The road to the 2026 World Series has already begun, with MLB teams exploring this year’s free-agent market in the hopes of putting together a championship roster. While trades and the draft matter, free agency is the quickest way to build a true contender in baseball.
According to MLB rules, players are officially eligible for free agency the day after the final out of the World Series. It’s been less than a month since the Dodgers beat the Blue Jays in an epic Game 7, and we’ve already seen a number of noteworthy signings across both leagues.
The Braves quickly re-signed closer Raisel Iglesias to a one-year, $16 million contract, while the Mariners made headlines by locking up 1B Josh Naylor to a five-year, $92.5 million deal with a full no-trade clause. The Blue Jays made the biggest splash so far, recently signing Dylan Cease on a seven-year, $210 million megadeal.
Turning our attention to the 2026 season, we’ve taken stock of this year’s entire free-agent class and put together a list of the best MLB players still available. From elite hitters to shutdown pitchers, there are still plenty of impact players remaining.
Whether you’re a bettor looking to stay ahead of the MLB futures market or you’re just a baseball fan killing time until spring training, this list will show you the top MLB free agents remaining.
Pete Alonso, 1B, age 30
The power-hitting first baseman opted out of his final year and remaining $24 million with the Mets to test the free-agent market. Alonso played in all 162 games for New York this season, hitting .272/.347/.524 with 38 home runs and 126 RBIs. He remains one of baseball’s premier free agents and one of the biggest names still up for grabs.
Bo Bichette, SS, age 27
Blue Jays fans may be sad to see him go, but Bo Bichette is another big name in this year’s free-agent class. With 175+ hits in four of the past five seasons, he’s quietly become one of the game’s most reliable hitters. While there’s some concern about his defensive play, Bichette should have no shortage of offers coming his way this offseason.
Tatsuya Imai, SP, 27
Already touted as the next great Japanese pitcher, Imai is making the jump to Major League Baseball in 2026. He throws in the mid-to-high 90s, complemented by a slider and change-up that have made him a strikeout machine. Following the success of guys like Ohtani and Yamamoto, don’t be surprised if we see a bidding war for Imai’s services this offseason.
Kyle Schwarber, OF, age 32
Already one of the most feared sluggers in the league, Schwarber exploded for the Phillies in 2025 with a career-best 56 home runs and 132 RBIs. After rejecting Philadelphia’s one-year, $22 million qualifying offer to test free agency, he’ll garner plenty of interest from contending teams looking to add a little power to the middle of their batting order.
Cody Bellinger, OF, age 30
Bellinger became yet another player to opt out of his current deal, forgoing a $25 million option with the Yankees in the process. The veteran outfielder was a versatile defensive player in 2025, while also producing solid numbers at the plate. For the right team, Bellinger could be one of the best free agent signings of the offseason.
Ranger Suarez, SP, age 30
After spending the first eight years of his MLB career with the Phillies, Suarez is testing the free agent waters this offseason. The Venezuelan earned his first All-Star nod in 2024 and went 7-3 with a 2.15 ERA in the first half of 2025 before struggling down the stretch. Nevertheless, Suarez is one of the more appealing left-handed starters available and would be a solid addition for a playoff-ready team.
Alex Bregman, 3B, age 31
Despite agreeing to a three-year, $120 million contract with the Red Sox just last year, Bregman has opted out and is once again a free agent. A two-time World Series champion with the Astros, Bregman brings veteran leadership and a high offensive floor. While his injury history remains a concern, most teams would be lucky to land a player of this caliber.
Michael King, SP, age 30
Ever since becoming a full-time starter with the Padres, King has proven he belongs in a Major League rotation. The 6’3” RHP keeps batters off balance with a variety of pitches, including a four-seamer, a sinker, a slider and a change-up. While his 2025 campaign was derailed by injury, he remains a great option for MLB teams seeking additional pitching depth without blowing their budget.
Kyle Tucker, OF, age 28
It’s not often that a young, talented, five-tool player hits the open market, but that’s exactly the case here. Tucker may be just 28 years old, but he’s already a Gold Glove winner, two-time Silver Slugger and four-time All-Star. Given his age and potential, Tucker will likely command a long-term contract and could end up landing one of the biggest free-agent deals of the offset.