The 2025-26 MLB free agent pool is stacked with star players. Free agency in baseball is unique because a lot of the best players don't sign when MLB free agency opens up, unlike in other sports. This year, there are players fresh off a World Series appearance, more star talent coming over from Japan, and unheralded players who can be added at a discount. So, what is the best landing spot for the top players on the open market, and with record-breaking deals being commonplace these days, what contracts can be expected?
Kyle Tucker, OF, Chicago Cubs
Best landing spot: San Francisco Giants
Projected contract: 10 years, $390 million
Kyle Tucker is the best free agent this offseason. There are a number of teams in need of outfield help. The Los Angeles Dodgers, for example, could use a left fielder, and they've proven in recent offseasons that they are willing to spend for their needs. At some point, though, the Dodgers can't get every free agent, so it is possible the San Francisco Giants will be the team that gives Tucker a big contract. The team made a blockbuster move for Rafael Devers in the trade market. Now it is time to make an aggressive free agent play.
Alex Bregman, 3B, Boston Red Sox
Best landing spot: Boston Red Sox
Projected contract: Five years, $150 million
Speaking of Devers, his replacement was supposed to be Alex Bregman. The Boston Red Sox can't afford to lose both third basemen in less than a year, so they need to do whatever it takes to bring Bregman back. He is a clear defense upgrade at third base compared to Devers, and he has hit 20-plus home runs in four of the last five seasons. The Red Sox have internal depth and a potential replacement for Bregman in Marcelo Mayer, but losing Bregman would be a really bad look after trading Devers. Boston should deploy Bregman at third and Mayer at shortstop or second base long-term.
Pete Alonso, 1B, New York Mets
Best landing spot: Boston Red Sox
Projected contract: Three years, $100 million
The Red Sox's need for a first baseman originally led them to try Devers out at the position last year. That experiment didn't work, and they still need power at the infield corner positions, especially if Bregman leaves in free agency. Pete Alonso doesn't provide a lot outside of power, but he is one of the best home run hitters in baseball. Alonso has belted 30-plus homers in six of his seven MLB seasons. He is actually coming off a career year when it comes to batting average (.272), too.
Bo Bichette, SS, Toronto Blue Jays
Best landing spot: Toronto Blue Jays
Projected contract: Six years, $175 million
Bo Bichette was on pace to lead MLB in hits before a late-season injury shut him down. He returned for the World Series, and he nearly helped the Toronto Blue Jays win the World Series. It can't be all for nothing, so Toronto needs to pay him what he is worth, as they did for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. last offseason.
Munetaka Murakami, 1B, Japan
Best landing spot: Los Angeles Dodgers
Projected contract: Four years, $75 million
The Los Angeles Dodgers have become a hub for Japanese superstars. Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto have won the last two World Series MVP awards with the team. Los Angeles should continue with their philosophy and sign Munetka Murakami this offseason. Murakami would be more of a swing-for-the-fences signing than the aforementioned players, but he has star potential because of his power. The Dodgers have spent a lot of money on free agents in recent years. They likely won't stop now, and it would be smart to add a bat after prioritizing pitching depth in recent years. Murakami could replace Max Muncy at third base and eventually Freddie Freeman at first.
Ranger Suarez, SP, Philadelphia Phillies
Best landing spot: Toronto Blue Jays
Projected contract: Four years, $85 million
The Philadelphia Phillies have a lot of impending free agents. A handful of them will surely bolt in free agency. Ranger Suarez might not be an ace, but he is a really good second or third starting pitcher. If the Blue Jays are willing to pay Bichette, they need to also add the pieces that can get them over the hump and past the Dodgers. Los Angeles clearly had the better rotation in the World Series, but adding Suarez would help change that.
Eugenio Suarez, 3B, Seattle Mariners
Best landing spot: Seattle Mariners
Projected contract: Two years, $40 million
The Seattle Mariners already re-signed Josh Naylor. They should do the same with Eugenio Suarez. Both trade deadline acquisitions worked wonders once they joined the Mariners. Suarez hit 49 home runs last season, and he hasn't shown any signs of slowing down when it comes to hitting long bombs. The Mariners could actually expect internal improvement from their pitching staff next season, so they need to ensure they have the offense to match.
Robert Suarez, RP, San Diego Padres
Best landing spot: Atlanta Braves
Projected contract: Two years, $20 million
The third star, who is named Suarez and is on the open market, is Robert Suarez. The reliever was one of the best bullpen arms in baseball this past season. The San Diego Padres have been aggressive adding talent in recent years, but they've also often struggled to retain it. The Atlanta Braves should sign Suarez. They were viewed as World Series contenders going into the 2025 season, but they became one of baseball's biggest disappointments largely because of problems in the bullpen. Suarez could help them get back on track.
Edwin Diaz, RP, New York Mets
Best landing spot: New York Yankees
Projected contract: Four years, $55 million
In 2022, Edwin Diaz signed the biggest contract for a relief pitcher ever. He won't match the five-year, $102 million deal he last agreed to, but Diaz should still be paid handsomely this offseason. The New York Yankees had somewhat of a revolving door at closer last season. Diaz would end any question marks on who would close the ninth inning.
Framber Valdez, SP, Houston Astros
Best landing spot: Chicago Cubs
Projected contract: Five years, $150 million
Framber Valdez has been one of the Houston Astros' best pitchers for quite some time now. After the Cesar Salazar incident, though, it has to be questioned whether or not he will return to the team. Justin Steele will likely return to the Chicago Cubs at some point next season, but the team should bolster their rotation by signing Valdez. Valdez has been pitching in high-leverage games for quite some time now. Chicago's pitching staff would be up there with the Dodgers as one of the best in the league, especially because Shota Imanaga is returning to the fold.
Kyle Schwarber, DH, Philadelphia Phillies
Best landing spot: Philadelphia Phillies
Projected contract: Four years, $125 million
Kyle Schwarber is beloved by Phillies fans and expected back in Philadelphia. His plate discipline-power hitting combination is unmatched in baseball, and the Phillies need to bring him back for one more World Series push before they give up on this aging core.
Tatsuya Imai, SP, Japan
Best landing spot: Athletics
Projected contract: Six years, $100 million
The Athletics' rebuild is ahead of schedule, largely in part because the team has a young and exciting offense. The team needs pitching, though, so they should hop on the wave of looking to Japan to answer their problems. Tatsuya Imai is short but packs a punch, similarly to Yoshinobu. He could become a star with the Athletics.
J.T. Realmuto, C, Philadelphia Phillies
Best landing spot: Philadelphia Phillies
Projected contract: One year, $16 million
J.T. Realmuto is still one of the best catchers in baseball. The Phillies' core hasn't been able to get over the hump, but they are still a ways away from blowing the thing up. Philadelphia should re-sign Realmuto to a short-term deal.
Luis Arraez, 1B, San Diego Padres
Best landing spot: Arizona Diamondbacks
Projected contract: Two years, $20 million
Luis Arraez is still one of the best contact hitters in baseball. After being big trade deadline sellers, the Arizona Diamondbacks need to replenish the roster. Teams have drastically varying opinions on Arraez, but there are teams out there that will covet him. The Diamondbacks make sense as a free agent landing spot for the second-turned first baseman.
Dylan Cease, SP, San Diego Padres
Best landing spot: Baltimore Orioles
Projected contract: Five years, $155 million
The Baltimore Orioles have tons of prospects-turned-pros who have loads of potential at the plate. However, last season proved that they won't compete if they aren't willing to spend and if they don't bring in arms. Dylan Cease is the ace the Orioles need. He has questionable control, but his pure stuff is nasty.
Cody Bellinger, OF, New York Yankees
Best landing spot: New York Yankees
Projected contract: Five years, $120 million
The New York Yankees lost a star outfielder to MLB free agency last offseason in the form of Juan Soto. They can't afford to lose another, so they need to do whatever it takes to bring back Cody Bellinger. After a couple of down years to end his Dodgers' tenure, Bellinger has clearly established himself as a star.
Devin Williams, RP, New York Yankees
Best landing spot: New York Mets
Projected contract: One year, $17 million
In this projection, Devin Williams and Elias Diaz swap places as closers playing for New York teams. Williams had an up-and-down season for the Yankees, but he was viewed as arguably the best reliever in baseball just a year ago. He may have to sign a prove-it deal, but such a move could really pay off for the New York Mets. Williams has connections to members of the Mets' organization from his time with the Milwaukee Brewers, so it wouldn't be a surprise if the team pursued the reliever and got the best out of him.
