Spring coaching is quickly approaching, with pitchers and catchers slated to report mid-February. Nevertheless, a number of high gamers within the 2025-26 free-agent class stay unsigned. Let’s check out the 5 greatest free brokers remaining and potential touchdown spots for each.
Outfielder Kyle Tucker
Following a robust season with the Chicago Cubs, Tucker was thought of the highest free agent within the 2025-26 offseason. A four-time All-Star and former Gold Glove winner, he could also be the most effective all-around place participant out there. Tucker produced a strong .266/.377/.464 batting line over his 597 plate appearances regardless of battling accidents, hitting 22 homers and 25 doubles whereas stealing 25 bases. He could be an impression participant for any group.
Regardless of being unsigned, Tucker appears to have loads of curiosity. The Blue Jays have been linked to him since December when he visited their spring coaching compound. The Yankees are reportedly eager about Tucker, albeit as a backup plan if they can’t signal Cody Bellinger. Groups such because the Mets, Dodgers and Phillies have been linked to Tucker at varied occasions all through the offseason. The Mets could also be his greatest match, particularly with the emptiness within the outfield after Brandon Nimmo was traded to the Rangers.
Third baseman Alex Bregman
Bregman’s market didn’t unfold as anticipated through the 2024-25 offseason. He ended up with the Boston Red Sox, signing a three-year, $120 million contract with an opt-out after every season with the Purple Sox. After posting a .273/.360/.462 batting line with 18 homers and 28 doubles over his 495 plate appearances, Bregman determined to choose out of the remainder of his contract and take a look at free company once more.
Bregman is greater than a strong hitter. He is among the greatest defensive third basemen within the majors, somebody who could make a distinction on either side of the ball. The incumbent Purple Sox have a transparent want at third with Bregman in free company, whereas groups such because the Mets and Diamondbacks could possibly be choices. Finally, the Purple Sox are his greatest match, with ESPN’s Buster Olney speculating that Bregman might obtain a six-year deal price roughly $175 million.
Outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger
A flexible participant able to taking part in all three outfield positions and first base, Bellinger could be a match for nearly any group. His foray into free company might not have occurred at a greater time as Bellinger had his greatest season since successful the NL MVP award in 2019. He posted a .272/.334/.480 batting line with 29 homers and 25 doubles in his 656 plate appearances whereas stealing 13 bases.
Whereas the Yankees have made Bellinger their high precedence this offseason, they’re hardly alone of their pursuit of the previous MVP. The Mets, Dodgers, Cubs and Giants have been linked to Bellinger as effectively, giving him time for the market to return to him. Nevertheless, his greatest match continues to be the Yankees, who’ve reportedly made a sizable offer for a reunion.
Beginning pitcher Framber Valdez
A contemporary-day workhorse, Valdez would have been anticipated to have loads of gives by this level within the offseason. He threw over 175 innings for the fourth consecutive yr with the Astros, posting a 3.66 ERA and a 1.245 WHIP over his 192 innings in 2025, hanging out 187 batters with 68 walks. The issue is that Valdez could also be seen as having character issues after allegedly intentionally hitting his catcher with a pitch. He has reportedly circulated a video to entrance workplaces displaying that he’s a great individual to alleviate these issues.
Regardless of these issues, Valdez is a strong front-of-the-rotation starter. The Mets have vital questions within the rotation and will use a frontline starter equivalent to Valdez. The Orioles made a number of strikes to fortify their rotation however want somebody of his caliber. Groups such because the Tigers and Giants might look to Valdez as a buffer to anticipated departures through the 2026-27 offseason. The Mets, who reportedly met with Valdez’s representatives in November, have the largest want for a rotation improve and could be the most effective match.
Shortstop Bo Bichette
Bichette wanted to show that his injury-plagued and disappointing 2024 season was a fluke throughout his free-agency yr. He had the kind of stroll season gamers hope for, posting a .311/.357/.483 batting line over his 628 plate appearances, hitting 18 homers and 44 doubles. Bichette is reportedly willing to maneuver from brief to second or third if wanted, increasing his market. The issue is that Bichette additionally reportedly has absurd contract demands.
A return to the Blue Jays would seemingly be an excellent match, particularly if he’s prepared to maneuver to second. The Phillies, Yankees, Cubs, Dodgers and Purple Sox have all been linked to Bichette at varied factors within the offseason. Though Bichette has been clear that he desires to stay with the Blue Jays all through his profession, that will not occur. The Yankees, with questions at brief after Anthony Volpe’s disappointing 2025 displaying, could also be the most effective match for Bichette.
