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Who will drive the free-agent market? Top 30 names to watch

11:35 AM EST

Back in August, we took an early look at this year’s free-agent class, identifying 10 players who will likely draw plenty of attention this winter. Following the postseason, we expanded the list to 30, and we are tracking their destinations as they select teams for 2026.

Breaking down the biggest non-Skubal trade candidates

January 18, 2026

Earlier this week, we examined the potential trade market for Tarik Skubal, the clear headliner in next winter’s free-agent class. But Skubal isn’t the only impending free agent whose name will surface in trade talk in the coming weeks and months. Clubs could look to move players ahead of this

After Bichette's Mets deal, what's next for his top suitors?

January 16, 2026

In light of the surprising news of Bo Bichette reportedly agreeing to terms with the Mets, we asked MLB Insider Mark Feinsand to break down what this means for the rest of the free agent and trade market.

Where does Tucker deal leave Bichette, Bellinger, Blue Jays, Yankees, Mets?

January 16, 2026

On the heels of Kyle Tucker agreeing to a deal with the Dodgers, we asked MLB Insider Mark Feinsand to break down what it means for the teams that missed out on Tucker and the rest of the free-agent market.

The latest on Skubal's trade market as potential arb hearing looms

January 14, 2026

Tarik Skubal and the Tigers made big news last week when they were unable to settle on a contract for 2026, exchanging arbitration figures that showed a massive gap between the two sides.

Here's how Bregman's Cubs deal might ripple throughout market

January 11, 2026

On the heels of Alex Bregman agreeing to terms with the Cubs according to a source, we asked MLB Insider Mark Feinsand to examine the impact of this deal on the free-agent and trade markets.

3 takeaways from arbitration deadline

January 9, 2026

Eighteen players were unable to come to terms with their teams on a salary for 2026 prior to Thursday night’s deadline, and while all of them exchanged arbitration figures with their clubs, one stood out above the rest. Tarik Skubal, the two-time defending American League Cy Young Award winner, filed

What we know about Kyle Tucker's market, and what we should expect

January 7, 2026

From the moment free agency began in early November, Kyle Tucker has been the consensus No. 1 player on the market. So why is it that in the first week of January, he seems no closer to signing than he did two months ago? Tucker’s market has been relatively slow

Which teams might be emerging as front-runners in Bregman sweeps?

January 6, 2026

For Alex Bregman, this winter has been a case of déjà vu all over again. The third baseman has been seeking a new contract since he opted out of the final two years and $80 million of his deal with the Red Sox, hoping to land the long-term contract that

Where things stand with top 6 free agents

January 1, 2026

Tatsuya Imai became the first free agent to secure a deal in 2026, but there are some high-profile names still out there to be had. With Spring Training only six weeks away, here’s the latest on six available players who will have a huge impact on the 2026 season.

Free-agent dominos likely to begin falling with Imai heading to Houston

January 1, 2026

On the heels of Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai agreeing to a deal with the Astros, we asked MLB Insider Mark Feinsand to break down what it means for the rest of the free-agent market.

Feinsand: Explaining my 2026 Hall of Fame ballot

December 31, 2025

When my Hall of Fame ballot arrives each year, there are typically a first-time candidate or two that stand out as no-brainer votes. Last year, it was Ichiro Suzuki and CC Sabathia. In 2023, Adrian Beltre and Joe Mauer fell into that category for me. This year’s ballot didn’t have

Murakami questions: Why only a 2-year contract? More moves to come for White Sox?

December 21, 2025

With the news of Munetaka Murakami signing with the White Sox, we asked MLB insider Mark Feinsand to examine the contract and how the White Sox proceed from here. Murakami’s two-year, $34 million contract with the White Sox is significantly shorter with a lower average annual value than the one

With King returning to Padres, where does the pitching market stand?

December 19, 2025

The second domino of the high-end starting pitching market fell on Friday, when the Padres announced the re-signing of Michael King. Nearly three weeks after Dylan Cease agreed to a seven-year, $210 million deal with the Blue Jays, King returned to San Diego on a three-year, $75 million contract that

2025 postseason shares pool just shy of record-setting '24 total

December 18, 2025

For the second straight year, the Dodgers will receive a nice bonus to go with their World Series rings. Los Angeles’ 2025 postseason shares were worth $484,747.57 each, part of a total pool worth nearly $128.2 million. The total players’ pool -- which stems from factors such as games played,

Making sense of Murakami’s market as deadline looms

December 17, 2025

As the clock on Munetaka Murakami’s posting window continues to tick toward Monday’s 5 p.m. ET deadline, the market for the Japanese slugger had not started to crystalize as of this week. There hasn't been much concrete news on where his market stands or which clubs have the most interest

Bichette open to 2B? Plus: The latest on Bregman

December 17, 2025

When the offseason began, Bo Bichette was the consensus No. 1 choice among all available shortstops, setting him up for a potential bidding war between clubs in need at that position. As we head toward January, things have changed a bit. Namely the way Bichette is marketing himself. According to

Rumor mill roundup: Updates on every top free agent, trade candidate

December 16, 2025

We’ve seen a number of signings since the conclusion of last week’s Winter Meetings. But with fewer than 10 days remaining in the holiday shopping season, there are still plenty of deals to be made.

Here’s what we learned at the Winter Meetings

December 12, 2025

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Another Winter Meetings has come and gone, and while the first day of baseball’s premier offseason event was a quiet one, the last two days provided some serious fireworks that will help shape the 2026 season.

Effects of Alonso's O's deal on Mets, Red Sox and rest of free-agent market

December 10, 2025

ORLANDO, Fla. – In light of Pete Alonso reportedly coming to terms with the Orioles, we asked MLB Insider Mark Feinsand to break down what it means for the market. With Pete Alonso gone, everyone is assuming the Mets are going to make a big move on the free-agent market.

With Schwarber off the board, will Alonso steal the spotlight next?

December 10, 2025

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Kyle Schwarber's megadeal with the Phillies was the highlight of Day 2 of the 2025 Winter Meetings. Will Pete Alonso be the headliner as the meetings wrap up Wednesday? Schwarber’s five-year, $150 million deal with the Phillies took the biggest free-agent power bat off the board, leaving

What's next for Mets, Dodgers & more after Schwarber, Díaz deals

December 9, 2025

With the news of Kyle Schwarber returning to the Phillies and Edwin Díaz joining the Dodgers, we asked MLB insider Mark Feinsand to break down what this might mean for the rest of the market. 1) With the Mets losing Díaz after signing Devin Williams, do they pivot for another

A Schwarber deal (before Meetings end?) will get market moving in hurry

December 8, 2025

ORLANDO, Fla. -- As the first full day of the Winter Meetings came and went, the baseball world was still waiting for the first major free-agent domino of the week to fall. In the eyes of many executives, that domino is Kyle Schwarber.

The Winter Meetings are here! 5 key storylines to follow

December 7, 2025

The hot stove has been bubbling on a low simmer during the past month, with some notable signings and trades taking place in the early weeks of the offseason. Will it come to a full boil this week?

Top 5 starting pitchers available on free-agent market

December 4, 2025

This winter’s starting-pitching market got off to a strong start when Dylan Cease agreed to a seven-year, $210 million contract with the Blue Jays. That deal took a notable name off the board, but there are still some big-time arms available as teams get ready to head to Orlando, Fla.,