The 2025-26 MLB offseason might be one of the most impactful free-agent periods we’ve seen in years. Elite hitters, frontline pitchers, and defensive stars will all hit the market.
Several clubs have tough roster decisions ahead that could shape their futures. Some major franchises are eyeing blockbuster signings, while division champs are scrambling to keep their cores together.
This winter’s shaping up to be a wild mix of strategy and high-stakes negotiations. There’s no shortage of intrigue.
A Star-Studded Free Agency Class Poised to Reshape Baseball
This offseason’s free-agent class is deep and balanced. Talent’s everywhere, at every position.
Contenders will get aggressive. Even rebuilding teams might see this as a rare chance to land proven performers.
Toronto Blue Jays and the Bo Bichette Question
The Toronto Blue Jays are standing at a crossroads with Bo Bichette, one of baseball’s most coveted infielders. His blend of offensive firepower and defensive range makes him a potential franchise centerpiece.
The Jays are reportedly looking at internal fallback options, including Andrés Giménez. Letting Bichette walk would be a massive move for a team still chasing postseason consistency.
Yankees Searching for Outfield Stability
Cody Bellinger opted out of his deal, leaving the New York Yankees scrambling to fill an immediate gap in their outfield. Bellinger’s left-handed bat and versatility leave a noticeable hole in the lineup.
The Yankees will probably chase multiple targets to keep their offense afloat. There’s really no other way around it.
Boston’s Dual Challenge
The Boston Red Sox have a double dilemma. Alex Bregman’s free agency decision looms, and their pitching rotation is paper-thin.
They’ll need to find a reliable arm if they want to avoid another rough season. If Bregman leaves, the infield strategy gets even trickier.
Pitching Market Headlined by Top Aces
Elite pitching always comes at a premium in Major League Baseball. This year’s group stands out from top to bottom.
Framber Valdez and Company
Houston’s Framber Valdez leads the pack as one of the game’s most consistent southpaws. He’s joined by strong arms like Brandon Woodruff and Shota Imanaga.
Each brings strikeout ability and big-game poise. Expect some heavy bidding wars as teams look to upgrade their rotations.
Phillies Facing Potential Exodus
The Philadelphia Phillies could lose several cornerstone players, including:
Coming off a season powered by their offense, losing any of these stars would hit both their leadership and nightly production.
Teams at a Crossroads
Some clubs head into the offseason with major roster holes and tough free-agent calls ahead.
Cubs Eye Pitching After Tucker’s Departure
The Chicago Cubs might lose Kyle Tucker after just one year in Chicago. His bat and athleticism were supposed to be part of the long-term plan.
Now, pitching depth jumps to the top of their to-do list if they want to stay in the mix.
Mariners’ AL West Title Comes at a Cost
The Seattle Mariners just won their division, but now face free agency for three core players: Josh Naylor, Jorge Polanco, and Eugenio Suárez. Keeping all three would be ideal, but the financial math isn’t easy.
Braves Bullpen Overhaul
With Raisel Iglesias gone, the Atlanta Braves need to rebuild their relief corps. There are rumors linking them to free-agent shortstop Ha-Seong Kim, so maybe they’re also thinking about the infield.
Mets Searching for Power and Closer
The New York Mets lost both Pete Alonso and Edwin DÃaz to opt-outs. That leaves glaring needs at first base and in the bullpen.
They’ll have to fill those gaps if they want to get back in the race.
Dodgers Maintain Championship Core
The defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers head into 2026 with most of their roster still together. Only Kiké Hernández and Miguel Rojas are set to hit free agency.
The front office faces a real decision with Justin Verlander. His late-season comeback turned heads, and now he might be one of the most interesting veteran pitchers on the market.
Winter meetings are coming up fast, and the pressure feels intense for MLB front offices. Every move—every contract, every trade—could end up shifting the standings next spring. With so much talent available, it almost feels like the line between a real contender and a team just pretending is razor-thin. Who’s actually going to take the leap?
Here is the source article for this story: Here are the free agents for every team
Experience Baseball History in Person
Want to walk the same grounds where baseball legends made history? Find accommodations near iconic ballparks across America and create your own baseball pilgrimage.
Check availability at hotels near: Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Dodger Stadium
Plan your ballpark visit: Get MLB Ballpark Tickets and find accommodations nearby.
- Biographies
- Stadium Guides
- Current Baseball Players
- Current Players by Team
- Players that Retired in the 2020s
- Players that Retired in the 2010s
- Players that Retired in the 2000s
- Players that Retired in the 1990s
- Players that Retired in the 1980s
- Players that Retired in the 1970s
- Players that Retired in the 1960s
- Players that Retired in the 1950s
- Players that Retired in the 1940s
- Players that Retired in the 1930s