Listing the leading MLB free agents for the 2025-26 pre-season: Kyle Tucker, Alex Bregman, Cody Bellinger, and others
With the Major League Baseball (MLB) regular season nearing its end and the postseason races heating up, the focus is starting to shift towards the upcoming free-agent class for winter 2023. Here's a look at some of the top prospects who could be making headlines in the coming offseason.
Kyle Tucker (Outfielder)
Topping the list is Kyle Tucker of the Chicago Cubs, who is widely regarded as the top prospective free agent. Tucker's well-rounded game, which has cleared the five-win threshold for four out of five seasons, suggests a high-value contract likely comparable to top outfielders. His expected average annual value (AAV) is high enough to potentially make him the third outfielder to sign a contract worth more than $40 million annually.
Bo Bichette (Shortstop)
Bo Bichette, currently with the Toronto Blue Jays, is another young talent to watch. Despite a down year, Bichette is rebounding, showcasing strong contact and 20-plus-homer strength. His offensive output could command a premium contract in the range of $20 million+ AAV. However, his defensive aspect is often graded as below-average, which might affect his value.
Alex Bregman (Third Baseman)
Alex Bregman, now playing for the Boston Red Sox, has a contract that allows him to re-enter free agency this or next winter. Given his performance and recent trends, Bregman is likely to command a contract in the $20 million+ AAV range.
Framber Valdez (Pitcher)
Framber Valdez, a left-handed pitcher for the Houston Astros, is a reliable above-average pitcher who strikes out a batter per inning and coerces 60% ground balls. His solid performance makes him a frontline starting pitcher expected to land a lucrative contract as a free agent rotation piece.
Michael King (Pitcher)
Emerging as a reliable starter, Michael King could be valued in the $15 million+ AAV range based on recent contract details and performance trends.
Ranger Suarez (Pitcher)
Noted for strong postseason performance, Ranger Suarez, a left-handed pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies, is expected to attract significant interest and solid AAV offers.
Dylan Cease (Pitcher)
Dylan Cease, currently with the San Diego Padres, has an electric arsenal and strong underlying measures. Although his inconsistent performance might affect his AAV, he is likely to receive a sizable contract betting on his upside.
Kyle Schwarber (Outfielder/DH)
Kyle Schwarber, an outfielder/DH for the Philadelphia Phillies, has a demonstrated track record of elite strength, barrel control, and strike-zone judgement. He is expected to be among the top free agents.
Aroldis Chapman (Reliever) and Edwin Diaz (Reliever)
Elite relievers Aroldis Chapman and Edwin Diaz, who typically command top reliever contracts, are likely to receive offers in the $15-$20 million AAV range.
Pete Alonso, first baseman for the New York Mets, and Eugenio Suarez, third baseman for the Seattle Mariners, are also potential free agents who could make waves in the market. Alonso may establish a new career high in OPS+ this season, while Suarez is on his way to a second career 40-homer season and could join the list of third basemen who have signed for more than $20 million annually on a short-term arrangement.
Exact AAV figures for 2023 free agents are not yet available, but based on recent years, top-tier free agents can expect annual values ranging from $15 million for strong pitchers and relievers up to $25-30+ million for elite everyday hitters and multi-position players. For more precise AAV projections for 2023 free agents, check contemporary 2023 offseason contract details or projections from sources specializing in free agent value predictions for that year.
- Kyle Tucker's well-rounded game, which has met the five-win threshold for four out of five MLB seasons, indicates a high-value contract approaching top outfielders, with an expected average annual value (AAV) potentially making him the third outfielder to sign a contract worth more than $40 million annually.
- Bo Bichette's offensive output, showcasing strong contact and 20-plus-homer strength, could command a premium contract in the range of $20 million+ AAV, despite his defensive aspect being often graded as below-average.
- Alex Bregman, now playing for the Boston Red Sox, is likely to command a contract in the $20 million+ AAV range due to his performance and recent trends.
- Framber Valdez, a left-handed pitcher for the Houston Astros, is expected to land a lucrative contract as a free agent rotation piece, considering his solid performance as a reliable above-average pitcher who strikes out a batter per inning and coerces 60% ground balls.
- Michael King could be valued in the $15 million+ AAV range based on recent contract details and performance trends, making him an attractive free agent.
