Top MLB Free Agents for 2025-26: A Ranking of the 27 Best Available Players, Featuring Kyle Tucker and Pete Alonso

While the MLB schedule doesn't pause between the postseason's conclusion and the offseason's beginning, baseball enthusiasts are aware that the free agency period can be quite lengthy.

Once the World Series concludes, players with contracts set to expire are free to sign with any club, following a five-day exclusive negotiation window with their previous team. Although some agreements might emerge as Thanksgiving approaches, December typically marks the peak of offseason activity, often referred to as hot stove season.

This year's group lacks a marquee free agent akin to Juan Soto in 2024 or Shohei Ohtani in 2023. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Himself withdrew from consideration when he inked a massive contract to remain with the Toronto Blue Jays back in April. Nevertheless, it boasts significantly more depth than last year's free agent pool beyond the leading seven or so, offering numerous All-Stars, dependable players, and even a promising Japanese talent entering the open market.

Here's a look at the top 27 free agents ahead of the MLB offseason.

MORE: MLB pitchers in the 3,000 strikeout club

27. Jorge Polanco, Second Baseman/Designated Hitter, Mariners

• Age on Opening Day: 29
• 2025 stats: 138 G,.265 AVG, 26 HR, 78 RBI,.821 OPS, 2.6 fWAR

Last season, Jorge Polanco was an overlooked player on the free agent market, eventually rejoining the Mariners following surgery for a patellar tendon issue in his knee. However, a strong comeback year is expected to position him more favorably for free agency this coming winter. Post-surgery, Polanco served mainly as a designated hitter, a role that could potentially impact his market value. Despite this, he achieved a.265 batting average, hit 26 home runs, and recorded an.821 OPS, all while posting the highest OPS+ of his career.

MORE: Have the Mariners ever won a World Series?

26. Robert Suarez, CL, Padres

Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

• Age on Opening Day: 35
• 2025 stats: 69.2 IP, 2.97 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, 75 Ks, 40 SV, 1.9 fWAR

The San Diego Padres apparently thought about dealing Robert Suarez before the deadline following the acquisition of Mason Miller, but Miller's presence should enable the club to permit Suarez to depart when he opts out of his contract. Suarez, who emerged later in his career in 2022 and contributed to San Diego's NLCS appearance, faced difficulties in limited play in 2023. He's demonstrated greater consistency over the past two seasons, topping the NL with 40 saves in 2025 and maintaining a strong 2.88 FIP alongside his 2.97 ERA across a full year as the closer.

MORE: History of the Padres in the postseason

Kelly, Rangers SP, 25

• Age on Opening Day: 37
• 2025 stats: 184.0 IP, 3.52 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 167 Ks, 3.1 fWAR

Excluding a 2024 season hampered by injury, Merrill Kelly has been among baseball's most dependable veteran pitchers for the past four years, maintaining an ERA typically between 3.00 and 3.99 and contributing to the Arizona Diamondbacks's World Series run with an outstanding postseason performance in 2023. Kelly was acquired by the Texas Rangers at the trade deadline last season, concluding the year with a 3.52 ERA across 32 complete starts. Kelly's age suggests he'll likely secure a short-term contract, but a two-year agreement for a team seeking a reliable middle-of-the-rotation pitcher would be a logical move.

MORE: The most recent no-hitter for every MLB team

24. Luis Arraez, First Baseman/Second Baseman, Padres

• Age on Opening Day: 28
• 2025 stats: 154 G,.292 AVG, 8 HR, 61 RBI,.719 OPS, 0.9 fWAR

Many might be taken aback by the contract Luis Arraez secures as a free agent. While the three-time batting champion isn't favored by analytics enthusiasts, his game's deficiencies aren't solely evident in advanced metrics. Arraez boasts exceptional bat-to-ball contact and seldom strikes out, yet his power output is minimal, his walks are infrequent, and his defensive contributions are limited. Had Arraez replicated his.354 batting average from 2023 in 2025, the discussion would be altered. However, following two unremarkable seasons in San Diego, Arraez may need to gamble on himself with a brief contract for 2026. 

MORE: Is sign stealing illegal in baseball?

23. Devin Williams, relief pitcher, Yankees

• Age on Opening Day: 31
• 2025 stats: 62.0 IP, 4.79 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 18 SV, 1.4 fWAR

Devin Williams probably understands that returning to the New York Yankees isn't beneficial for anyone involved, yet he ought to still attract a respectable market during this offseason. As a top-tier relief pitcher with the Milwaukee Brewers, Williams recorded a 4.69 ERA in 2025, following a 1.70 ERA from 2020-24. Williams appeared to struggle with confidence, a common occurrence for some players in pinstripes, but his underlying statistics were more encouraging: he registered a 2.68 FIP, not significantly different from his career average, and maintained a strikeout rate of 13.1 batters per nine innings. It wouldn't be unexpected if Williams secures a profitable contract this winter, potentially a one-year "prove-it" agreement or a longer-term commitment.

MORE: What to know about Yankees facial hair policy

22. Shota Imanaga, SP, Cubs

• Age on Opening Day: 32
• 2025 stats: 144.2 IP, 3.73 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, 117 Ks, 0.9 fWAR

Imanaga accepted a one-year, $22.025 million qualifying offer to return to the Cubs.

Shota Imanaga secured a top-five finish in NL Cy Young balloting as a rookie in 2024. However, his performance dipped somewhat across the board in 2025, with a respectable 3.73 ERA and an excellent 0.99 WHIP, but his strikeout rate declined significantly and his home run rate climbed to worrying figures. Despite this, it seemed likely the Cubs would exercise his option and prolong his contract. Instead, the 32-year-old southpaw is now a free agent. Imanaga's superior control is expected to attract teams and result in a multi-year agreement, although his age and tendency to give up home runs might affect the terms of the contract teams are prepared to offer. 

MORE: What happened to infamous Cubs fan Steve Bartman?

21. Shane Bieber, Pitcher, Blue Jays

• Age on Opening Day: 30
• 2025 stats: 40.1 IP, 3.57 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 37 Ks, 0.3 fWAR

Bieber opted-into his $16 million option for 2026 and will return to the Blue Jays.

Shane Bieber holds a $16 million player option for 2026, yet his strong conclusion to the season with The Toronto Blue Jays and a promising postseason suggest he'll likely decline it to seek a contract spanning multiple years. Tommy John Surgery sidelined Bieber for nearly all of 2024 and a significant portion of 2025, compounded by another injury that postponed his return this year. However, he performed well in seven regular season appearances for Toronto and is expected to improve further as he re-establishes a consistent routine. Bieber should be able to secure a multi-year agreement this offseason.

MORE: Most strikeouts in an MLB playoff game

20. Ryan O'Hearn, DH, Padres

David Frerker-Imagn Images

• Age on Opening Day: 32
• 2025 stats: 144 G,.281 AVG, 17 HR, 63 RBI,.803 OPS, 3.0 fWAR

Ryan O'Hearn had a solid contract year split between Baltimore and San Diego, becoming a regular starter after initially being in a platoon situation. Though he's mainly a designated hitter with some outfield ability, O'Hearn is expected to secure a multi-year contract following his career-high.366 on-base percentage, a personal best of 17 home runs, and an.803 OPS. 

MORE: What is the World Series trophy called?

19. J.T. Realmuto, Catcher, Philadelphia Phillies

（GettyImages）

• Age on Opening Day: 35
• 2025 stats: 134 G,.257 AVG, 12 HR, 52 RBI,.700 OPS, 2.1 fWAR

J.T. Realmuto presents an intriguing situation following seven years with the Philadelphia Phillies. While his offensive performance in 2025 was below par, marked by diminished power and his poorest career OPS+, he remains a highly capable defensive catcher. Given that offense isn't the primary expectation at his position, and considering his contributions to the Phillies' starting rotation, he's likely to secure another respectable contract, albeit possibly a shorter one.

MORE: How many World Series have the Phillies won?

18. Trent Grisham, Outfielder, New York Yankees

• Age on Opening Day: 29
• 2025 stats: 143 G,.235 AVG, 34 HR, 74 RBI,.811 OPS, 3.2 fWAR

Grisham accepted a one-year, $22.025 million qualifying offer to return to the Yankees.

Remarkable timing. Following a season where he performed at a replacement level with The Yankees, Trent Grisham surpassed his career best by hitting 34 home runs and achieving an.811 OPS, becoming a significant offensive force for New York. Despite a defensive decline and a lackluster offensive performance from 2022-24, some teams might still be reluctant to offer Grisham an inflated contract; however, his power potential will likely secure him a lucrative deal.

MORE: When was the last time the Yankees won the World Series?

17. Gleyber Torres, Second Baseman, Tigers

• Age on Opening Day: 29
• 2025 stats: 145 G,.256 AVG, 16 HR, 74 RBI,.745 OPS, 2.6 fWAR

Torres accepted a one-year, $22.025 million qualifying offer to return to the Tigers.

Gleyber Torres accepted a one-year contract with the Detroit Tigers for 2025, aiming to re-establish his market value. Although his season wasn't exceptional, he performed sufficiently to position himself for a long-term agreement. Torres posted a.256 batting average, 16 home runs, and a.745 OPS, improving his performance by drawing a career-best 85 walks. While Torres's power may not return to its previous levels, the scarcity of strong offensive players at second base suggests he'll be a desirable free agent. 

MORE: Why did the Astros fire manager A.J. Hinch?

16. Harrison Bader, Outfielder, Phillies

• Age on Opening Day: 29
• 2025 stats: 146 G,.277 AVG, 17 HR, 54 RBI,.796 OPS, 3.2 fWAR

Following a few seasons as a journeyman, Harrison Bader had what was arguably the finest year of his career split between Minnesota and Philadelphia, hitting.277 with 17 homers and an OPS just shy of.800, in addition to his outfield defense. What might make teams hesitate is that Bader had a comparable season with The Cardinals in 2021 and was unable to maintain that offensive level in the subsequent three years, but the Bader who appeared in 2025 is the kind of player any team would desire in their lineup. 

MORE: Why Brandon Marsh's hair looks greasy during Phillies games

15. Michael King, SP, Padres

• Age on Opening Day: 30
• 2025 stats: 73.1 IP, 3.44 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 76 Ks, 0.8 fWAR

michael King narrowly avoided a lost season in 2025, a year where he could have significantly boosted his earnings with another stellar performance. Despite this, he's still expected to command a strong market in free agency, owing to his ability to generate swings and misses and his impressive history. Initially a versatile reliever for The Yankees, King transitioned to a full-time starting role with The Padres in 2024, achieving a 2.95 ERA and striking out 201 batters over 173.2 innings. This ace-caliber season is likely to attract considerable interest from teams, even with King recovering from an injury-plagued year. 

MORE: What is a perfect game in baseball?

14. Diamondbacks' SP, Zac Gallen

(Getty Images)

• Age on Opening Day: 30
• 2025 stats: 192.0 IP, 4.83 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 175 Ks, 1.1 fWAR

Having finished in the top five for The Cy Young award in both 2022 and 2023, Zac Gallen is eager to move past 2025. Similar to King, he missed an opportunity for a significant financial windfall, but he cannot attribute this to injuries. Gallen completed all 33 of his scheduled starts, yet he recorded a 4.83 ERA and allowed 31 home runs for The Diamondbacks. His good health should be an advantage, however, and his 3.20 ERA from 2022-24 will be a factor for teams, especially since he has just reached 30 years old and is not expected to be in a performance decline. It will be interesting to observe if Gallen would accept the qualifying offer from Arizona, aiming to position himself for a more lucrative contract next winter.

MORE: What is a triple play in baseball?

13. Mariners' third baseman, Eugenio Suarez

• Age on Opening Day: 34
• 2025 stats: 159 G,.228 AVG, 49 HR, 118 RBI,.824 OPS, 3.8 fWAR

Eugenio Suarez's performance cooled considerably in the latter half of 2025, posting a.189 batting average and a.682 OPS following his trade back to the Seattle Mariners. Nevertheless, his power remains a significant asset. Suarez matched a personal best with 49 home runs in 2025, and he's achieved 30 or more home runs in six of his past seven full seasons, not counting the abbreviated 2020 campaign. While potential suitors must accept his high strikeout numbers and tendency for slumps, his power output alone should secure him a lucrative contract. 

MORE: Where Cal Raleigh's 2025 season ranks among most home runs ever by a catcher

12. Josh Naylor, 1B, Mariners

• Age on Opening Day: 28
• 2025 stats: 147 G,.295 AVG, 20 HR, 92 RBI,.816 OPS, 3.1 fWAR

Naylor agreed to re-sign with the Mariners on a 5-year contract.

In 2025, Josh Naylor underwent significant player development, improving his hitting contact at the expense of some power, yet surprisingly emerging as a genuine stolen base danger despite his status as one of baseball's slowest regulars. Naylor, now a complete hitter capable of dependable defense at first base, is entering free agency at an opportune moment and is expected to secure a three- or four-year contract this offseason.

MORE: How Josh Naylor became a serious stolen base threat

11. Framber Valdez, Pitcher, Houston Astros

• Age on Opening Day: 32
• 2025 stats: 192.0 IP, 3.66 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 187 Ks, 4.0 fWAR

Framber Valdez experienced a tumultuous contract year, at one point being considered a Cy Young candidate, but his struggles in the latter half of the season contributed to the Astros losing their AL West lead; however, he is still expected to secure a lucrative deal this offseason. Valdez possesses considerable postseason experience, has pitched over 175 innings in each of the past four seasons, and boasts a 3.23 ERA since 2020. These accomplishments will ensure Valdez receives a substantial payday, regardless of whether it's with Houston. 

MORE: Revisiting Astros 2017 cheating scandal

10. Ranger Suarez, Pitcher, Phillies

• Age on Opening Day: 30
• 2025 stats: 157.1 IP, 3.20 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 151 Ks, 4.0 fWAR

Ranger Suarez isn't a pitcher who overwhelms batters, yet for five seasons, he's consistently retired them. Suarez recorded a 3.20 ERA in 2025, his lowest as a regular starter, and his walk and strikeout percentages remained virtually unchanged from 2024. Regardless of whether he stays with The Phillies or moves on, Suarez has demonstrated sufficient value to secure a lucrative contract this offseason.

MORE: What is Ranger Suarez projected to get in free agency?

9. Dylan Cease, SP, Padres

• Age on Opening Day: 30
• 2025 stats: 168.0 IP, 4.55 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 215 Ks, 3.4 fWAR

Dylan Cease is another interesting test case on the free agent market. Will he get paid like the pitcher who was a top-four Cy Young finisher in 2022 and 2024, or will he get paid like the pitcher who posted an ERA in the mid-4s in 2023 and 2025? While he is prone to blowups, the answer is likely going to be closer to the former than the latter. Cease actually led all qualified starters with 11.5 strikeouts per nine innings in 2025 even as he struggled, and his FIP has stayed in the mid-3s even when his ERA is in the mid-4s. Durability is also a major plus, as Cease has made at least 32 starts in each of the last five seasons. A season more like 2024 could have set Cease up for a huge payday, but he's still a frontline option this winter.

MORE: Most MLB All-Stars from one team

8. Alex Bregman, 3B, Red Sox

• Age on Opening Day: 31
• 2025 stats: 114 G,.273 AVG, 18 HR, 62 RBI,.821 OPS, 3.5 WAR

Last offseason, Alex Bregman didn't secure his preferred contract, but he did sign an agreement that offered him another chance at free agency after performing well in Boston. Even with an injury that interrupted a strong beginning to the season, Bregman achieved his best OPS since 2019, setting himself up to opt out. While Bregman's age and a somewhat inconsistent offensive performance in 2025 might limit his earning potential, his hitting remains above average, and his defensive contributions are significant. 

MORE: What to know about Red Sox's green jerseys

7. Munetaka Murakami, first/third baseman, Nippon Professional Baseball

• Age on Opening Day: 26
• 2025 stats: 69 G,.286 AVG, 24 HR, 52 RBI, 1.051 OPS (Yakult Swallows)

Munetaka Murakami, long anticipated as the next prominent hitter from Japan following a succession of excellent pitchers, will be posted this offseason without any restrictions on his contract terms, as he is no longer classified as an amateur free agent. Murakami's prodigious power is highly appealing; he achieved 56 home runs in 2022 and was on a comparable trajectory with 24 home runs in just 69 games last season before an injury. Despite a high strikeout rate, which might lead to him being a designated hitter, his ability to generate such power in a league struggling for offense will undoubtedly captivate MLB teams regarding his potential performance in the United States. 

MORE: Is Shoehei Ohtani the GOAT for MLB?

6.  Edwin Diaz, CL, Mets

• Age on Opening Day: 32
• 2025 stats: 66.1 IP, 1.63 ERA, 0.87 WHIP, 98 Ks, 28 SV, 2.0 fWAR

Absent Aroldis Chapman's performance in Boston, Edwin Diaz would have set the benchmark for relief pitchers. Diaz rebounded from a inconsistent 2024 to achieve a 1.63 ERA and 0.87 WHIP, surrendering a mere five hits per nine innings and only four round-trippers throughout the season. While the New York Mets' season faltered rapidly in the latter half, Diaz's dominance was sufficient for him to exercise his option and secure a lucrative deal this offseason.

MORE: Most memorable Subway Series moments in history

5. Cody Bellinger, Outfielder, New York Yankees

• Age on Opening Day: 30
• 2025 stats: 152 G,.272 AVG, 29 HR, 98 RBI,.813 OPS, 4.9 fWAR

Cody Bellinger surpassed expectations following his acquisition by The Yankees as a salary dump from The Chicago Cubs, posting a.272 batting average, 29 home runs, and an.813 OPS, complemented by excellent defensive performance. The previous MVP has demonstrated All-Star level play in two of the past three seasons after his career faltered with The Los Angeles Dodgers, and he's positioned himself for a lucrative contract this offseason, with a potential return to the Yankees being a strong possibility. 

MORE: Complete history of Yankees vs. Red Sox playoff series

4. Bo Bichette, SS, Blue Jays

• Age on Opening Day: 28
• 2025 stats: 139 G,.311 AVG, 18 HR, 94 RBI,.840 OPS, 3.8 fWAR

Bo Bichette rebounded significantly this season from a dismal 2024, and his past performance suggests that 2024 was merely an anomaly. As one of baseball's premier contact hitters in 2025, Bichette posted a.311 batting average, 18 homers, and an.840 OPS, positioning himself for a 200-hit campaign before a knee injury sidelined him in early September. Bichette's defensive abilities at shortstop have declined, likely necessitating a future position shift, yet his youth, reliable power, and exceptional bat-to-ball skills will ensure he's a highly desired player in free agency. 

MORE: How many Canadian teams are in MLB?

3. Kyle Schwarber, designated hitter for The Phillies

• Age on Opening Day: 33
• 2025 stats:.240 AVG, 56 HR, 132 RBI,.928 OPS, 4.9 fWAR

Although Kyle Schwarber seems like a veteran, he's actually approaching his 33rd birthday shortly before Opening Day. Since he no longer plays defense, it's unlikely his power will diminish over the next three to four years. Schwarber is a strong MVP candidate, having achieved a career-best 56 home runs and a.928 OPS, matching his previous high. While his limited defensive contributions might deter some teams from a significant investment, his immense raw power, similar to Eugenio Suarez, makes him difficult to overlook. 

MORE: Most home runs in one game, from Lou Gehrig to Kyle Schwarber

2. Pete Alonso, 1B, Mets

• Age on Opening Day: 31
• 2025 stats: 162 G,.272 AVG, 38 HR, 126 RBI,.871 OPS, 3.6 fWAR

Despite not getting the market he anticipated last offseason, clubs will eventually need to acknowledge one of baseball's premier sluggers. Alonso bounced back this year from a challenging 2024, hitting.272 with 38 homers, 80 extra-base hits, and an.871 OPS, his best performance since his inaugural season. Alonso has maintained an OPS+ above 120 throughout his seven years, and he's played in at least 152 games every season since his 2019 debut. Having been denied a six or seven-year contract last winter, Alonso would be within his rights to pursue such terms once more.

MORE: Inside Mets' second-half collapse that allowed Reds to make 2025 playoffs

1. Kyle Tucker, OF, Cubs

• Age on Opening Day: 29
• 2025 stats: 136 G,.266 AVG, 22 HR, 73 RBI,.841 OPS, 4.5 fWAR

Concerns about Kyle Tucker's injury record and late-season performance slump this year will likely surface during free agency discussions. However, when healthy, he stands out as the premier available player, considering his age and proven batting prowess. Tucker consistently hit around 30 homers annually between 2021 and 2023, achieving an OPS+ exceeding 140 on two occasions within that period. Furthermore, he demonstrated MVP-level hitting over 78 games in 2024. Despite a noticeable decline in his power late in 2025, possibly due to a hand issue, Tucker is still anticipated to be among the league's top versatile hitters for the foreseeable future. 

MORE: Why do the Cubs fly the W?