The 2025-26 MLB offseason has begun following the Los Angeles Dodgers' repeat World Series championship, with free agency open and qualifying offers extended. Kyle Tucker emerges as the premier free agent, drawing interest from multiple contenders amid speculation of a $400 million-plus contract. General managers convene in Las Vegas for meetings that could shape the winter's biggest moves.
As the Dodgers aim for a three-peat, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman is expected to pursue upgrades, particularly in the outfield, with Tucker as a prime target. The 28-year-old outfielder posted an OPS+ of 143 and 4.6 WAR in 136 games despite a hand injury in 2025, showcasing elite defense and baserunning. Potential suitors include the Dodgers, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants, and Chicago Cubs, his incumbent team.
The Yankees, facing pressure with Aaron Judge entering his age-34 season, may seek a splash by signing Tucker or re-signing Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham. In Toronto, shortstop Bo Bichette's bounce-back year—batting .311 over 139 games—positions him for a reunion with the Blue Jays, the reigning AL champions who reached Game 7 of the World Series. Phillies president Dave Dombrowski eyes re-signing slugger Kyle Schwarber (56 homers, 9.4 WAR combined with Ranger Suárez) and Suárez to bolster their NL East contention.
Trade rumors swirl around Detroit's Tarik Skubal, a likely repeat Cy Young winner, though the Tigers are contenders and unlikely to deal him before his 2026 walk year. Pittsburgh's Paul Skenes, favored for NL Cy Young honors with a 1.97 ERA, remains off-limits. The St. Louis Cardinals, under new president Chaim Bloom, may trade Nolan Arenado and Sonny Gray to accelerate a rebuild. Minnesota's Pablo López and Joe Ryan could be moved in a potential teardown.
Polls from MLB.com highlight the Dodgers (20%) for the splashiest offseason, Tucker (17%) as the best signing, and Dylan Cease (30%) as the top free-agent starter. Labor concerns loom with the CBA expiring after 2026, potentially leading to a lockout. The GM Meetings in Las Vegas, starting November 10, set the stage for these developments.
