MLB.com has released its annual list matching each of the 30 teams with a potential free agent signing ahead of the 2025-26 offseason. The exercise follows a Mad Libs-style format, suggesting one player per team from outside their current roster. It aims to connect dots in the market without predicting actual outcomes.
As the Winter Meetings approach, MLB's Hot Stove season heats up with speculation on free agent fits. This year's list adheres to two rules: players must come from other teams, and each appears only once across all clubs. Notable free agents like Robert Suarez, J.T. Realmuto, Chris Bassitt, and Lucas Giolito were excluded but remain in demand elsewhere.
The suggestions span positions and highlight team needs. In the American League East, the Blue Jays are linked to outfielder Kyle Tucker to bolster their lineup alongside Vladimir Guerrero Jr. The Orioles eye left-hander Framber Valdez for rotation depth, given his postseason experience. Tampa Bay Rays target Mike Yastrzemski for outfield production, while Boston Red Sox consider first baseman Pete Alonso's power after a season of 38 homers and 126 RBIs. New York Yankees are suggested to pursue shortstop Bo Bichette as a long-term infield solution.
Across the AL Central, Cleveland Guardians match with outfielder Austin Hays, who posted 15 homers and a .768 OPS in 2025. Kansas City Royals look to Harrison Bader for center field, impressed by his career-high 17 homers. Detroit Tigers revisit third baseman Alex Bregman, addressing their league-worst .628 OPS at the position. Minnesota Twins pair with first baseman Rhys Hoskins for right-handed power, and Chicago White Sox target outfielder Adolis García to revive his value.
In the AL West, Houston Astros seek lefty Ranger Suárez to replace potential departures, noting his 1.48 ERA in postseason starts. Los Angeles Angels consider right-hander Zac Gallen for innings-eating reliability. Oakland Athletics aim for reliever Luke Weaver to fill a bullpen gap, while Seattle Mariners eye Japanese third baseman Munetaka Murakami. Texas Rangers match with designated hitter Marcell Ozuna for offensive upgrade.
National League pairings include Atlanta Braves with reliever Brad Keller for versatility, Miami Marlins with closer Kyle Finnegan, and New York Mets with versatile Cody Bellinger. Philadelphia Phillies target outfielder Rob Refsnyder, and Washington Nationals consider Ryan O'Hearn's All-Star form. In the NL Central, Chicago Cubs link to starter Michael King, Cincinnati Reds to DH Kyle Schwarber from nearby Ohio, Milwaukee Brewers to reliever Devin Williams for a return, Pittsburgh Pirates to third baseman Eugenio Suárez's 49 homers, and St. Louis Cardinals to pitcher Tyler Mahle on a short-term deal.
For the NL West, Arizona Diamondbacks match with Japanese third baseman Kazuma Okamoto, Colorado Rockies with contact hitter Luis Arraez and his NL-leading 181 hits, Los Angeles Dodgers with closer Edwin Díaz, San Diego Padres with KBO standout Cody Ponce, and San Francisco Giants with Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai to rival the Dodgers.
This list sparks discussion on potential moves without guaranteeing signings, reflecting teams' offseason priorities like pitching, power, and defense.