The 2025-26 MLB offseason has already seen a flurry of moves. Big names have signed, but the market’s still got plenty of drama left.
This piece digs into where the top free agents might land. We’ll look at how payroll strategy is shaping front-office choices and why a few franchises — especially the New York Mets — could end up steering the rest of the winter.
The Shape of the 2025-26 MLB Free Agent Market
Early signings like Kyle Schwarber, Pete Alonso, and Dylan Cease took some star power off the market. Still, seven of the top ten players haven’t signed, so the balance of power is up in the air.
Clubs want to fix roster holes, but they don’t want to get stuck with contracts that’ll drag down payroll in future seasons. Big-market teams, the usual headline-makers, are feeling that tension the most.
The Mets at the Center of the Offseason
The New York Mets are right in the thick of it. They need help in both the starting rotation and the outfield, but president of baseball operations David Stearns isn’t just tossing money at every problem.
Stearns prefers deals that fit the team’s defensive focus and medium-term payroll plan. He’s not chasing decade-long contracts, and that’s shaping how the Mets are linked to the biggest names left on the board.
Cody Bellinger: Defensive Focus Meets Outfield Need
Cody Bellinger keeps coming up as the Mets’ top target. He’s got the glove, the bat, and the flexibility that fits what New York wants right now.
Bellinger can handle both center field and first base, which gives the Mets options. That’s huge for a team trying to stay nimble as prospects move up.
Why the Mets Are a Natural Fit
The Mets’ outfield is still unsettled. Bellinger could fix that in a hurry:
Sure, the Los Angeles Dodgers might make a run, but the Mets’ mix of need, fit, and financial muscle puts them in the driver’s seat for Bellinger. He could easily become the centerpiece of their retooling.
Projected Landing Spots for the Remaining Stars
The Mets are grabbing headlines, but other teams are lurking. Several clubs have a shot to reshape their rosters with the right additions.
Kyle Tucker to the Blue Jays
Outfielder Kyle Tucker looks like a strong fit for the Toronto Blue Jays. They’ve got payroll room and need a long-term outfield anchor to follow George Springer.
Tucker brings:
Framber Valdez to the Cubs
Framber Valdez makes a lot of sense for the Chicago Cubs. Their rotation needs a top arm, and they have the payroll to do it.
Valdez gives the Cubs:
Alex Bregman Back to Boston
Alex Bregman is being projected to join the Boston Red Sox. The Sox need a right-handed bat with playoff chops to balance out their lineup.
Bregman fits what Boston’s looking for. He can stabilize the infield and bring some much-needed on-base ability.
International Stars and Infield Shake-Ups
It’s not just MLB veterans making waves. International talent and possible infield changes are keeping things interesting, too.
Shintaro Imai and the Giants’ Rotation Plan
Starter Shintaro Imai is getting linked to the San Francisco Giants. They’ve got rotation needs and the payroll space to chase upgrades.
Imai could stabilize the middle or even top of their staff. For a team searching for a new identity, he’s a high-upside bet in a tough NL West.
Bo Bichette and a Possible Yankees Infield Reset
Bo Bichette is getting a lot of buzz as a fit for the New York Yankees. His infield versatility and bat could totally change their lineup.
With trade rumors swirling around their current infielders, the Yankees might move fast on Bichette. He’s a long-term solution who can handle tough defensive spots and hit near the top of the order.
Munetaka Murakami and the White Sox Power Need
Slugger Munetaka Murakami is one of the most interesting bats available. The Chicago White Sox look like a strong landing spot.
Chicago needs real middle-of-the-order power and has the payroll to make a splash. Murakami’s game-changing swing could help the franchise reboot and give fans a new star to get behind.
Teams Balancing Needs, Payroll, and Risk
The 2025-26 free agent landscape feels less about reckless spending these days. It’s all about strategic targeting now.
As the last stars pick their landing spots, teams like the Mets, Yankees, Cubs, Blue Jays, Giants, Red Sox, and White Sox will shape the balance of power for years to come.
But don’t expect them to toss out those old-school mega-deals that used to define the winter market. That era seems to be fading, for better or worse.
Here is the source article for this story: MLB free agency reset: Predictions for the remaining top 10 free agents
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