The 2026 MLB season is fast approaching, and the free-agent market is still buzzing! We've already seen some big names like Tatsuya Imai and Kazuma Okamoto find new homes, but a treasure trove of talent remains available. With Spring Training just weeks away, let's dive into the top free agents still looking for a team, broken down into key categories. Buckle up, because there are some real game-changers here!
First up, the big bats and key players:
Bo Bichette: After a 2024 season marred by injuries, Bichette bounced back in 2025, hitting .311 with an impressive .840 OPS and 18 home runs. The Blue Jays have been linked to him, but their deal with Okamoto might change things. Could the Red Sox swoop in? Their pursuit might depend on whether they re-sign Bregman.
Alex Bregman: The Red Sox have reportedly made an aggressive offer to Bregman, who posted an .822 OPS and was praised for his leadership.
Tylor Valdez: Imai's signing likely signals the end of Valdez's time in Houston. Valdez has pitched a solid 767 2/3 innings since 2022, ranking second in the Majors. His 3.66 ERA last year was his worst in a qualified season, but he still induces a ton of ground balls.
Next, we have the starting pitchers:
Zac Gallen: Gallen's 734 innings since 2022 place him right behind Valdez for third-most in the league. While 2025 was a down year for the 2023 NL Cy Young Award finalist, he showed signs of his old self in the final two months, with a 3.32 ERA and a 3.95 FIP over his last 11 starts.
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Then, we have players who can bring a variety of skills:
J.T. Realmuto: Realmuto's bat was below league average for the first time in a decade in 2025. However, the 34-year-old catcher is still excellent at throwing out baserunners.
Jorge Soler: Soler is the best pure power bat left on the market, coming off a 49-homer season split between the D-backs and Mariners.
Harrison Bader: Bader stood out with the Phillies, hitting .305/.361/.463 in the final two months of 2025. His superb outfield defense is his calling card, recording 7 outs above average last year.
Veteran presence:
Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer: These three-time Cy Young Award winners proved they still have something left in the tank. Verlander, turning 43 in February, had a 3.85 ERA across 152 innings for the Giants. Scherzer, 41, had a 3.60 ERA through his first 11 starts for the Blue Jays and ended the year by starting Game 7 of the World Series.
Paul Goldschmidt: Goldschmidt was fantastic for the Yankees early in 2025, but his performance dipped later in the season. He still managed 10 home runs and is closing in on 400 for his career.
Andrew McCutchen: It seems like McCutchen's career will continue in Pittsburgh. The 39-year-old launched 13 homers and had a .700 OPS in 135 games last season.
Solid veterans:
Rich Hill, Wade Miley, and Jose Quintana: Each has a sub-4.00 ERA while throwing more than 300 innings since the beginning of 2024.
Michael Wacha: Wacha finished last season with a 3.96 ERA and has exceeded 170 innings in each of the previous four seasons.
Wild cards:
Walker Buehler: The 31-year-old isn't far removed from being a frontline hurler, but his 2025 season with Boston was so bad that he was released in August after recording a 5.45 ERA over 112 1/3 innings.
Jordan Montgomery: He missed all of last season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in April. He'll look to recapture the form that made him a postseason hero with the World Series champion Rangers in 2023.
Relief Pitchers:
Michael Kopech: Kopech was limited to only 11 innings with the Dodgers because of injuries.
David Robertson: Robertson produced a 4.08 ERA in his age-40 campaign with Texas last year. Next season would be his 18th in the big leagues.
But here's where it gets controversial... Which of these players do you think is the most valuable? Who's being underrated? Who will surprise us all? Let's discuss in the comments!
