MLB free-agent season is almost here, so it’s time for my annual ranking of the top free agents with contract predictions and the best team fits for each player. Players currently in MLB who are eligible for free agency technically become free agents the day after the World Series ends but cannot sign with a new team until five days after the final out.

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This year’s free-agent class is headlined by outfielder Kyle Tucker, who many expect to sign a contract somewhere in the $400 million to $500 million range. It also features two of the game’s top power hitters, designated hitter Kyle Schwarber and first baseman Pete Alonso. Several standout starting pitchers are likely to be available too, led by left-handers Framber Valdez and Ranger Suárez, along with a pair of right-handers who pitched for the Padres this season, Dylan Cease and Michael King. Two impact closers are expected to hit the market, in Edwin Díaz and Robert Suarez. There are also three potential free agents from Japan who made my top 50 ranking.

Along with my colleagues at The Athletic, I will be actively covering free agency and the offseason trade market from start to finish. To kick things off, here is my ranking of the top 50 free agents for the 2025-26 offseason, along with my thoughts on the players as well as information from my conversations with decision-makers across the game.

(Note: Ages are as of Dec. 31, 2025.)

1. Kyle Tucker, RF

Age: 28

Bats: L Throws: R

2025 bWAR: 4.5

2025 team: Chicago Cubs

Agent: Excel Sports Management

Despite a season that was marred by injury and inconsistent performance, Tucker is expected to be the highest paid free agent in this year’s class, with most analysts believing he will get between $400 million and $500 million based on the recent contracts given to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. ($500 million; Blue Jays) and Juan Soto ($765 million; Mets). Even in a season that saw Tucker dealing with multiple injuries, he was able to impact the game in all areas thanks to his hit tool, power, defense, arm and speed. In 136 games for the Cubs, he hit .266/.377/.464 with 22 homers, 25 stolen bases and a near 1:1 walk-to-strikeout ratio (87 walks and 88 strikeouts). Teams view him as a complete player who will be a threat to hit 30 homers and steal 30 bases every season.

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Tucker’s left-handed swing would play great at Yankee Stadium and his speed would be an important added element to the Yankees lineup. He’d also be a great fit for the Dodgers, who could then move Teoscar Hernández to left field and improve their right field defense. Tucker won’t turn 30 until 2027, and his young age relative to the rest of this class makes him even more inviting to both clubs for the long-term as they could backload the contract to fit their budgets better with expiring contracts down the road.

Salary comps: Juan Soto 15-years, $765 million; Shohei Ohtani 10-years, $700 million; Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 14-years, $500 million; Mike Trout 12-years, $426 million; Mookie Betts 12-years, $365 million; Aaron Judge 9-years, $360 million

Best team fits: Dodgers, Yankees, Mets, Phillies, Giants

Contract prediction: 10-years, $427 million

2. Kyle Schwarber, DH

Age: 32

Bats: L Throws: R

2025 bWAR: 4.7

2025 team: Philadelphia Phillies

Agent: Excel Sports Management

In addition to being one of the premier power hitters in the game, Schwarber is highly valued around the league for his clubhouse presence. Although he’s basically limited to the DH position, Schwarber offers consistency — he hit 56 home runs this year and has hit 40 homers or more in three of the last four years — and also durability, having played in 150 or more games each of the last four years, including 162 this year. Every team except the Dodgers and Yankees should want him to be its DH. Although the Phillies will make every effort to re-sign him, it will be fascinating to see what offers Schwarber gets on the open market for his special power bat and ability to mentor younger players.

Salary comps: Rafael Devers 10-years, $313.5 million; Giancarlo Stanton 13-years, $325 million; Alex Bregman 3-years, $120 million; Pete Alonso 1-year, $30 million

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Best team fits: Phillies, Mets, Tigers

Contract prediction: 5-years, $160 million

3. Pete Alonso, 1B (player option)

Age: 31

Bats: R Throws: R

2025 bWAR: 3.4

2025 team: New York Mets

Agent: Boras Corp.

Alonso became the Mets’ all-time home run leader this year (he’s now at 264) and he put together a nice rebound season after a down 2024, hitting 38 bombs and leading the National League with 41 doubles. He is beloved in Queens, and the feeling is mutual. The Mets were not willing to give him a long-term contract last offseason, and if they don’t change their tune this time around, they’ll probably lose him. Alonso has belted 37 or more homers in each of the last five seasons and although he’s a below-average defender at first base, he works at it and he’s durable, having played all 162 games in each of the past two seasons. Alonso has a player option worth $24 million he’s expected to decline. He made $30 million in 2025.

Salary comps: Freddie Freeman 6-years, $162 million; Matt Olson 8-years, $168 million; Paul Goldschmidt 5-years, $130 million

Best team fits: Mets, Phillies, Red Sox, Mariners, Rangers

Contract prediction: 6-years, $182 million

4. Framber Valdez, LHP

Age: 32

2025 bWAR: 3.8

2025 team: Houston Astros

Agent: Octagon

Valdez has pitched in plenty of big games and has a track record of performing in the postseason. He’s an elite ground-ball pitcher who pitches deep into games. He did struggle down the stretch this season, allowing four or more runs in four of his final five starts and was the subject of some controversy. Even with that end to his season, he’s still the best starting pitcher in this year’s class.

Salary comps: Garrett Crochet 6-years, $170 million; Tyler Glasnow 5-years, $136.5 million; Carlos Rodón 6-years, $162 million; Blake Snell 5-years, $182 million

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Best team fits: Astros, Orioles, Mets, Braves, Cubs, Padres, Giants

Contract prediction: 6-years, $190 million

Will Bo Bichette return to Toronto? (Alex Slitz / Getty Images)

5. Bo Bichette, SS

Age: 27

Bats: R Throws: R

2025 bWAR: 3.4

2025 team: Toronto Blue Jays

Agent: Vayner Sports

Bichette was leading the American League in hits before he suffered a left knee sprain on Sept. 6 that ended his regular season. He batted .311/.357/.483 with 44 doubles, 18 home runs and 94 RBIs, a huge bounce-back season after a career-worst 2024. He’s led the AL in hits twice in the last five years and has a career batting average of .294. He’s a below-average defender at shortstop, however, and several interested teams view him as an option for third base going forward. His prime years have just begun and he’s one of the youngest free agents on the market, though he has dealt with several lower body injuries the past couple of years. As long as teams have a clear sense of the health of his knee, Bichette will have plenty of suitors in free agency because he could be considered a fit as a shortstop, a third baseman or a second baseman.

Salary comps: Willy Adames 7-years, $182 million; Dansby Swanson 7-years, $177 million; Marcus Semien 7-years, $175 million; Matt Chapman 6-years, $151 million

Best team fits: Blue Jays, Red Sox, Tigers, Yankees, Phillies, Dodgers, Cubs, Mariners, Mets

Contract prediction: 7-years, $189 million

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