As the MLB free agency period for 2025-26 heats up, USA TODAY Sports writers offer predictions on where top players like Kyle Tucker will sign. Tucker, who played for the Cubs in 2025, is expected to command over $400 million. Other stars including Bo Bichette and Alex Bregman are also in the mix.
The MLB hot stove season for the winter of 2025-26 is underway, with speculation surrounding the best free agents available. Outfielder Kyle Tucker, coming off a 2025 season with the Cubs, tops the list and could secure a contract exceeding $400 million. All-Stars like shortstop Bo Bichette of the Blue Jays, third baseman Alex Bregman of the Red Sox, first baseman Pete Alonso of the Mets, and left-hander Framber Valdez of the Astros are also on the market.
USA TODAY Sports' MLB writers—Bob Nightengale, Gabe Lacques, and Jesse Yomtov—shared their predictions for these players' next teams:
Kyle Tucker, OF, Cubs
- Bob Nightengale: Blue Jays
- Gabe Lacques: Yankees
- Jesse Yomtov: Dodgers
Bo Bichette, SS, Blue Jays
- Nightengale: Atlanta
- Lacques: Blue Jays
- Yomtov: Blue Jays
Alex Bregman, 3B, Red Sox
- Nightengale: Red Sox
- Lacques: Cubs
- Yomtov: Red Sox
Framber Valdez, LHP, Astros
- Nightengale: Blue Jays
- Lacques: Giants
- Yomtov: Orioles
Pete Alonso, 1B, Mets
- Lacques: Mets
- Yomtov: Mets
For other notables:
- Cody Bellinger, OF/1B, Yankees: Nightengale predicts Yankees; Lacques, Diamondbacks; Yomtov, Giants.
- Kyle Schwarber, DH, Phillies: All three predict Phillies.
- Dylan Cease, RHP, Padres: Lacques predicts Orioles.
- Zac Gallen, RHP, Diamondbacks: Nightengale predicts Mets.
- Edwin Diaz, RHP, Mets: Lacques predicts Dodgers.
- Ranger Suarez, LHP, Phillies: Nightengale and Yomtov predict Cubs; Lacques, Tigers.
These forecasts highlight potential moves that could reshape rosters across the league.