MLB Free Agency: Bregman, Tucker & Top Updates

January 6, 2026

MLB Offseason Standoff: Where Do Stars Like Bregman and Bellinger Land?

As the calendar turns to 2026, 13 of the top 25 free agents remain unsigned, creating a tense waiting game between players and teams.

• Thirteen of the top 25 free agents are still available as of January 6, 2026.
• Cody Bellinger’s potential return to the New York Yankees is complicated by a significant gap in contract expectations.
• Trade discussions surrounding Ketel Marte and Tarik Skubal are gaining traction, but high asking prices remain a hurdle.
• The market for starting pitchers is developing slowly, with relievers signing deals earlier in the offseason.

The MLB offseason continues its slow burn, with a significant number of high-profile players still seeking new homes as 2026 begins. The market is currently defined by a standoff, as agents aim to maximize value for their clients while teams remain cautious about exceeding their budgetary comfort zones.

What’s the Latest on the Top Free Agent Hitters?

Olney: We’ve reached that familiar point in the winter where a transaction deadline would be helpful, but that’s unlikely to happen. The current dynamic is simple: agents believe their players are worth a certain amount, and teams have determined their price limits. This standoff applies to Kyle Tucker, Alex Bregman, Bo Bichette, and Cody Bellinger.

Cody Bellinger’s situation with the New York Yankees exemplifies this. After an excellent season, the Yankees want to retain him, but a sizable gap exists between his camp’s demands and what the team is willing to offer. Bellinger earned $27.5 million last season, and his representative, Scott Boras, is unlikely to accept a deal averaging less than that.

The Boston Red Sox are interested in Alex Bregman and have indicated a willingness to spend significantly, potentially offering a six-year, $171.5 million contract similar to what the Detroit Tigers offered last spring. Several teams are pursuing Bo Bichette, but opinions vary on his long-term position, with many evaluators viewing him as a future second baseman rather than a shortstop.

Some agents believe the Toronto Blue Jays are poised to sign one of the remaining big names, given their aggressive approach. If Kyle Tucker prioritizes maximizing his earnings in a long-term deal, the Jays could be his best option. The Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly waiting for either Tucker or Bichette to become available on a shorter-term deal with a high average annual value, similar to the contract Freddie Freeman received.

Rogers: There was a sense that Alex Bregman was down to Toronto and Arizona, but Kazuma Okamoto’s signing with the Blue Jays could shift his focus to the Diamondbacks. Many believe the Red Sox and Bregman are a good fit, given his leadership and production last season. However, free agents typically seek multiple suitors, so one executive suggested that Bregman’s options may now be Boston or Arizona.

The situation with Cody Bellinger mirrors that of Bregman and the Red Sox: both sides may need each other. The Yankees are expected to make a strong push to re-sign him, though they’ve improved their left-handed hitting balance in recent years. As one rival executive put it, “Bellinger would still be their best left-handed hitter if he returns.”

Tucker has both short- and long-term options, and Toronto remains in the mix despite signing Okamoto. His age (28) and ability to combine power with a good strikeout-to-walk ratio make him a highly sought-after commodity. Over the past two seasons, Juan Soto and Tucker are the only hitters with a 1:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio while maintaining a slugging percentage above .500.

Which Other Free Agent Hitters Are Generating Buzz?

Olney: Luis Arraez remains an intriguing option. His exceptional contact skills led the NL in hits last season and earned him a third batting title, but evaluators question his defensive and baserunning abilities, as well as his lack of exceptional on-base percentage (.327) or power (.392). Arraez needs a front office or veteran manager who values his unique skillset.

Miguel Andujar is also likely to find a home, potentially benefiting from Rob Refsnyder’s one-year, $6.3 million deal with the Mariners, which established a market value for right-handed hitters who excel against left-handed pitching. Last season, Andujar hit .389/.409/.578 against lefties and .290/.331/.429 against righties. He’s also known as a positive clubhouse presence, with both the A’s and Reds praising his contributions.

Rogers: Free agent third basemen are waiting for Bregman to sign. Okamoto’s signing provides a data point, and Eugene Suarez and Yoan Moncada should gain traction soon. Suarez enjoyed his time in Cincinnati, and Pittsburgh is seeking hitters within the NL Central.

What Impact Does Tatsuya Imai’s Deal Have on the Pitching Market?

Olney: I don’t believe Imai’s signing will have a significant impact, other than removing Houston from the list of teams seeking high-end starting pitching. The dollar projections for Imai weren’t as high as team evaluators anticipated, and his deal includes financial protection if he struggles or gets injured. If Imai performs well in 2026, he could opt out and re-enter the market next fall or in the spring of 2027, after the labor situation is resolved.

Rogers: Imai’s signing won’t drastically alter the market, as the numbers align with those of a good starting pitcher rather than setting a new standard. It’s clear that Imai’s contract, with opt-outs, is a “prove it” deal. Ranger Suarez and Framber Valdez have already proven their worth and are seeking long-term security. Imai is in a different category.

Which Other Free Agent Pitchers Are Drawing Interest?

Olney: Suarez and Valdez are definitely generating interest. With the Mets still needing rotation help, one of them seems likely to land in New York, and Suarez’s calm demeanor and experience pitching in a big market make him a strong candidate.

Rogers: This year’s pitching market has been unusual, with relievers signing quickly while starters remain available. That’s expected to change this month, with names like Zac Gallen, Zack Littell, and Lucas Giolito gaining traction. The Mets, Cubs, A’s, Braves, Yankees, and Angels are potential suitors, but Suarez and Valdez are likely to go first.

What Trade Talks Have Momentum?

Olney: Diamondbacks executive Mike Hazen has indicated he won’t wait much longer for a suitable offer for Ketel Marte. Hazen’s comments suggest a final round of offers is expected, and if the Diamondbacks don’t receive a satisfactory proposal, they’ll likely pull Marte off the market.

The same applies to Tarik Skubal and the Tigers: Detroit has set a high price tag, and the expectation is that Skubal will be in camp at the start of spring training.

Some rival clubs believe Washington Nationals starter Mackenzie Gore could be traded before mid-February. Other teams think Brandon Donovan will be dealt by the St. Louis Cardinals, and it’s possible St. Louis might release Nolan Arenado given his recent performance decline, the crowded corner-infield market, and the team’s rebuilding phase.

Rogers: I agree with Buster regarding Donovan, while Arenado’s market is “slow moving,” according to a source.

One executive suggested the Milwaukee Brewers should receive more offers for Freddy Peralta than the Tigers are getting for Skubal, despite Skubal being a two-time Cy Young winner. Peralta’s $8 million salary for 2026 makes him an attractive trade target. There’s currently no traction on a trade for White Sox center fielder Luis Robert, but there’s genuine interest in Marlins starter Edward Cabrera.

What Else Are You Hearing?

Olney: There’s concern about the third and fourth tiers of free agents. More than four dozen unsigned relievers and numerous established hitters are seeking deals, including Marcell Ozuna and Hunter Renfroe. We’ll also be tracking the futures of Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander.

Rogers: While Scherzer received positive attention last postseason, Verlander’s strong finish went largely unnoticed. Teams have taken note of his performance in the second half of the season, where he ranked among the league leaders in starts, innings pitched, ERA, and fWAR. One team suggested a cautious approach similar to what the Dodgers did with Blake Snell or the Blue Jays with Scherzer. If he doesn’t need to make 29 starts, Verlander could be even more valuable to a contender.