A comprehensive 5-tiered look at the free-agent class

Each year, we take a wide-angle look at the free-agent class as a whole, grouping players together in tiers rather than simply ranking them in order.

In both 2023 and 2024, those tiers were led by a one-man group -- Shohei Ohtani two years ago and Juan Soto last offseason. This year, the top tier of free agents doesn’t include a player of Ohtani or Soto’s caliber, but the group is far deeper, giving clubs more options to consider.

Below is a list of 138 available players and where they rank in the hierarchy of this year’s free-agent crop. Players are listed alphabetically by tier, and ages listed are their 2026 seasonal age.

Tier 1

Pete Alonso, 1B, age 31

After opting out of the final year and $24 million of his deal with the Mets, Alonso will test free agency for the second straight year. He bounced back with a big 2025, hitting 38 home runs with 126 RBIs and an .871 OPS in 162 games, and with no qualifying offer attached to him this year, his market should widen.

Cody Bellinger, OF/1B, age 30

Like Alonso, Bellinger returns to the free-agent market -- his third time in the past four offseasons -- in search of the long-term deal that has eluded him. The versatile slugger thrived in his first year with the Yankees, hitting 29 home runs with 98 RBIs and an .813 OPS in 152 games.

Bo Bichette, SS, age 28

Bichette rebounded from an injury-riddled 2024, hitting 18 homers with 94 RBIs and an .840 OPS in 139 games before a knee injury ended his season in September. He returned for the World Series, slashing .348/.444/.478 with one homer and six RBIs in the seven-game classic. Some teams may view him as a long-term second baseman, but he’s the best middle-infield option on the market.

Alex Bregman, 3B, age 32

Bregman is on the free-agent market for a second straight year -- this time without the weight of a qualifying offer -- after opting out of the final two years and $80 million ($40 million of which was deferred) with the Red Sox. Injuries limited Bregman to only 114 games this season, but he hit well in those games, posting an .821 OPS with 18 homers.

Dylan Cease, RHP, age 30

Cease didn’t have a strong platform season (8-12, 4.55 in 32 starts), but his peripherals -- he ranked high in velocity, whiff percentage and strikeout percentage -- were encouraging. Cease remains one of the most durable starters in the game -- he posted his fifth straight season with at least 32 starts and 200-plus strikeouts -- and will be in high demand.

Tatsuya Imai, RHP, age 28

The Japanese ace has been posted by the Seibu Lions after pitching to a 1.92 ERA over 163 2/3 innings, capping a four-year stretch that saw him post a 2.21 ERA. The righty throws in the mid-90s and features a six-pitch arsenal and is projected by many as a No. 2-3 starter in the Majors.

Michael King, RHP, age 31

King has been terrific since making a full-time move to the starter role, posting a 2.92 ERA in his two seasons in the Padres’ rotation. Injuries limited him to 15 starts last season, but he should have multiple teams interested.

Kyle Schwarber, DH/OF, age 33

The best pure power hitter on the market, Schwarber led the NL with 56 home runs and 132 RBIs in 2025. His age could impact the length of the deal, but a number of teams will want his impact bat in their lineup.

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Ranger Suárez, LHP, age 30

Súarez has posted a 3.59 ERA in four full seasons as a starter, though he’s averaged only 147 innings per year. He made his first All-Star team in 2024 and went 7-3 with a 2.15 ERA in the first half of 2025, but he struggled at times after the break (4.40 ERA) but is viewed as a solid No. 2 starter.

Kyle Tucker, OF, age 29

The consensus No. 1 player on the market, Tucker has been the model of consistency over the past five years, registering an fWAR between 4.2 and 4.9 in each season. Tucker hit 17 home runs with 52 RBIs, 20 stolen bases and a .931 OPS through June, but a hand injury might have contributed to his second-half regression.

Framber Valdez, LHP, age 32

Valdez’s history as a workhorse -- he’s averaged 192 innings over the past four seasons -- will make him attractive to pitching-needy clubs. On the other side, he’s the oldest of the top available starters, he struggled down the stretch in 2025, and then there’s the highly publicized cross-up incident. Based on the track record, he’ll make almost any rotation significantly better.

Tier 2

Edwin Díaz, RHP, age 32

Díaz set a record for the biggest contract for a reliever when he signed for five years and $102 million with the Mets three years ago. After another strong season in 2025 (1.63 ERA, 98 strikeouts in 66 1/3 innings), Díaz opted out of the final two years and returns once again as the top reliever on the market.

Zac Gallen, RHP, age 30

Gallen posted a career-high 4.83 ERA in 192 innings last season, but he was one of the most consistent starters in the league from 2020-2024, pitching to a 3.34 ERA over 128 starts.

Merrill Kelly, RHP, age 37

Kelly owns a 3.47 ERA in 108 starts since the beginning of 2022, including a 3.52 ERA for the Diamondbacks and Rangers last season. Even as he enters his late-30s, Kelly ranked 14th in the Majors with 184 innings pitched.

Munetaka Murakami, 1B/3B age 26

One of Japan’s premier power bats, Murakami owns the single-season record for home runs by a Japanese-born player with 56 in 2022. There are questions about his defense and eye-popping strikeout numbers, but his power makes him an intriguing free agent.

Kazuma Okamoto, INF, age 29

Okamoto has 248 career home runs in 11 seasons in Japan, slugging 30 or more homers in six straight seasons from 2018-2023. He can play either corner infield spot, but his bat is his top selling point.

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Jorge Polanco, 2B, age 32

Polanco posted his best overall season since 2021, hitting 26 home runs with 78 RBIs and an .821 OPS, while his big postseason helped Seattle get to the ALCS. He declined a $6 million option and will be seeking a multi-year deal.

J.T. Realmuto, C, age 35

The only true starting catcher on the free-agent market, Realmuto’s ability to control the running game remains elite (95th percentile in CS Above Average and 99th percentile in Pop Time) though his bat isn’t what it was a few years ago.

Eugenio Suárez, 3B, age 34

Suárez had his best season since 2019, belting 49 home runs with 118 RBIs and a .824 OPS for the Diamondbacks and Mariners. Suárez should be a solid option for teams seeking power that don’t want to spend on top sluggers like Alonso and Schwarber.

Robert Suarez, RHP, age 35

An All-Star in each of the past two seasons, Suarez declined a pair of $8 million options for 2026-2027. The right-hander has posted consecutive seasons with a sub-3.00 ERA, while his 98.6 mph fastball ranked in the 97th percentile this season.

Tier 3

Luis Arráez, 1B, age 29

Arráez hit .292 in 2025 -- only the second time in his career he’s been below .300 -- though he still led the National League with 181 hits and ranked in the 100th percentile in whiff percentage and strikeout rate.

Harrison Bader, OF, age 32

Bader posted solid numbers with the Twins and Phillies in 2025, hitting 17 home runs with 54 RBIs and a .796 OPS in 146 games. He continues to be one of the better center fielders in the league, ranking in the 92nd percentile with 7 Outs Above Average.

Chris Bassitt, RHP, age 37

Bassitt has been a durable innings-eater in his mid-30s, topping the 170-inning mark in each of his past four seasons. He isn’t a big strikeout guy (22.6%), but he induces weak contact with his sinker-cutter-curveball mix, ranking in the top 20 percent in average exit velocity and hard-hit percentage.

Pete Fairbanks, RHP, age 32

Fairbanks became a free agent when the Rays declined his $11 million option for 2026, and despite the abundance of closers on the market, the right-hander should find plenty of suitors. Since becoming the closer in 2023, Fairbanks has 75 saves and a 2.98 ERA, striking out more than one batter per inning.

Lucas Giolito, RHP, age 31

Giolito looked solid in his return from Tommy John surgery, going 10-4 with a 3.41 ERA in 26 starts for the Red Sox. He had some elbow issues at the end of the season that will surely cause teams to study his medicals closely, but he will be a solid rotation option.

Ryan Helsley, RHP, age 31

Helsley had established himself as one of the better relievers in the game before a nightmarish two-month stint with the Mets that saw him post a 7.20 ERA in 22 appearances. The two-time All-Star had a 1.83 ERA in his three seasons prior to his trade to the Mets, converting 82 saves in 95 opportunities.

Brad Keller, RHP, age 30

Keller had an outstanding season in the Cubs’ bullpen, pitching to a 2.07 ERA over 68 appearances. He excels at inducing soft contact – he ranked in the 99th percentile in hard-hit percentage and the 95th percentile in ground ball rate – and he could be a candidate to move from the bullpen back into a rotation.

Ha-Seong Kim, SS, age 30

Injuries limited Kim to only 48 games for the Rays and Braves in 2025, potentially sending him to the free-agent market in search of a one-year deal to reestablish his value. In 2024, Kim ranked among the top 10 percent of the league in chase percentage, whiff percentage and walk rate, registering 4 Outs Above Average to place in the 84th percentile.

Zack Littell, RHP, age 30

Littell had a steady season with the Rays and Reds, posting a 3.81 ERA in 32 starts while throwing a career-high 186 2/3 innings. Littell doesn’t hurt himself with walks, ranking in the 98th percentile in walk percentage (4.2%) in 2025.

Tyler Mahle, RHP, age 31

Mahle was having a great season when a rotator cuff strain sent him to the injured list for three months. Still, he 6-4 with a 2.18 ERA in 16 starts, though he only thrown more than 129 2/3 innings once in his career, reaching a career-high 180 frames in 2021.

Ryan O’Hearn, 1B/OF/DH, age 32

O’Hearn had a breakout first half, making his first All-Star team after slashing .286/.382/.458 with the Orioles. A midseason trade sent him to San Diego, where he posted a .736 OPS in 50 games. He won’t produce like Alonso or Schwarber, but O’Hearn could be a good low-cost alternative.

Emilio Pagán, RHP, age 35

Pagán had his best season since 2021, posting a 2.88 ERA with 32 saves while taking the closer’s job in Cincinnati. He ranked near the top of the league in strikeout percentage (30%) and chase rate (32.6%) and should have multiple teams bidding for his services.

Cody Ponce, RHP, age 32

Ponce’s success in Korea – he had a 1.89 ERA in 180 2/3 innings in 2025 – should make him an appealing possibility for Major League clubs looking for ways to improve their rotation without spending on the market’s big fish. Executives believe Ponce looks like a different pitcher than the one who had a 5.86 ERA in 20 appearances with the Pirates in 2020-2021.

Tyler Rogers, RHP, age 35

Rogers led the NL in appearances with 81 in 2025, the fourth time since 2020 he has topped that list. He posted a 1.98 ERA with the Giants and Mets, and even in a relief-heavy market, he should generate significant interest, as he ranked at or near the top of the league in walk percentage, barrel percentage, hard-hit percentage and ground ball percentage.

Justin Verlander, RHP, age 43

It looked like Verlander might be on his way out after he opened 2025 with an 0-8 record and 4.99 ERA in his first 16 starts last season. But the sure Hall of Famer went 4-3 with a 2.60 ERA over his final 13 outings, so while he may not be what he was in his prime, Verlander can definitely still contribute to a rotation.

Luke Weaver, RHP, age 32

Weaver was having a standout platform season (1.05 ERA in his first two months) before a hamstring injury sidelined him for three weeks. He was inconsistent after his return, posting a 5.31 ERA over his final 40 appearances. He could get a look as a closer or setup man depending on the team, though a return to starting isn’t out of the question.

Devin Williams, RHP, age 31

Williams had his ups and downs during his only year with the Yankees, but he was one of the most consistent relievers in the game from 2020-2024. If a long-term deal evades him, Williams could look for a one-year deal to reestablish his value, then give free agency another whirl next winter.

Tier 4

Tyler Anderson, LHP, age 36
Shawn Armstrong, RHP, age 35
Walker Buehler, RHP, age 31
Willi Castro, INF/OF, age 29
Aaron Civale, RHP, age 31
Patrick Corbin, LHP, age 36
Nestor Cortes, LHP, age 31
Danny Coulombe, LHP, age 36
Zach Eflin, RHP, age 32
Erick Fedde, RHP, age 33
Kyle Finnegan, RHP, age 34
Paul Goldschmidt, 1B, age 38
Randal Grichuk, OF, age 34
Foster Griffin, LHP, age 30
Hunter Harvey, RHP, age 31
Andrew Heaney, LHP, age 35
Rhys Hoskins, 1B, age 33
Adrian Houser, RHP, age 33
Kenley Jansen, RHP, age 38
Jakob Junis, RHP, age 33
Max Kepler, OF, age 33
Isiah Kiner-Falefa, INF, age 31
Michael Lorenzen, RHP, age 34
Nick Martinez, RHP, age 35
Miles Mikolas, RHP, age 37
Marcell Ozuna, DH, age 35
Starling Marte, OF, age 37
Chris Martin, RHP, age 40
Phil Maton, RHP, age 33
Steven Matz, LHP, age 35
Hoby Milner, LHP, age 35
Cedric Mullins, OF, age 31
Sean Newcomb, LHP, age 33
Chris Paddack, RHP, age 30
Jose Quintana, LHP, age 37
Rob Refsnyder, OF/DH, age 35
David Robertson, RHP, age 41
Miguel Rojas, INF, age 37
Carlos Santana, 1B/DH, age 40
Gregory Soto, LHP, age 31
Kona Takahashi, RHP, age 29
Caleb Thielbar, LHP, age 39
Mike Yastrzemski, OF, age 35

Tier 5

Tyler Alexander, LHP, age 31
Miguel Andujar, INF/OF, age 31
Jalen Beeks, LHP, age 32
Josh Bell, 1B/DH, age 33
Paul Blackburn, RHP, age 32
Ryan Brasier, RHP, age 38
JT Brubaker, RHP, age 32
Mark Canha, 1B/OF, age 37
Griffin Canning, RHP, age 30
Victor Caratini, C, age 32
Andrew Chafin, LHP, age 36
Alex Cobb, RHP, age 38
Michael Conforto, OF, age 33
Paul DeJong, INF, age 32
Seranthony Domínguez, RHP, age 31
Caleb Ferguson, LHP, age 29
Chris Flexen, RHP, age 31
Luis García, RHP, age 39
Austin Gomber, LHP, age 32
Tony Gonsolin, RHP, age 32
Jon Gray, RHP, age 34
Austin Hays, OF, age 30
Kiké Hernández, INF/OF, age 34
Jason Heyward, OF, age 36
Jose Iglesias, INF, age 36
Danny Jansen, C, age 31
Pierce Johnson, RHP, age 35
Anthony Kay, LHP, age 31
Tyler Kinley, RHP, age 35
Derek Law, RHP, age 35
José Leclerc, RHP, age 32
Kenta Maeda, RHP, age 38
Germán Márquez, RHP, age 31
Dustin May, RHP, age 28
Andrew McCutchen, OF/DH, age 39
John Means, LHP, age 33
Wade Miley, LHP, age 39
Yoán Moncada, INF, age 31
Jordan Montgomery, LHP, age 33
Dylan Moore, INF/OF, age 33
Martín Pérez, LHP, age 35
Tommy Pham, OF, age 38
Drew Pomeranz, LHP, age 37
Cal Quantrill, RHP, age 31
Luis Rengifo, INF, age 29
Amed Rosario, INF/OF, age 30
Joe Ross, RHP, age 33
Max Scherzer, RHP, age 41
Dominic Smith, 1B/OF, age 30
Donovan Solano, INF, age 38
Michael Soroka, RHP, age 28
Marcus Stroman, RHP, age 35
Tomoyuki Sugano, RHP, age 36
Lane Thomas, OF, age 30
Justin Turner, INF/DH, age 41
Justin Wilson, LHP, age 38
Jesse Winker, OF, age 32
Kirby Yates, RHP, age 39