With MLB's offseason dragging on and spring training just seven weeks away, more than half of the top 20 free agents remain unsigned, including outfielder Kyle Tucker, infielders Alex Bregman and Bo Bichette, and pitcher Framber Valdez. CBS Sports has issued predictions for the 10 best available players, noting these are for entertainment purposes only. The forecasts highlight potential fits amid a sluggish market.
The MLB free agency period has been unusually slow, with the league yet to gain momentum despite the approaching spring training. According to CBS Sports, over half of the top 20 free agents from this class are still available, featuring elite talents like outfielder Kyle Tucker, third baseman Alex Bregman, shortstop Bo Bichette, and left-hander Framber Valdez as the top four.
In their annual new-year tradition, CBS Sports outlined speculative landing spots for these players and others, emphasizing multiple possible suitors for each. For Tucker, described as an All-Star good at everything but not elite in one area, the Blue Jays emerge as the cleanest fit, offering an upgrade over Nathan Lukes and insurance for Anthony Santander. Other links include the Yankees, Mets, and Dodgers. Prediction: Blue Jays.
Bregman, who missed nearly two months due to a strained quad but performed well enough with the Red Sox to opt out of his three-year contract, is projected to return to Boston amid inertia, though the Cubs, Tigers, Blue Jays, and Diamondbacks are also connected. His signing could trigger further moves. Prediction: Red Sox.
Bichette's market is on hold pending decisions by Tucker and Bregman; a Blue Jays-Tucker deal might block his return to Toronto, while Bregman losers could pivot to him. Low-confidence pick: Tigers, slotting him at shortstop.
Valdez, a durable contact manager averaging over 30 starts in four seasons but not a strikeout ace, fits the Orioles' pitching needs and his history with executive Mike Elias. Prediction: Orioles.
Cody Bellinger, thriving in Yankee Stadium last year, is seen re-signing with the Yankees, with Tucker as their fallback. Prediction: Yankees.
Other predictions include Ranger Suárez to the Diamondbacks, Tatsuya Imai to the Cubs, J.T. Realmuto to the Phillies, Eugenio Suárez (49 homers last season) to the Mariners, and Zac Gallen (career-worst 89 ERA+, rejected qualifying offer) to the Angels as a buy-low opportunity. These guesses underscore the interconnected nature of the market.
