MLB Offseason: Which Top Free Agent Will Sign Next?

The 2026 MLB offseason has settled into a familiar pattern. Teams act cautiously, agents stay bold, and the market just simmers with tension as January drags on.

Despite all the early hype, many of baseball’s biggest names are still unsigned. That standoff could shape the league’s competitive landscape for years.

With marquee hitters, top starters, and a logjam of mid-tier talent all waiting for movement, this winter feels like a weird game of patience and positioning.

A Slow-Burning Free Agent Market Dominates January

Industry evaluators like Kiley McDaniel note that 13 of the top 25 free agents haven’t found contracts deep into the offseason. That pretty much says it all.

Teams hold firm on budgets. Agents refuse to budge on long-term value.

Fans and front offices are just waiting for that first big domino to fall. At the top of the market, elite talent usually sets the pace for everyone else, but not this year.

Big Bats, Big Asks, Bigger Gaps

Kyle Tucker, Alex Bregman, Bo Bichette, and Cody Bellinger headline this frozen market. Each is a franchise-altering hitter, but their price tags make teams hesitate.

Bellinger stands out. The Yankees are definitely interested, but only if the price feels right. He wants at least a repeat of his $27.5 million salary from 2025, while New York hesitates to overpay for a player whose value leans heavily on his flexibility.

Where Tucker, Arraez, and Andujar Fit In

These negotiations ripple through the rest of the market. Kyle Tucker might chase the biggest long-term payday, and if so, the Blue Jays look like a strong fit.

Toronto badly needs a marquee bat, and their timeline matches Tucker’s. Meanwhile, the Dodgers play their usual waiting game, hoping a star eventually takes a shorter-term, high-AAV deal.

Intriguing Skill Sets Keep Role Players Relevant

Luis Arraez is still fascinating. His elite contact ability stands out, even though teams weigh his limited defense, baserunning, and power.

In a league obsessed with versatility, Arraez is almost a throwback with his rare, old-school offensive skillset. Miguel Andujar, meanwhile, should land somewhere soon for his solid platoon bat and strong clubhouse reputation—traits front offices quietly love for depth.

Third Base and the Trade Market Are Closely Linked

The entire third-base market just waits on Bregman’s decision. Once he signs, players like Eugenio Suárez and Yoán Moncada will probably see more action as fallback options.

Teams are poking around in the trade market too, since free agency is dragging on so long.

Pitching Conversations Slowly Pick Up Steam

Starting pitching has stayed oddly quiet, but that probably changes soon. Industry buzz points to Ranger Suárez and Framber Valdez as prime trade candidates, especially if clubs shift resources away from free agency.

At the same time, pitchers like Zac Gallen, Zack Littell, and Lucas Giolito are starting to draw more attention as teams rethink their rotation depth.

Veteran Arms and Market Saturation Raise Concerns

There’s a big problem brewing: way too many mid-tier free agents and relievers are still out there, unsigned. This pileup could push wages down and leave veterans scrambling for short-term, prove-it contracts.

Teams aren’t just chasing big names like Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander anymore. They’re picking through options and building offers around what their rotations actually need, not just reputation.

Franchises like the Diamondbacks and Tigers have drawn a line in the sand on Ketel Marte and Tarik Skubal. If the value doesn’t match their expectations, they’re just going to wait it out. This offseason might drag on, but honestly, it still feels pretty unpredictable.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Our latest MLB offseason intel: Which top free agent will sign next? Is a blockbuster trade brewing?