Ranking the Top 15 MLB Free Agents This Offseason
Paul Connor
Host · Writer
The echoes of an incredible World Series have barely faded, but the MLB offseason is already upon us. Free agency opens on November 6th, and while there isn’t a generational headliner, this year’s class is deep with game-changing talent ready to cash in.
Let’s break down the top 15 players on the market.
1. Kyle Tucker, OF
2026 Age: 29 | Previous Team: Chicago Cubs
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, SS
2026 Age: 28 | Previous Team: Toronto Blue Jays
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, 3B
2026 Age: 32 | Previous Team: Boston Red Sox
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, OF/1B
2026 Age: 30 | Previous Team: New York Yankees
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, DH/OF
2026 Age: 33 | Previous Team: Philadelphia Phillies
Notes: Power monster with NL-leading 56 HR and 132 RBI, .928 OPS in 162 games; aging and limited defense cap his value, but his bat is elite.
6. Pete Alonso, 1B
2026 Age: 31 | Previous Team: New York Mets
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, SP
2026 Age: 32 | Previous Team: Houston Astros
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, SP
2026 Age: 30 | Previous Team: San Diego Padres
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, SP
2026 Age: 30 | Previous Team: Philadelphia Phillies
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, 1B/3B (Japan)
2026 Age: 26
Notes: NPB power star (246 career HR) posted this winter; huge upside, but rising strikeouts (29%) and contact issues add risk.
11. Shane Bieber, SP
2026 Age: 31 | Previous Team: Toronto Blue Jays
Notes: Post-TJ return strong (3.57 ERA in 40 IP); velocity back, but limited innings and health questions remain.
12. Michael King, SP
2026 Age: 31 | Previous Team: San Diego Padres
Notes: Solid numbers (3.44 ERA in 73 IP), but injuries (shoulder, knee) limited him; high-risk, high-reward arm.
13. Josh Naylor, 1B
2026 Age: 28 | Previous Team: Seattle Mariners
Notes: Strong year (.295/.353/.462, 20 HR, 92 RBI) with a surprising 30 SB; above-average defender with low strikeouts.
14. Eugenio Suarez, 3B
2026 Age: 34 | Previous Team: Seattle Mariners
Notes: Power surge (49 HR), but .298 OBP and declining defense; short-term value as aging slugger.
15. Edwin Diaz, RP
2026 Age: 32 | Previous Team: New York Mets
Notes: Elite closer (1.63 ERA, 98 K in 66 IP); likely headed for record reliever deal, with 38% K rate.
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