10 Veteran Free Agents Set to Impact MLB in 2026

The 2026 MLB season is coming up fast, and there’s a weirdly fascinating subplot on the open market: a bunch of star veterans, all 38 or older, are still looking for contracts. These free agents aren’t just nostalgia acts—they’re former MVPs, Cy Young contenders, and October legends who can still bring clubhouse leadership, matchup value, and short-term upside to contenders or teams in transition.

The Aging Market: Why Veteran Free Agents Still Matter

Front offices today love data and tend to hesitate before signing older players. Still, every winter, seasoned veterans show there’s a place for savvy specialists and quick fixes. The 2026 crop of 38-plus free agents is packed with those kinds of options.

You’ve got former MVPs chasing one last shot at a ring. There are relievers with more than a decade of high-leverage innings under their belts. They can shake up a depth chart, sure, but maybe even more important—they can change a clubhouse vibe.

Paul Goldschmidt: A One-Year Anchor at First Base

Paul Goldschmidt is 38 now. He’s not the MVP candidate he used to be, but he’s still a strong one-year fix for teams needing first base stability. The former NL MVP and four-time Gold Glove winner gives you steady defense and professional at-bats, even if his power has slipped.

If a team doesn’t want to rush a prospect or overspend on youth, Goldschmidt is the classic short-term bridge. He brings steady production, playoff experience, and a work ethic that sets the tone in the room.

Matt Martin: The Durable Bullpen Workhorse

Relievers are usually unpredictable, but Matt Martin keeps defying that. At 38, he put up a sharp 2.98 ERA last season, showing he’s still got it. He’s even received AL Cy Young votes—pretty wild for a reliever and proof of his longevity.

Contenders will love Martin’s multi-inning durability and late-game poise. He’s answered the call in big moments for years. On a short deal, he screams value.

Andrew McCutchen: Pittsburgh Icon at a Crossroads

Andrew McCutchen is still a Pittsburgh sports legend, and he’s openly said he’d love another run with the Pirates. The former NL MVP brings competitive at-bats, on-base skills, and leadership you just can’t measure with WAR.

Whether he returns or not, McCutchen’s next contract will probably mix on-field value with off-field impact—mentoring young guys, hyping the fans, and offering a steady hand in a shifting clubhouse.

Tommy Pham: The Milestone-Chasing Right-Handed Bat

Tommy Pham is 38 but still dangerous as a right-handed bat off the bench. He punishes lefties and grinds through tough at-bats. He’s also chasing a personal milestone: 200 career home runs and 200 stolen bases—a rare power-speed combo.

If a contender needs bench depth or a platoon outfielder or DH, Pham’s intensity and versatility make him a strong late-winter pickup.

David Robertson: Postseason-Tested Late-Inning Option

Few relievers know the October grind like David Robertson. He came back to the Phillies in 2025 after a year mostly away, and instantly reminded everyone why he’s trusted: calm in chaos and a knack for handling leverage.

He’s probably not a full-time closer anymore, but Robertson fits as a seventh- or eighth-inning anchor—especially for bullpens needing a veteran who’s seen it all.

Carlos Santana: The Walk Machine Seeking a Rebound

Carlos Santana has made a living with elite plate discipline, always ranking high in walk rate. Last season was rough—his numbers dipped—but he still sees pitches, draws walks, and works counts like few others.

On a low-risk deal, Santana’s a switch-hitter who can lengthen a lineup, play some first or DH, and teach younger hitters the art of a good at-bat.

Max Scherzer: October Ace in a Short Burst

Max Scherzer is 41 now. He’s not built for 200 innings anymore, but his 2025 postseason was a reminder: this guy’s a first-ballot Hall of Famer. The regular season was so-so, but in October, he locked in and dominated when it counted.

If you’re a contender, the formula is simple: manage his workload, point him at October, and let his fire and experience reshape your playoff rotation.

Kris Bryant: A Former MVP Looking for a Reset

Kris Bryant just had a tough year, but he’s always been resilient—moving all over the field, fighting through injuries, and still finding ways to help. He’s made it clear he wants to keep playing.

Maybe a new team and a set role—third base, first, or a corner outfield spot—could spark a rebound for a guy who not long ago was one of the league’s top bats.

Justin Verlander & Craig Kimbrel: Hall of Fame Résumés, Different Questions

Justin Verlander is still chasing 300 career wins. Even in his 40s, he finished 2025 strong, showing his command and feel for pitching still make him valuable. Teams looking for a veteran ace to anchor a staff and mentor young arms should pay attention.

Craig Kimbrel faces a different challenge: health. When he’s right, he’s still a strikeout machine with a Hall of Fame closer’s résumé. But teams will want to see the medicals before betting his stuff can hold up for another season.

Where These Veterans Fit in the 2026 Contender Landscape

Spring’s on the horizon, and these veterans bring opportunity. For rebuilding clubs, they mean short-term contracts and maybe a decent trade chip.

Contenders see them as depth, leadership, and that postseason know-how you can’t just measure in a box score.

The league keeps trending younger, always chasing projections and upside. Still, this group of 38-and-up free agents proves that winning needs more than just raw tools.

Experience, adaptability, and a little bit of old-school savvy—those are things you only pick up with time.

 
Here is the source article for this story: 10 ‘Old Guy’ free agents who may not be done quite yet