Illustration of top MLB free agents Kyle Tucker and Alex Bregman in action, highlighting their WAR rankings for the 2025-2026 class.
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MLB 2025-2026 free agent class ranked by WAR

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Major League Baseball's 2025-2026 free agent class features prominent players across positions, ranked by their FanGraphs WAR from the 2024-2025 seasons. Top names include right fielder Kyle Tucker at 8.7 WAR and third baseman Alex Bregman at 7.7 WAR. Early offseason moves include several signings and retirements as teams prepare for the hot stove period.

The 2025-2026 MLB free agency period highlights a deep class of talent, with players grouped by position and evaluated based on their performance metrics. Catchers lead with J.T. Realmuto at 4.0 WAR (age 35 in 2026), followed by Victor Caratini (2.7 WAR, age 32). First basemen feature Pete Alonso (5.6 WAR, age 31) and Josh Naylor (5.4 WAR, age 29), who signed a five-year deal with the Seattle Mariners on November 17. Other notable first basemen include Ryan O'Hearn (4.6 WAR) and Carlos Santana (3.2 WAR, age 40).

At third base, Alex Bregman tops the list with 7.7 WAR (age 32), closely followed by Eugenio Suárez at 7.6 WAR (age 34). Outfielders like Kyle Tucker (8.7 WAR, right field, age 29) and Cody Bellinger (7.0 WAR, center field, age 30) stand out, with Tucker declining a qualifying offer. Designated hitters include Kyle Schwarber (8.3 WAR, age 33), also declining his qualifying offer.

Starting pitchers are headlined by Dylan Cease (8.1 WAR, age 30), Framber Valdez (7.7 WAR, age 32), and Ranger Suárez (7.5 WAR, age 30), all declining qualifying offers. Relief pitchers feature Edwin Díaz (3.1 WAR, age 32) and Raisel Iglesias (2.6 WAR, age 36).

Early transactions include Leody Taveras signing a one-year deal with the Baltimore Orioles on November 6, and retirements by catcher Martín Maldonado and pitcher Kyle Hendricks. Posted international players like Munetaka Murakami (third base) and Kazuma Okamoto (first base) add intrigue. Qualifying offer deadlines passed on November 18 at 4 p.m. ET, shaping the market for top talents.

What people are saying

Discussions on X highlight excitement for the deep 2025-2026 MLB free agent class, with Kyle Tucker and Alex Bregman frequently ranked at the top by WAR and projected for massive contracts exceeding $300 million. Fans and analysts predict team fits like the Dodgers or Yankees for Tucker, while some express skepticism about overinflated projections for players like Trent Grisham. Neutral lists from journalists emphasize the class's positional diversity, and regular users debate potential signings amid early offseason moves.

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Houston Astros' Kyle Tucker on a baseball field with Las Vegas skyline, representing MLB offseason free agency buzz.
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MLB offseason kicks off with Kyle Tucker as top free agent

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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 MLB free-agent market remains active into mid-January, several lesser-known players could provide significant contributions next season. MLB.com writers highlight five unsigned talents outside the top 30 free agents who might exceed expectations. These selections focus on pitchers and position players with proven skills and recent improvements.

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As the 2026 MLB season begins, several prominent players face crucial contract years that could shape their free-agent futures. Standouts include pitchers like Tarik Skubal and Chris Sale, alongside position players such as Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Trent Grisham, all aiming to build on recent performances.

The New York Mets' hopes of signing top free agents Alex Bregman and Bo Bichette have dimmed as negotiations stall over contract length. With a payroll already at $277.3 million, the Mets appear reluctant to commit to the multi-year deals sought by the right-handed hitters. Meanwhile, the broader MLB free agency market has seen several high-profile signings, leaving Tucker as the top unsigned prize.

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As spring training nears, MLB teams are shifting focus to securing long-term deals with key players. A new analysis highlights 10 candidates who could forgo free agency and ink extensions before Opening Day, including recent trade acquisitions and top prospects.

Major League Baseball teams non-tendered 66 players at Friday's 5 p.m. ET deadline, making them free agents for the 2026 season. Among the most prominent are Texas Rangers outfielder Adolis García and catcher Jonah Heim, key figures from the 2023 World Series champions. Other notable additions to the free-agent pool include Boston Red Sox first baseman Nathaniel Lowe and Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Evan Phillips.

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The Toronto Blue Jays are the frontrunners to sign star outfielder Kyle Tucker in free agency, according to reports. Tucker, who recently visited the team's spring training facility, is expected to command a major contract after a solid 2025 season with the Chicago Cubs. While the Los Angeles Dodgers are also seen as a strong fit, the market remains quiet as the 2026 season nears.

 

 

 

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