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.