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MLB’s top free agents heading into 2026 offseason
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- MLB’s top free agents heading into 2026 offseason
The MLB offseason is a big deal for teams trying to get better. With plenty of well-known players hitting free agency, front offices have some tough calls to make. Some clubs will hunt for solid starting pitching, while others just need more pop and reliable bats in their lineup.
This winter's market has a little bit of everything, older veterans, young stars and guys with proven track records. Good talent is out there at almost every spot, from the rotation to the infield, outfield and behind the plate. What each player gets will come down to simple things: how much money they want, how healthy they've stayed, their age and how well they played lately.
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A few top names will definitely get chased by contenders hoping to make a deep playoff run. Other players might make more sense for rebuilding teams looking ahead. Either way, with this much talent on the table, the 2026 offseason could shake things up all across the league.
Of course, this offseason will be unique as a lockout looms when the collective bargaining agreement expires at 11:59 p.m. ET Dec. 1. Many teams will seek to make moves before the lockout to secure their biggest targets, while others may prefer to wait and get a feel for the sport's landscape under a new labor deal.
10. Clay Holmes (RHP), Chicago Cubs
Chicago Cubs pitcher Clay Holmes against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
2026 stats:6-8 record, 3.29 ERA, 101 1/3 innings, 78 strikeouts, 1.19 WHIP
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Market Value (AAV): $13.9 million (all market values per Spotrac)
Clay Holmes is one of the more interesting pitchers available this offseason. The 33-year-old right-hander has successfully moved from an elite closer role into the starting rotation. His ability to handle both roles makes him an attractive option for several teams.
When healthy, he has shown he can perform among the league's better pitchers. Contenders looking for rotation help could be interested in his upside.
His age could also help teams secure him at a lower price than other frontline starters.
9. Ryan Jeffers (C), Minnesota Twins
Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers (27) celebrates hitting a three run home run against the Detroit Tigers in the fifth inning at Target Field. Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
2026 stats:14 HR, 56 RBI, .256 AVG, .353 OBP, .461 SLG, .814 OPS
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Market Value (AAV): $13.3 million
Ryan Jeffers enters the offseason as the best available catcher in this free-agent class. He is also one of the more productive offensive players at his position. His ability to contribute with the bat makes him a valuable target for teams needing help behind the plate.
Jeffers had a strong start to the 2026 season. By May 18, he had the ninth-highest OPS in MLB among players with at least 100 plate appearances. However, a fractured hamate bone interrupted his season. His production dropped after his return from injury.
Despite that setback, his recent numbers remain impressive. Over the last two seasons, Jeffers ranks fourth in on-base percentage and eighth in OPS among primary catchers with at least 500 plate appearances. His .814 OPS in 2026 also shows his offensive value.
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On Monday, Minnesota extended Jeffers a $23.15 qualifying offer , per MLB.com. He has until Nov. 17 to decide whether to accept it or remain a free agent.
8. Freddy Peralta (RHP), Tampa Bay Rays
Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Freddy Peralta (51) looks on from the dugout after a pitching change against the Milwaukee Brewers during the fifth inning in game three of the 2026 World Series at Tropicana Field. Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
2026 stats:10-11 record, 4.42 ERA, 169 innings, 156 strikeouts, 1.33 WHIP
Market Value (AAV): $28.7 million
Freddy Peralta improved his free-agent value with a major turnaround during the second half of the season. His campaign began poorly with the New York Mets, where he recorded a 4.99 ERA across 22 starts. However, a summer trade to the Tampa Bay Rays helped him get back on track.
The Rays made important mechanical adjustments to his pitching. These included removing his windup and changing his back foot's position. The changes helped Peralta regain his fastball effectiveness and return to the form that earned him the nickname "Fastball Freddy."
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Peralta also won MLB's Pitcher of the Month award for September. His strong postseason performances against quality lineups further improved his standing. Peralta went 2-1 with a 2.95 ERA in 21 1/3 innings during the 2026 postseason.
Teams looking for an experienced starting pitcher will have good reason to consider him.
7. Luis Arraez (2B), Philadelphia Phillies
Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Luis Arraez (4) prepares to bat during the third inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Citizens Bank Park. Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
2026 stats:.310 AVG, 6 HR, 64 RBI, 10 SB, .345 OBP, .419 SLG, .765 OPS
Market Value (AAV): $18 million
Luis Arraez remains one of the best contact hitters in baseball. The three-time batting champion finished the 2026 season with a .310 batting average, the third-highest mark in the league. His ability to put the ball in play gives him a different kind of value compared to power-focused hitters.
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Arraez also enjoyed the best defensive season of his career at second base. At 29, he silenced some of his critics by showing improvement in the field. His performance with San Francisco was particularly impressive. He hit .324 across 105 games and earned an All-Star selection.
However, his production declined after he was traded to Philadelphia. That late-season drop could concern potential suitors. His lack of home-run power is another factor teams will consider. Still, his batting average and defensive improvement should keep him in demand.
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6. Brandon Lowe (2B), Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Brandon Lowe (5) circles the bases on a game-winning two-run home run against the Kansas City Royals during the eighth inning at PNC Park. Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
2026 stats:.260 AVG, 35 HR, 96 RBI, 2 SB, .331 OBP, .493 SLG, .824 OPS
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Market Value (AAV): $22.8 million
Brandon Lowe enjoyed the best season of his career after leaving Tampa Bay for Pittsburgh. The 32-year-old recorded a career-high 4.9 fWAR.
Lowe's power makes him one of the most valuable position players available this winter. Hitting 35 home runs from a premium defensive position adds to his appeal. His .824 OPS also reflects his ability to produce consistently at the plate.
His performance could put him in line for a contract worth more than $25 million annually. However, the Pirates made him a qualifying offer worth around $23.15 million for 2027, per MLB.com. With a potential lockout looming, accepting that offer could be an attractive option for Lowe.
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5. Teruaki Sato (3B), Japan
Hanshin Tigers right fielder Teruaki Sato (8) during the fifth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Tokyo Dome. Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
2026 NPB stats:.306 AVG, 39 HR, 106 RBI, 8 SB, .992 OPS, 6.8 WAR
Teruaki Sato is the leading slugger on the international free-agent market. He could also be one of the best hitters available this offseason. The Japanese star followed his 2025 Central League MVP campaign with an even stronger performance in 2026.
Sato won the Triple Crown after hitting .306 with 39 home runs and 106 RBIs. His .383 on-base percentage and .609 slugging percentage helped him finish with a .992 OPS. He also recorded eight stolen bases and 6.8 WAR.
Strikeouts remain one concern for teams considering him. However, he is not quite as strikeout-prone as Munetaka Murakami. Murakami's successful transition to MLB could also make teams more comfortable pursuing Japanese hitters.
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Sato may need to adjust to a different defensive position after moving from third base. Still, his offensive production will be the main attraction for interested teams.
4. Seiya Suzuki (OF), Chicago Cubs
Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki (27) looks on during batting practice prior game two of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
2026 stats:.270 AVG, 26 HR, 86 RBI, 3 SB, .368 OBP, .473 SLG, .841 OPS
Market Value (AAV): $27.5 million
Seiya Suzuki is one of the biggest position-player names heading into the 2026 offseason. The Chicago Cubs outfielder is expected to attract considerable interest because of his consistent offensive production.
Suzuki's .841 OPS followed a strong 2025 campaign in which he hit 32 home runs. He also made improvements defensively, adding to his overall value.
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The outfielder is particularly important in a relatively thin free-agent market for position players. Spotrac projects a contract worth around $110 million. That figure could make him one of the most expensive hitters available.
Chicago extended a $23.15 million qualifying offer, per The Athletic . However, Suzuki will likely decline it and test the market.
3. Randy Arozarena (OF), Seattle Mariners
Seattle Mariners left fielder Randy Arozarena (56) runs towards third base during the first inning against the Athletics at T-Mobile Park. Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
2026 stats:.281 AVG, 26 HR, 79 RBI, 26 SB, .381 OBP, .484 SLG, .865 OPS
Market Value (AAV): $25.4 million
Randy Arozarena was one of the few bright spots in a difficult season for Seattle. The Mariners struggled as a team, but the 31-year-old outfielder delivered the best offensive campaign of his career.
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Arozarena's 113 runs led the American League, while his wRC+ was 51 percent above league average.
His combination of power, speed, and on-base ability makes him an attractive free-agent target. Teams looking for an outfielder who can contribute in several areas will likely have him high on their lists.
Not surprisingly, the Mariners extended Arozarena the $23.15 million qualifying offer, per NBC Sports . He is expected to decline.
2. Michael King (RHP), San Diego Padres
San Diego Padres pitcher Michael King (34) celebrates after the game against the Milwaukee Brewers in game three of the NLDS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Petco Park. Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
2026 stats:12-10 record, 3.21 ERA, 185 innings, 159 strikeouts, 1.18 WHIP
Market Value (AAV): $29.9 million
Michael King has become one of the most interesting starting pitchers in baseball. His rise is particularly impressive because he spent much of his early career working out of the New York Yankees bullpen.
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King made the transition into a full-time starting role with San Diego in 2024. He has since established himself as a reliable rotation option. Over the last three seasons, he owns a 3.15 ERA across 77 starts and 432 innings.
His 2026 campaign further strengthened his position. King's consistency and ability to handle a full starter's workload make him one of the most valuable pitchers available. King has a player option for 2027, but he is unlikely to exercise it.
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1. Tarik Skubal (LHP), Los Angeles Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) reacts during the fifth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers in game one of the NLCS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at American Family Field. Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
2026 stats:12-7 record, 2.72 ERA, 158 2/3 innings, 186 strikeouts, 0.96 WHIP
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Market Value (AAV): $39.5 million
Tarik Skubal is the clear No. 1 name heading into the 2026 MLB offseason. The left-handed pitcher has established himself as one of the best arms in baseball. After winning his second consecutive American League Cy Young Award in 2025, he followed it with another impressive season.
Skubal finished 2026 with a 2.72 ERA across 158 2/3 innings. He recorded 186 strikeouts and allowed just a 0.96 WHIP. His ability to limit baserunners while consistently missing bats makes him a valuable target for any contender.
His season was not without problems. Skubal underwent an innovative procedure in May to remove a loose body from his elbow. The surgery became known as the "Skubal scope." However, he recovered well and returned to his usual level of performance.
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He was already considered the best player available at the trade deadline. Now, he enters free agency as the top player in the class. A huge contract could follow, potentially making him one of the highest-paid pitchers in MLB history.
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