Top MLB Free Agents for the 2025-26 Off-Season: Kyle Tucker, Alex Bregman, Cody Bellinger, and Others
Top Free Agents Shaping Up for an Exciting Winter
With less than 1.5 months remaining in Major League Baseball's regular season, the race for the postseason is heating up, and so is the anticipation for the upcoming free agency period. Here's a look at some of the top names expected to hit the market.
Kyle Tucker, Chicago Cubs, Leading the Pack
Outfielder Kyle Tucker is poised to make history as he could become the third player to sign a free-agent contract worth more than $40 million annually. Tucker, a well-rounded player, excels in hitting, running, and defense, making him a coveted asset for any team. His strong all-around skill set, including power, plate discipline, and baserunning, is projected to command a high annual value, possibly topping $40 million per year.
Alex Bregman, Boston Red Sox, and Cody Bellinger, New York Yankees, Close Behind
Alex Bregman and Cody Bellinger rank near the top as premier position players with solid offensive and defensive profiles. Bregman, currently under a three-year contract with the Boston Red Sox, has the option to opt out this or next winter. Bellinger, on the other hand, has a player option for next year worth $25 million.
Bo Bichette, Toronto Blue Jays, and Francisco Lindor, New York Mets, Rounding the Bases
Bo Bichette is noted for a resurgent 2025 season and figures prominently among the top free agents. Francisco Lindor is mentioned as a major player with a significant contract history, nearing notable career milestones, but it is unclear if he will be free-agent eligible depending on contract timing.
Pitchers Framber Valdez and Ranger Suárez Also in the Mix
Framber Valdez is the highest-ranked pitcher expected to become a free agent and is valued for his strong performance and durability. Ranger Suárez's performance following some tweaks to his pitch mix has made him an above-average starter.
Other Notable Names
Byron Buxton, Kyle Schwarber, and Tim Anderson are also likely to feature in the top 10, though their exact order may vary by source. Schwarber, in particular, could break the glass ceiling of $20 million annually for designated hitters this offseason, thanks to his demonstrated track record of elite strength, elite barrel control, and elite strike-zone judgement.
Eugenio Suárez is well on his way to a second career 40-homer season and could join the list of third basemen to sign for more than $20 million annually on a short-term arrangement.
Pete Alonso, Dylan Cease, and Ranger Suárez are other potential free agents for the winter season. Alonso's underlying statistics, despite a reduced strikeout rate, have declined by nearly six percentage points, which could limit his outlook to a shorter-term arrangement worth between $27 and 30 million annually. Cease, despite an electric arsenal and strong underlying measures, has failed to solidify himself as the headliner of the winter's free-agent starter class.
This list synthesizes insights primarily from MLB Trade Rumors, FanGraphs, CBS Sports, and ESPN reports as of August 2025. These rankings are subject to change based on season performance, injuries, and contract decisions as the offseason approaches.
Kyle Schwarber's banner season could help him break the glass ceiling of $20 million annually for designated hitters this offseason, while Pete Alonso may not exercise his $24 million player option due to limitations in his outlook for a lucrative long-term contract.
Ranger Suárez's performance could inform how his winter plays out, and Eugenio Suárez's age, swing-and-miss tendencies, and defensive inadequacies could be key factors in his free agency.
[1] MLB Trade Rumors [2] FanGraphs [3] CBS Sports [4] ESPN
- Kyle Tucker's impressive performance and potential to sign a contract worth over $40 million annually makes him a highly sought-after free agent this season in MLB sports.
- Alex Bregman and Cody Bellinger, both noted for their offensive and defensive prowess, are expected to draw considerable interest on the free agent market.
- Framber Valdez, with his strong pitching performance and durability, tops the list of pitchers expected to become free agents this winter.
- Byron Buxton, Kyle Schwarber, and Tim Anderson are widely anticipated to be some of the top free agents this winter in the MLB.
- Pete Alonso may not exercise his player option due to concerns about his outlook for a lucrative long-term contract, while Schwarber's impressive season this year could make him a candidate to break the $20 million annual barrier for designated hitters.
