There isn’t any Juan Soto in MLB free company this yr. There’s undoubtedly no Shohei Ohtani. However though there won’t be a participant who will encourage folks to trace the flight paths of personal jets on social media, it is an intriguing class of free brokers nonetheless — one particularly deep in energy hitters.
Let us take a look at 14 of probably the most attention-grabbing free brokers, assuming just a few seemingly participant opt-outs, and a few potential most closely fits for every participant. We’ll miss among the prime relievers — Edwin Diaz (opt-out), Robert Suarez (opt-out), Devin Williams — and as an alternative concentrate on the highest place gamers and beginning pitchers accessible this winter.
Gamers are ranked so as of their Baseball-Reference WAR from 2025.
2025 stats: .272/.334/.480, 29 HR, 98 RBIs, 13 SB, 5.0 WAR
2026 age: 30
Greatest match: New York Mets
Bellinger surprisingly tops the checklist in 2025 WAR, though that does not by any means counsel he’ll get the most important contract. Certainly, though he affords positional versatility together with his capability to play all three outfield positions in addition to first base, groups can be skeptical of his 2025 numbers since he hit .302 with 18 dwelling runs and a .909 OPS at Yankee Stadium with its quick porch in contrast with .241 with 11 dwelling runs and a .715 OPS on the street. Bellinger works for the Mets each in heart area — heck, they have been enjoying 33-year-old infielder Jeff McNeil on the market at instances — and at first, if they do not re-sign Pete Alonso.
One other attainable match: New York Yankees
A reunion with the Yankees is feasible, but when the Yankees are dedicated to Jasson Dominguez in left area and provides Spencer Jones a shot in heart, they will be reluctant to provide Bellinger a long-term contract. Given a few of their latest returns on lengthy offers (DJ LeMahieu, Aaron Hicks, Giancarlo Stanton), they most likely do not wish to get sucked into one other huge contract for a non-superstar participant, irrespective of how good Bellinger was in 2025.
2025 stats: .240/.365/.563, 56 HR, 132 RBIs, 4.7 WAR
2026 age: 33
Greatest match: Philadelphia Phillies
Everybody expects Schwarber to return to the Phillies, coming off his 56-homer season and together with his added worth as probably the greatest teammates within the recreation. Nothing is assured, nevertheless, and president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski is balancing a whole lot of selections this offseason. J.T. Realmuto can also be a free agent, Ranger Suarez is a free agent and Zack Wheeler’s return is a query, plus the workforce normally is getting older. Nevertheless it’s nonetheless a workforce in a championship window — if Schwarber stays within the lineup.
One other attainable match: Mets
Suppose the Mets would like to steal Schwarber away from the Phillies? Addition after which subtraction out of your rival. Would Schwarber depart the Phillies for the enemy? Gamers are rather a lot much less loyal than we would wish to consider. Starling Marte was the Mets’ major DH and he is a free agent, plus contemplate: The Mets signed Soto and Alonso had a greater season — and but they nonetheless scored two fewer runs than 2024. It was an above-average offense, fifth within the NL in runs, but it surely wasn’t an amazing offense. Including Schwarber might take it to the subsequent degree.
2025 stats: 12-8. 3.20 ERA, 157 IP, 154 H, 38 BB, 151 SO, 4.7 WAR
2026 age: 30
Greatest match: Detroit Tigers
Suarez has been a gentle and underrated pitcher since 2021, with a 3.25 ERA over the previous 5 seasons, counting on a six-pitch repertoire that enables him to beat below-average fastball velocity. He at all times will get dinged up in some unspecified time in the future, so he is a 150-inning pitcher versus a 180-inning man, however that also makes him an excellent match for the Tigers, who want rotation depth, ought to have loads of room within the payroll and will commerce Tarik Skubal (sorry, Tigers followers).
One other attainable match: Toronto Blue Jays
Suarez may have a whole lot of curiosity although he lacks that blistering fastball. Certainly, his lack of No. 1-starter pedigree will convey extra groups into the bidding, even when he is anticipated to get a nine-figure deal. The Blue Jays are an attention-grabbing match right here. Chris Bassitt and Max Scherzer are free brokers, Shane Bieber has a participant possibility and Kevin Gausman is a free agent after the 2026 season. They’re going to be searching for some long-term stability within the rotation.
2025 stats: .266/.377/.464, 22 HR, 73 RBIs, 25 SB, 4.5 WAR
2026 age: 29
Greatest match: Los Angeles Dodgers
If wholesome, Tucker would have led this checklist in WAR — he was hitting .291/.395/.537 for the Chicago Cubs on the finish of June when he suffered a fracture in his proper hand, which he tried to play by. However he hit simply .225 the remainder of the best way. Certainly, he is projected to get the most important contract of the offseason, maybe as a lot as $400 million.
Pretty much as good as he has been, there are some Anthony Rendon vibes right here: Tucker has now been injured two years in a row (he additionally missed a lot of September with a calf harm); he is turning 29; his velocity/vary Statcast metrics aren’t nice (twenty sixth percentile in each classes); and he isn’t a “face of the franchise” sort of character, which you usually count on for $400 million.
Might the Dodgers soak up one other large contract? Nicely, why not? The Dodgers are the most effective match of “will spend cash” and “have want,” contemplating they obtained nothing from left area in 2025 and all of a sudden have considerations about Mookie Betts’ long-term influence on the plate after his subpar (for him) season.
One other attainable match: San Francisco Giants
The Giants, after all, have been attempting to land an elite offensive participant in free company perpetually — lastly buying and selling for Rafael Devers final June. Giants nook outfielders hit simply .237/.309/.378 with 37 dwelling runs and 12 stolen bases, so including Tucker to the lineup would give them a much-needed second lefty energy hitter (with rookie slugger Bryce Eldridge prone to take over at first base, too).
2025 stats: 13-11, 3.66 ERA, 192 IP, 171 H, 68 BB, 187 SO, 3.8 WAR
2026 age: 32
Greatest match: Baltimore Orioles
Sooner or later, the Orioles will signal the front-line starter they want, proper? Proper? They completed twenty fourth in rotation ERA at 4.65 and had seven starters who made no less than 10 begins in 2025 — and 4 of them had ERAs over 5.00. That is not going to chop it within the AL East. Trevor Rogers (1.81 ERA in 18 begins) did emerge within the second half, and Kyle Bradish returned from Tommy John surgical procedure on the finish of the season, however the Orioles have lacked that sturdy No. 1-type starter and Valdez is second in innings pitched over the previous 4 seasons.
One other attainable match: Houston Astros
The Astros have the necessity to convey Valdez again because the rotation was largely a multitude in 2025 apart from him and Hunter Brown. The payroll, nevertheless, appears to be like fairly maxed out with the likes of Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, Yordan Alvarez, Christian Walker and Josh Hader (they’re additionally paying Lance McCullers Jr. and Cristian Javier a mixed $39 million in 2026). Do not rule out a return, however the Astros have let different stars depart in free company — Correa, Alex Bregman, George Springer, Gerrit Cole and Justin Verlander.
2025 stats: .228/.298/.526, 49 HR, 118 RBIs, 3.6 WAR
2026 age: 34
Best match: Athletics
The A’s aren’t usually included in lists like this one — particularly for a participant coming off 49 dwelling runs — however a whole lot of components might push Suarez to the A’s: his age, his below-average OBP and strikeout charge, his subpar manufacturing after he was traded to Seattle. The A’s began 9 totally different gamers at third base in 2025 (who mixed for simply 10 dwelling runs), and Suarez would definitely convey energy and sturdiness — he has missed simply seven video games the previous three seasons. He is additionally an excellent clubhouse man who would slot in with the workforce’s youthful gamers. The A’s stunned folks by signing Luis Severino final offseason, so they might land Suarez in the same state of affairs.
Different attainable matches: Tigers, Milwaukee Brewers, Arizona Diamondbacks, Seattle Mariners
The Brewers (.234, 11 HR, .650 OPS) and Tigers (.221, 11 HR, .629) each made the playoffs regardless of subpar manufacturing at third base. Milwaukee loves high-contact offensive gamers, so perhaps Suarez does not match there, and Detroit won’t wish to add one other high-strikeout charge man in the midst of the lineup on prime of Riley Greene. The D-backs and Mariners are conversant in Suarez — he performed for every in 2025 — however each have younger gamers in Jordan Lawlar and Colt Emerson whom they might play at third.
2025 stats: .273/.360/.462, 18 HR, 62 RBIs, 3.5 WAR
2026 age: 32
Greatest match: Boston Purple Sox
Bregman hit free company final yr and did not signal till the center of February, a three-year, $120 million cope with opt-outs after each 2025 and 2026. He performed nicely sufficient with the Purple Sox that he is prone to take a look at free company, although a quad pressure restricted him to 114 video games. After a sizzling begin, he did not hit practically as nicely after returning in July — .250/.338/.386. The massive shock is that the pull-happy Bregman hit higher on the street (.875 OPS) than at Fenway (.761 OPS).
Nonetheless, the Purple Sox stay the most effective match. He was an essential veteran presence for Boston’s younger place gamers, and he is a right-handed bat in a lineup in any other case heavy in lefties (Jarren Duran, Roman Anthony, Wilyer Abreu, Masataka Yoshida). Bregman’s age presents some danger on a long-term deal, however though his velocity metrics are sinking (seventeenth percentile), he nonetheless has good vary at third base and introduced his OBP again up after it dropped to .315 in 2024.
Different attainable matches: Tigers, Yankees, Phillies
Bregman’s contact capability makes him a probable match for the Tigers — and he’ll be too costly for the Brewers. The attention-grabbing long-shot candidates can be the Yankees and Phillies. The Yankees have Ryan McMahon underneath contract, however he posted a .641 OPS after coming over from the Colorado Rockies on the commerce deadline and his strikeout points are a priority. The Phillies have Alec Bohm in his ultimate yr of workforce management, however Bohm produced simply 1.3 WAR in 2025 and the Phillies are a bit uninterested in his lack of postseason manufacturing (.225, 2 HR, 14 RBIs in 38 playoff video games). Bregman’s fireplace may be what the Phillies want.
2025 stats: .272/.347/.524, 38 HR, 126 RBIs, 3.4 WAR
2026 age: 31
Greatest match: Mets
Alonso’s stature — and talent to hit dwelling runs and drive in runs — means he is the highest-profile free agent alongside Schwarber, even when his WAR places him decrease on this checklist. Alonso has averaged 42 dwelling runs per 162 video games all through his profession, and his sturdiness is one in every of his promoting factors — he hasn’t missed a recreation the previous two seasons. Alonso was a free agent final yr and there wasn’t a lot curiosity, so he went again to the Mets on a deal that gave him an opt-out and he responded with a greater marketing campaign in 2025.
Will there be extra demand this offseason? Maybe. However Alonso is a 31-year-old first baseman who’s a below-average defender. He has elite energy however not elite on-base percentages. That each one makes him a “excessive danger” class, and he isn’t fairly within the class of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Freddie Freeman or Matt Olson, the primary basemen who acquired huge nine-figure offers since 2022. It is laborious to check Alonso leaving the Mets, however president of baseball operations David Stearns will not overpay to convey him again — and Alonso won’t be so keen to provide the Mets a sweetheart of a deal this time round.
Different attainable matches: Miami Marlins, Washington Nationals
The Texas Rangers did not get the output they needed from Jake Burger, the Purple Sox might transfer on from Triston Casas, and the Phillies (if they do not signal Schwarber) and Atlanta Braves may contemplate Alonso as a DH, however let’s toss out the Marlins. Their first basemen hit simply .234 with 15 dwelling runs. They have not had a 2-WAR first baseman since Justin Bour in 2017 or a 3-WAR first baseman since Derrek Lee in 2002. Groups at all times suppose they will fill first base with satisfactory offense, however the Marlins are proof that is not at all times the case. Alonso can also be from Florida, which could assist. A extra practical lengthy shot may be the Nationals, who want a giant bopper and have loads of room within the payroll.
2025 stats: .311/.357/.483, 18 HR, 94 RBIs, 3.4 WAR
2026 age: 28
Greatest match: Giants
Bichette’s free company can be fascinating. Given his poor defensive metrics at shortstop, it is nearly a certainty groups can be taking a look at him as a second or third baseman relatively than a shortstop — even the Blue Jays (the workforce he has been together with his complete profession), who would transfer Andres Gimenez to shortstop. That is not a foul factor for Bichette, because it opens up his attainable locations to extra groups if he is keen to vary positions.
Though he’s a .294 hitter, it will likely be attention-grabbing to see how he ages: He already does not run nicely (twenty first percentile in velocity) and he does not stroll a lot, so his offensive manufacturing is closely reliant on his batting common. We talked about the Giants as a possible match for Kyle Tucker. The identical goes for Bichette, as Giants second basemen hit simply .216/.273/.342.
One other attainable match: Kansas Metropolis Royals
OK, can the Royals realistically afford to signal Bichette? In all probability not, however a double-play mixture of Bobby Witt Jr. and Bichette can be a whole lot of enjoyable, and Bichette’s type of hitting can be an excellent match for that park. Royals second basemen hit simply .236 with 11 dwelling runs, and we all know the lineup wants one thing else. The Royals aren’t the Pittsburgh Pirates or Tampa Bay Rays. They may spend some cash — though there is not a lot wiggle room primarily based on the 2025 payroll — and there’s a rivalry window proper now with their present rotation.
2025 stats: .295/.353/.462, 20 HR, 92 RBIs, 30 SB, 3.1 WAR
2026 age: 29
Greatest match: Mariners
Naylor was the right match for the Mariners, who had not solely struggled at first base, but in addition wanted a extra contact-oriented hitter like Naylor for the center of the lineup after they traded for him at this yr’s deadline. He unveiled some of the stunning secret weapons, going 30-for-32 as a base stealer regardless of being one of many slowest runners in baseball. Though many hitters are reluctant to signal with the Mariners, Naylor loves hitting at T-Cellular Park, with a profession line of .304/.335/.534. The Mariners ought to have room to convey him again.
One other attainable match: Rangers
Rangers first basemen/DHs mixed for a .657 OPS — solely the Rockies have been worse. Texas nonetheless has Jake Burger and Joc Pederson (who will most likely train his $18.5 million participant possibility), however each had sub-.290 OBPs, so the Rangers will contemplate upgrading.
2025 stats: 8-12, 4.55 ERA, 168 IP, 152 H, 71 BB, 215 SO, 1.1 WAR
2026 age: 30
Greatest match: Cubs
Stop’s eventual contract will far outpace his ERA and low WAR from 2025. Groups will concentrate on the facility arm (common fastball of 97.1 mph), the excessive strikeout charge and the sturdiness (5 straight seasons with no less than 32 begins). A return to the Cubs can be full circle as they initially drafted Stop within the sixth spherical out of highschool in 2014 earlier than buying and selling him to the Chicago White Sox within the Jose Quintana deal.
The 2025 Cubs have been a first-rate instance of why groups desire these energy arms within the postseason. With Cade Horton injured, Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga have been their prime two starters, two lefties with out excessive Ok charges. They’ve loads of payroll room to make a giant rotation signing.
One other attainable match: San Diego Padres (and each different contender)
With Stop and Michael King (who has a participant opt-out) in free company, the Padres would have Nick Pivetta, Yu Darvish, Randy Vasquez, Joe Musgrove (getting back from Tommy John surgical procedure) and maybe Mason Miller of their rotation — and the choices skinny out in a rush after that. However is there room in a payroll that’s already pushing $200 million heading into the offseason?
2025 stats: 13-15, 4.83 ERA, 192 IP, 176 H, 66 BB, 175 SO, 1.1 WAR
2026 age: 30
Greatest match: Diamondbacks
Like Stop, Gallen is hitting free company with a excessive ERA. Not like Stop, he averages 93.5 mph together with his fastball as an alternative of 97. Gallen’s dwelling run charge practically doubled from 0.8 per 9 innings in 2024 to 1.5 in 2025, and his strikeout charge plummeted to a career-low 21.5%, a notable five-percentage-points decline from his profession charge coming into the season. He did pitch higher the ultimate two months with a 3.32 ERA. Nonetheless, perhaps among the questions push Gallen again to the Diamondbacks, who will enter the offseason down him, Merrill Kelly and Corbin Burnes (Tommy John surgical procedure) from their preliminary 2025 rotation.
One other attainable match: Los Angeles Angels
Does anybody wish to play for the Angels? Their latest free agent signings have been extra of the third-tier sort, however they’ve room within the payroll and two pitchers from their 2025 rotation hitting free company in Tyler Anderson and Kyle Hendricks. They signed Yusei Kikuchi to a three-year, $63 million deal final offseason and may do one thing comparable this offseason with a starter like Gallen.
Munetaka Murakami, 3B/1B (Japan)
2025 stats: .286/.392/.659, 24 HR, 52 RBIs
2026 age: 26
Greatest match: Mariners
An enormous left-handed slugger, Murakami has been a star in Japan since he hit 36 dwelling runs as a 19-year-old in 2019. He adopted that up with a career-high 56 dwelling runs in 2022. He missed time this previous season with an indirect harm however hit 24 dwelling runs in 69 video games. He does strike out a regarding quantity — 168 instances in 140 video games in 2023 and 180 instances in 143 video games in 2024 — so initiatives as extra of a low-average, 30-homer slugger. Murakami’s protection is taken into account beneath common at each nook positions, however his age helps make him a horny free agent.
We talked about Colt Emerson as a substitute for Eugenio Suarez at third base for the Mariners, however a yr in Triple-A would not damage, and Emerson might then take over at shortstop in 2027. That leaves Murakami as a match for third base, or a backup choice to Josh Naylor at first base. The Mariners have definitely proven they’re OK with strikeouts if it comes with energy.
One other attainable match: Dodgers
The Dodgers? Hey, you must contemplate the Dodgers a risk for any Japanese participant. They clearly have Freddie Freeman locked into first base and have a $10 million possibility on Max Muncy, however word that Murakami did play just a few video games within the outfield in 2025. Given their gap in left area, perhaps they pretend left-field protection with Murakami for a yr after which have him exchange Muncy at third base in 2027. Within the larger image, the Dodgers had the oldest group of place gamers in 2025. Solely Andy Pages was youthful than 30 among the many prime 11 regulars. They should get youthful, and Murakami is youthful — and cheaper to signal — than Tucker.