregman now appears positioned to test the market again in search of long-term security.

Bregman will turn 32 around Opening Day, and while he may seek a deal that carries him deep into his late 30s, market realities suggest that may be ambitious. Last year’s six-year offer from Detroit already represented the high-water mark in length, and it’s unlikely teams extend beyond that as he ages and comes off an injury-affected season.

Boston remains a logical landing spot. Bregman quickly emerged as a leader on a young roster, and the trade of Rafael Devers freed up significant future payroll flexibility. At the same time, a six-year commitment seems unlikely after last year’s short-term pact; a five-year deal at a similar effective AAV would align well for both sides.
3) Bo Bichette
Bo Bichette, SS
- Age in 2026: 28
- 2025 Stats: 139 G, .311/.357/.483, 18 HR, 94 RBI, 134 wRC+, 3.8 fWAR
- Contract Prediction: Eight-year, $208 million deal (AAV: $26M)
- Team Prediction: Detroit Tigers
Bo Bichette came within inches of becoming an all-time World Series hero in Toronto, launching an early three-run homer in Game 7 that briefly put the Blue Jays on the brink of a championship. Now, the organization faces a difficult question: was that the final game Bichette will play in a Blue Jays uniform?

Given the projection that Toronto lands Kyle Tucker, it becomes increasingly complex to envision the front office also committing long-term money to Bichette. That reality isn’t a reflection of his performance. Bichette was excellent all season and remarkably effective in the World Series despite being clearly limited physically. Instead, it speaks to roster construction and how the team proved it could reach the World Series without being built around him.

With Bichette sidelined, Toronto slid Andrés Giménez from second base to shortstop, and his elite defense up the middle quickly became a cornerstone of the playoff run. Giménez is owed more than $85 million over the next four seasons, and that contract looks far more reasonable if he remains at shortstop rather than second base.

With a viable internal solution at short and a larger free-agent priority looming, the Blue Jays could opt to issue Bichette a qualifying offer and recoup draft capital when he signs elsewhere. One intriguing destination is Detroit. The Tigers pushed hard for Alex Bregman last winter and may view Bichette as a long-term infield anchor. Contractually, a deal similar to Willy Adames’s seven-year, $182 million pact, perhaps eight years and $208 million, feels like a realistic landing point.
4) Cody Bellinger
Cody Bellinger, OF
- Age in 2026: 30
- 2025 Stats: 152 G, .272/.334/.480, 29 HR, 98 RBI, 10 SB, 125 wRC+, 4.9 fWAR
- Contract Prediction: Six-year, $150 million (AAV: $25M)
- Team Prediction: New York Yankees
When Cody Bellinger last reached free agency, he opted for a three-year, $80 million deal loaded with opt-outs after each season. That short-term, high-AAV gamble didn’t pay immediate dividends. In the first year of the contract, Bellinger struggled, appearing in just 130 games while posting a 108 wRC+ and producing 2.1 fWAR.

After a disappointing 2024 campaign, the Cubs decided to move on, effectively salary-dumping Bellinger to the Yankees. That decision quickly backfired. In New York, Bellinger rediscovered his elite form and delivered his best season since winning the MVP in 2019. He proved to be a seamless fit, blasting 29 home runs, driving in nearly 100 runs, and producing roughly five wins above replacement across both major metrics.

With Bellinger and Trent Grisham set to hit free agency, the Yankees must decide where to allocate their resources. Bellinger appears to be the more logical long-term investment, given his track record, versatility, and ability to play both the outfield and first base.

His previous contract carried a $26.7 million AAV, a figure that may be difficult to maintain over a longer deal. Still, clearing $20 million in annual revenue seems likely. At age 30, Bellinger could secure six or seven years at a lower AAV, or opt for another short-term deal that pushes his annual value closer to $30 million.
5) Framber Valdez
Framber Valdez, SP
- Age in 2026: 32
- 2025 Stats: 31 GS, 192 P, 3.66 ERA, 3.38 FIP, 1.24 WHIP, 8.77 K/9
- Contract Prediction: Five-year, $160 million deal (AAV: $32M)
- Original Team Prediction: New York Mets
Our initial projection had Framber Valdez landing in Toronto, driven by the belief that the Blue Jays would make an aggressive push for a frontline starter. That instinct wasn’t wrong; Toronto did chase a top-of-the-rotation arm, but the target turned out to be Dylan Cease rather than Valdez.

The Blue Jays then went a step further by bolstering their rotation with the signing of Cody Ponce to a three-year, $30 million deal. With those moves in place, it’s safe to say Valdez is no longer a realistic fit in Toronto this offseason.

That leaves Valdez searching for a new landing spot, and one potential destination stands out in an even larger market: the New York Mets. New York has made it clear they are hunting for high-end pitching and could already be exploring the trade market, with names like Freddy Peralta and Joe Ryan reportedly in play.

If the Mets ultimately decide that free agency is the cleaner path, Valdez would make a ton of sense as a stabilizing presence atop the rotation. His ground-ball-heavy profile would be especially appealing pitching in front of an elite infield, anchored by the newly formed double-play duo of Francisco Lindor and Marcus Semien. That combination alone could help maximize Valdez’s value and make New York a strong fit.
6) Ranger Suarez
Ranger Suarez, SP
- Age in 2026: 30
- 2025 Stats: 26 GS, 157.1 IP, 3.20 ERA, 3.21 FIP, 1.22 WHIP, 8.64 K/9
- Contract Prediction: Five-year, $110 million deal (AAV: $22M)
- Team Prediction: Atlanta Braves
This projection stems from a deeper evaluation of Ranger Suárez and how naturally he fits with the Atlanta Braves.

Atlanta could benefit from adding a stabilizing arm in the middle of its rotation, particularly a second left-hander to complement Chris Sale. With Framber Valdez likely commanding a price tag beyond Atlanta’s comfort zone, Suárez emerges as a far more attainable alternative, and one the Braves could pursue aggressively, even if it means prying him away from a division rival.

Suárez is the type of pitcher who works almost anywhere, which gives him no shortage of potential destinations. That said, a strong case can be made that he should be a top offseason target for both the Braves and the Tigers. Ultimately, it may come down to which front office is willing to push hardest and pay the premium required to secure him.

For a deeper breakdown of why Suárez makes so much sense in Atlanta, check out our NL East predictions, where we explore some of the smartest trade and free-agent moves teams can make this offseason.
7) Zac Gallen
Zac Gallen, SP
- Age in 2026: 30
- 2025 Stats: 33 GS, 192 IP, 4.83 ERA, 4.51 FIP, 1.26 WHIP, 8.20 K/9
- Contract Prediction: Two-year, $54 million deal (AAV: $27M), opt-out after 2026
- Team Prediction: Chicago Cubs
Zac Gallen and Dylan Cease share more than a few similarities. Both pitchers have finished as Cy Young finalists without ever taking home the award, both are entering their age-30 seasons, and both have established themselves as durable, high-end starters. They’re also represented by the same agent, Scott Boras. On paper, their free-agent profiles look remarkably alike.

That’s what makes the projected gap in their contracts so striking. While Cease is expected to command north of $200 million, Gallen’s market appears far more modest, barely clearing $50 million. That disparity reflects how teams are likely to view Boras’s two top pitching clients, rather than a pure talent comparison.

Cease is expected to draw aggressive bidding because of his raw stuff and perceived upside. Teams see an arm with ace-level swing-and-miss ability, and many pitching coaches believe they can unlock a Cy Young season. The underlying numbers support that optimism, as Cease posted a 3.46 expected ERA despite a 4.55 actual ERA. Given his recent bounce-back track record, clubs are likely to pay the ceiling.

Gallen’s market feels less certain. The expectation here is that Boras may push too hard early, forcing Gallen to pivot late in the offseason. A short-term “pillow contract” makes sense, similar to Pete Alonso’s deal last winter. A two-year, $54 million agreement with a player opt-out after year one would allow Gallen to reset his value while protecting against downside.

The Cubs stand out as a logical fit, needing another right-handed starter to balance an increasingly left-handed rotation.
8) Eugenio Suarez
Eugenio Suarez, 3B
- Age in 2026: 34
- 2025 Stats: 159 G, .228/.298/.526, 49 HR, 118 RBI, 125 wRC+, 3.8 fWAR
- Contract Prediction: Three-year, $70 million deal (AAV: $23.33M)
- Team Prediction: Arizona Diamondbacks
Eugenio Suarez’s 2025 season tells two very different stories. On paper, it looks like a monster year: Suarez hit 36 home runs with a 141 wRC+ in 106 games with the Diamondbacks before being traded to the Mariners at the deadline. But the post-trade numbers weren’t nearly as eye-catching. He slashed just .189/.255/.428 over 53 games in Seattle.

Even so, Suarez still launched 16 homers for the Mariners, including a dramatic go-ahead grand slam in Game 5 of the ALCS that nearly carried Seattle to the World Series. Combine both stints, and Suarez crossed the 50-home run mark for the calendar year, a feat that will undoubtedly attract attention on the free-agent market, particularly since no qualifying offer is attached.

At age 34, Suarez’s window for long-term deals is limited. To maximize annual value, a one- or two-year deal could easily push him above $25 million per season. Stretching to a third or fourth year would require lowering the average annual value, which is why a $70 million, three-year deal feels realistic, just under $25 million per year with security for an extra season.

Many teams could use help at third base, but a reunion with Arizona makes the most sense. The D-Backs know Suarez, value his bat, and he fits seamlessly behind Perdomo, Marte, and Carroll. If Jordan Lawlar proves ready at third, Suarez could slide to DH, enjoying Chase Field and a familiar, loyal environment.
9) Harrison Bader
Harrison Bader, CF
- Age in 2026: 32
- 2025 Stats: 146 G, .277/.347/.449, 17 HR, 54 RBI, 11 SB, 122 wRC+, 3.2 fWAR
- Contract Prediction: Two-year, $30 million deal (AAV: $15M)
- Team Prediction: Kansas City Royals
At this point in the offseason, it appears the Phillies are comfortable handing center field to top prospect Justin Crawford, particularly after adding Adolis García to anchor right field. While a Nick Castellanos trade could still create additional outfield at-bats, it likely wouldn’t be enough to bring Harrison Bader back into the mix.

Instead, a more logical landing spot for Bader may be Kansas City. The Royals have leaned on Kyle Isbel in center field for the past few seasons, and while his defense plays well in Kauffman Stadium’s vast outfield, his offensive production leaves plenty to be desired. Bader would offer a clear upgrade at the plate while maintaining strong defense, making him an appealing veteran addition for a Royals team that should be motivated to improve before spring training.
10) J.T. Realmuto
J.T. Realmuto, C
- Age in 2026: 35
- 2025 Stats: 134 G, .257/.315/.384, 12 HR, 52 RBI, 94 wRC+, 2.1 fWAR
- Contract Prediction: Two-year, $24 million (AAV: 12M)
- Team Prediction: Philadelphia Phillies
After the Padres re-signed Michael King, it now appears unlikely they’ll allocate significant resources to pursue a player like J.T. Realmuto. That development likely removes San Diego from the running.

As a result, a return to Philadelphia remains very much in play. Realmuto could ultimately circle back to the Phillies, potentially even on a one-year deal, but I’ll stand by my original projection that he secures a two-year contract as the premier catcher on the free-agent market.
11) Lucas Giolito
Lucas Giolito, SP
- Age in 2026: 31
- 2025 Stats: 26 GS, 145 IP, 3.41 ERA, 4.17 FIP, 1.29 WHIP, 7.51 K/9
- Contract Prediction: Two-year, $32 million
- Team Prediction: San Francisco Giants
Lucas Giolito looked poised for a solid payday during the 2025 season, bouncing back impressively in his first year off Tommy John surgery. As a mainstay in the Red Sox rotation, Giolito pitched over 140 innings with a sub-3.50 ERA, showing that he could return to frontline form.

Unfortunately, late-season elbow soreness sidelined him, raising questions about his health heading into free agency. While reports indicate Giolito is now fully healthy and enjoying a normal offseason, the timing of the injury makes it unlikely he will command a long-term contract. Teams are expected to favor a shorter-term deal that limits risk while still capitalizing on his potential.

With Merrill Kelly already signed, Giolito now stands as the top free-agent starter without a qualifying offer, enhancing his appeal to teams wanting to preserve draft capital.

San Francisco could be an ideal fit. The Giants aren’t expected to chase the top of the free-agent market, but they do need depth behind Logan Webb and Robbie Ray in the middle of the rotation. Giolito can provide valuable innings and stability without demanding a premium, giving the Giants a cost-effective solution to bolster their rotation while protecting their financial flexibility for future moves.
12) Luis Arraez
Luis Arraez, DH/1B/2B
- Age in 2026: 29
- 2025 Stats: 154 G, .292/.327/.392, 8 HR, 61 RBI, 11 SB, 104 wRC+, 0.9 fWAR
- Contract Prediction: Two-year, $20 million
- Team Prediction: Cleveland Guardians
The Guardians may ultimately sit out the free-agent market this offseason, but if they decide to make a move, Luis Arraez would be a logical target. Cleveland is constantly looking for ways to maximize the offense surrounding José Ramírez, and adding an elite contact hitter like Arraez would help accomplish that goal.

Pairing Arraez with Steven Kwan would give the Guardians two of the best bat-to-ball hitters in the game, creating a more dynamic and balanced lineup built to complement J-Ram in the middle of the order.
13) Chris Bassitt
Chris Bassitt, SP
- Age in 2026: 37
- 2025 Stats: 32 G, 31 GS, 170.1 IP, 3.96 ERA, 4.01 FIP, 1.33 WHIP, 8.77 K/9
- Contract Prediction: One-year, $16 million
- Team Prediction: Detroit Tigers
Chris Bassitt is one of those rare pitchers who fit almost anywhere in Major League Baseball. Rebuilding teams can benefit from his veteran leadership and experience, as he guides a young rotation. At the same time, contending clubs can use him as a versatile arm, just as the Blue Jays did during their near-miss in the 2025 World Series.

Bassitt pitched 170.1 innings in the regular season for Toronto, consistently delivering quality starts. He then seamlessly transitioned into a bullpen role for the playoffs, emerging in the ALCS after initially being left off the roster. In 8.2 innings out of the bullpen, Bassitt allowed just three hits and one run while striking out ten and walking only two, demonstrating his adaptability and value in high-leverage situations.

Given his versatility, Bassitt can serve as a reliable starter, swingman, or bullpen weapon depending on a team’s needs. While he could fit on nearly any roster, the Detroit Tigers emerge as a logical landing spot. Beyond Tarik Skubal, the rotation is uncertain, with Casey Mize, Jack Flaherty, and Reese Olson offering upside but limited reliability. Bassitt would provide innings, stability, and leadership. With teams competing for his services, a one-year deal north of $15 million seems realistic, especially when compared to Merrill Kelly’s recent two-year, $40 million contract.
14) Nick Martinez
Nick Martinez, SP/RP
- Age in 2026: 35
- 2025 Stats: 40 G, 26 GS, 165.2 IP, 4.45 ERA, 4.33 FIP, 1.21 WHIP, 6.30 K/9
- Contract Prediction: Two-year, $24 million
- Team Prediction: Baltimore Orioles
Much of what applies to Chris Bassitt also applies to Nick Martinez. He’s two years younger and slightly less accomplished this past season. Still, Martinez has long been one of the best swingmen in baseball, seamlessly alternating between starting and relieving as needed.

In 2025, pitching on the qualifying offer, Martinez made 26 starts and 14 relief appearances, reaching over 40 games for the fourth consecutive season. His consistent ability to get outs in multiple roles makes him highly attractive on the free-agent market.

A one-year deal would likely net Martinez compensation similar to Bassitt’s, somewhere in the $14–16 million range. For our projection, we went with a two-year, $24 million deal, landing him with the Baltimore Orioles. Still, in reality, Martinez should command significantly more, whether through a one-year contract or a two-year arrangement with either a player option or a mutual option for the second year.

Martinez provides valuable flexibility for Baltimore, giving them a reliable innings-eater who can start or relieve as the rotation demands. His versatility, durability, and track record make him a logical fit for a team looking to strengthen its pitching depth while protecting younger rotation arms.
15) Marcell Ozuna
Marcell Ozuna, DH
- Age in 2026: 35
- 2025 Stats: 145 G, .232/.355/.400, 21 HR, 68 RBI, 114 wRC+, 1.2 fWAR
- Contract Prediction: One-year, $12 million
- Team Prediction: Washington Nationals
Marcell Ozuna would provide immediate lineup protection for James Wood, helping balance the Nationals’ offense during the first half of the season. He offers a proven bat and the ability to soak up at-bats, which is ideal for a team looking to stabilize its middle-of-the-order production. If Ozuna replicates his 2024 performance, he instantly becomes a valuable trade asset, giving Washington flexibility to pivot at the deadline.

Even if Ozuna struggles, the risk remains low. He can be moved to a bench role to accommodate younger players competing for playing time later in the season, while maintaining roster flexibility. This makes him a low-risk, high-upside addition, particularly for a team that has DH at-bats to allocate.

Ultimately, Ozuna’s experience, power potential, and versatility make him a strong short-term solution for a team needing a middle-of-the-order presence. A one-year deal allows the Nationals to benefit immediately while maintaining the ability to adjust if his performance falls short, making it a smart, low-cost move with meaningful upside.
16. Miguel Andujar
Miguel Andujar, 1B/3B/OF
- Age in 2026: 31
- 2025 Stats: 94 G, .318/.352/.470, 10 HR, 44 RBI, 125 wRC+, 1.1 fWAR
- Contract Prediction: Two-year, $14 million
- Team Prediction: Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates have taken an aggressive approach this offseason, positioning themselves as one of the more active buyers on the market. They’ve been connected to several top free-agent hitters and managed to land one with the signing of Ryan O’Hearn to a two-year, $29 million deal. That move followed the trade for Brandon Lowe, giving Pittsburgh two impactful left-handed bats to slot into the heart of the lineup.

With that foundation in place, the Pirates’ next need is clear: a right-handed hitter, ideally one capable of handling third base. That’s where Miguel Andújar enters the conversation.

While Andújar may not carry the star power of Kazuma Okamoto or the buzz surrounding Eugenio Suárez, he profiles as a practical and effective fit. Pittsburgh is already familiar with Andújar after having him in the organization in 2023, when he excelled at Triple-A and performed well during a brief MLB stint. After a solid season in Oakland, Andújar took another step forward in 2025, emerging as a key contributor down the stretch for Cincinnati with elite production in limited action.

Now entering his age-31 season, there’s reason to believe Andújar has unlocked a sustainable offensive gear, particularly against left-handed pitching. He would balance a lefty-heavy lineup while offering defensive flexibility across all four corner positions, making him a sensible and versatile addition for Pittsburgh.
17. Zack Littell
Zack Littell
- Age in 2026: 30
- 2025 Stats: 32 GS, 186.2 IP, 3.81 ERA, 4.88 FIP, 1.10 WHIP, 6.27 K/9
- Contract Prediction: Two-year, $20 million
- Team Prediction: Athletics
Seeing Zack Littell on this list speaks volumes about the season he just delivered. Pitching across two teams and in some of the league’s more hitter-friendly environments, Littell still managed to post a respectable 3.81 ERA. That came despite a spike in his home run rate, as his 1.74 HR/9 climbed nearly half a homer above his 2024 mark when Tampa Bay was still playing at Tropicana Field.

Durability was Littell’s calling card. He logged 186 2/3 innings over 32 starts, placing him among a small group of pitchers who reliably took the ball every fifth day. Only 13 starters reached the 185-inning threshold, and just 22 made at least 32 starts, underscoring the value of his consistency.

While Littell may lack the flash of some other free-agent arms, at 30 years old he profiles as a steady, dependable middle-of-the-rotation option. That reliability makes him an especially strong fit for the Athletics. Oakland’s lineup appears capable of competing, but the rotation remains thin and in need of innings-eaters. Littell offers exactly that, along with experience pitching in challenging environments, making him a practical and logical target for the A’s.
18. Jose Quintana
Jose Quintana
- Age in 2026: 37
- 2025 Stats: 24 GS, 131.2 P, 3.96 ERA, 4.81 FIP, 1.29 WHIP, 6.08 K/9
- Contract Prediction: One-year, $8 million
- Team Prediction: Pittsburgh Pirates
In New York, Jose Quintana’s first season was slowed by injury, but he returned to make 13 effective starts in 2023 before logging a full workload in 2024 with a 3.75 ERA. The left-hander continued to deliver in 2025, turning in a 3.96 ERA across 24 starts for the Brewers. Once again entering free agency late, Quintana may face similar market challenges as last offseason, when he settled for a one-year, $4.25 million deal that proved to be a bargain for Milwaukee.

Pittsburgh now has a rotation opening after trading Mike Burrows for Brandon Lowe. Quintana would be a sensible addition, offering stability and veteran leadership. At worst, he becomes a valuable deadline trade chip. At best, he helps anchor a young rotation with postseason aspirations.
19. Justin Verlander
Justin Verlander
- Age in 2026: 43
- 2025 Stats: 29 GS, 152 IP, 3.85 ERA, 3.85 FIP, 1.36 WHIP, 8.11 K/9
- Contract Prediction: One-year, $12 million ($6 million deferred)
- Team Prediction: Houston Astros
Everyone loves a reunion, and with Carlos Correa already back in familiar territory, why not give the old ace one more run? Justin Verlander may be in the twilight of his career, but he showed last season that he still has something left to offer.

At 42 years old, Verlander took the ball 29 times and logged 152 innings, no small feat at that stage of a pitching career. He has been open about wanting to pitch until age 45, driven in part by a pursuit of the game’s most exclusive milestones. Despite posting a solid 3.85 ERA over more than 150 innings in 2025, Verlander was saddled with just four wins while pitching for the Giants, a result more reflective of circumstance than performance.

That win total matters, because Verlander sits 34 victories shy of 300, a benchmark that may never be reached again by another pitcher. The math is daunting, just nine wins over the last two seasons and 22 over the past three, but a single strong year could quickly change the outlook.

While a nostalgic return to Detroit alongside Tarik Skubal would be appealing, the more compelling scenario is Verlander landing back in Houston. On a contending Astros club, a surprise 16-win season could put 300 back within reach with time still on the clock.
20. Max Scherzer
Max Scherzer
- Age in 2026: 41
- 2025 Stats: 17 GS, 85 IP, 5.19 ERA, 4.99 FIP, 1.29 WHIP, 8.68 K/9
- Contract Prediction: One-year, $10 million
- Team Prediction: Detroit Tigers
Max Scherzer’s season ended on a far stronger note than it began, offering a reminder that even at this stage of his career, he can still rise to the moment. During the Blue Jays’ postseason run to the World Series, Scherzer delivered flashes of his old dominance, posting a 3.77 ERA across three starts. That performance stood in stark contrast to the 5.19 ERA he recorded during the regular season and reinforced the idea that his value is highest when the stakes are at their peak.

As he prepares to enter his age-41 season, durability remains the biggest concern. Injuries have become a recurring obstacle, but when Scherzer is physically right and able to lean on his slider, he remains capable of missing bats and navigating tough lineups. More importantly, his ability to elevate his performance in big moments should make him an appealing option for any contender seeking veteran upside.

The Detroit Tigers stand out as an especially logical fit. They have a clear need for rotation depth and offer Scherzer a legitimate chance to compete immediately. A return to Detroit, where he won his first Cy Young Award, would be a compelling storyline, but beyond nostalgia, his leadership could be invaluable to a club pushing to capitalize during what may be the final year of Tarik Skubal’s current window.

Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis, and insights for this slideshow article.
1) Kyle Tucker
Kyle Tucker, OF
- Age in 2026: 29
- 2025 Stats: 136 G, .266/.377/.464, 22 HR, 73 RBI, 25 SB, 136 wRC+, 4.5 fWAR
- Contract Prediction: 10-year, $430 million deal (AAV: $43M)
- Team Prediction: Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays came agonizingly close to a World Series title, close enough to envision champagne showers before watching the Dodgers celebrate on their home field instead. Falling short in that fashion should spark urgency this offseason, especially for an organization that has repeatedly shown a willingness to spend at the very top of the free-agent market.

This time, the timing feels different. Coming off a season that firmly establishes Toronto as a true destination franchise, the Blue Jays appear poised to finally land the biggest prize available. That’s why Kyle Tucker emerges as a realistic and franchise-altering target.

Picture a lineup featuring Tucker and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hitting back-to-back for the next decade. That kind of left-right pairing is the backbone of championship offenses and something few teams can replicate.

While Tucker has dealt with injuries in recent seasons, his age works heavily in his favor. Entering free agency ahead of his age-29 season, he is perfectly positioned to command a massive long-term deal. Juan Soto reset the market with a 15-year, $765 million contract before turning 26, and while Tucker isn’t the same offensive force, he offers superior defense and elite all-around value.

A Soto-level bidding war may not materialize, but surpassing $40 million annually feels well within reach. If multiple teams make Tucker their top priority, a ten-year deal north of $400 million is absolutely on the table.

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MLB Free Agency: Projected Teams and Contracts for the Top 20 Players

Max Scherzer

Kyle Tucker, OF

Alex Bregman, 3B

Bo Bichette, SS

Cody Bellinger, OF

Framber Valdez, SP

Ranger Suarez, SP

Zac Gallen, SP

Eugenio Suarez, 3B

Harrison Bader, CF

J.T. Realmuto, C

Lucas Giolito, SP

Luis Arraez, DH/1B/2B

Chris Bassitt, SP

Nick Martinez, SP/RP

Marcell Ozuna, DH

Miguel Andujar, 1B/3B/OF

Zack Littell

Jose Quintana

Justin Verlander

Max Scherzer

Kyle Tucker, OF

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