New York, January 26, 2026
MLB Free Agency: Where Will the Biggest Names Land?
Table of Contents
With spring Training looming, several high-impact players remain available, poised to reshape the 2026 baseball landscape.
- Tatsuya Imai became the first free agent to secure a deal in 2026, signaling the start of a busy offseason.
- Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger remain at the top of many teams’ wish lists,but negotiations have been slow.
- The Orioles and Mets are emerging as frontrunners for several pitching upgrades, including Framber Valdez and Ranger suárez.
- the Blue Jays and Red Sox are heavily involved in pursuing both Bo Bichette and Jose Bregman.
- Teams are weighing the cost of draft picks surrendered when signing players who rejected qualifying offers.
Tatsuya Imai secured a deal with the Astros, becoming the first free agent to find a new home for the 2026 season, but a cluster of impactful players are still searching for their next team as Spring Training approaches in just six weeks.
Tucker’s Market Remains Surprisingly Quiet
Outfielder Kyle Tucker, widely considered the top free agent available, has experienced a relatively subdued market thus far. His visit with the Blue Jays last month at their spring facility in Florida represents the most notable development in his offseason. sources indicate Toronto remains the favorite to land Tucker, though the Mets are also in contention, fueled by their need for outfield help and a willingness to spend aggressively when the chance arises.
if the Yankees decide to make a splash, it’s more likely to be for Cody Bellinger than Tucker. The Dodgers are also a potential suitor,adding Tucker to their roster would only amplify the power of the two-time defending world Series champions as they aim for a threepeat.
tucker rejected a qualifying offer from the Cubs, meaning any team that signs him will forfeit draft picks, a factor that typically doesn’t deter teams pursuing elite talent. If a long-term deal doesn’t materialize, Tucker could consider a shorter-term contract with opt-out clauses, allowing him to re-enter free agency in the next year or two. The Blue Jays, diamondbacks, Cubs, Red Sox, and Tigers have all been linked to Tucker throughout the offseason.
Bregman, Bichette, and a Battle in the AL East
detroit made a strong push to sign Jose Bregman last winter, ultimately losing him to the Red Sox on a three-year, $120 million deal (half of wich was deferred) that he opted out of after the 2025 season. While the Tigers’ previous offer was for six years and $171.5 million with deferred money, they don’t appear to be in the same financial range this winter. The Blue Jays and Diamondbacks are currently seen as the most aggressive teams in the hunt for Bregman, though a reunion with the Red Sox remains a possibility.
Bo bichette is also drawing significant interest from the Blue Jays and Red Sox, creating a potential bidding war between the two AL East rivals. The Yankees, looking to bolster their lineup, have also expressed some interest, but their focus remains on pitching. The Mariners are a dark horse candidate, hoping to add a star shortstop to their young core.
Pitching Carousel: valdez and Suárez Lead the Charge
The Mets, having added Marcus Semien, Jorge Polanco, Devin Williams, and Luke Weaver, are actively seeking a top-tier starting pitcher. Framber Valdez is a logical target, but GM Billy Eppler’s history suggests a preference for controllable arms over long-term commitments to pitchers. This could make a trade for a player like Brewers ace Freddy Peralta a more realistic outcome. The Braves and Giants are also in the mix for Valdez, and his rejection of a qualifying offer means his new team will forfeit draft picks.
Ranger Suárez, like Valdez, has been linked to the Mets and Orioles. Suárez is two years younger, possibly making him more appealing to some teams. Both left-handers have postseason experience, with Suárez’s playoff dominance potentially giving him an edge over Valdez despite Valdez’s reputation for durability. The Braves, Cubs, and Angels are also seeking pitching, with Suárez – who also rejected a qualifying offer – among their targets.
