The 2025-26 MLB offseason is here, and the hot stove is starting to heat up. After a slow first day of the Winter Meetings, Kyle Schwarber kicked things off Tuesday by agreeing to a five-year, $150 million contract to return to the Phillies. Edwin Díaz, meanwhile, is joining the World Series-champion Dodgers and slugger Pete Alonso is headed to the Orioles for five years and $155 million.
Earlier this winter, right-hander Dylan Cease agreed to a seven-year, $210 million deal with the Blue Jays on Thanksgiving Eve. It’s tied for the fourth-largest deal in terms of total money among active pitchers, and is a big boost for the reigning AL champs.
While there’s no Aaron Judge or Juan Soto on the market this winter, there’s plenty of top talent still available. Kyle Tucker, a four-time All-Star who will turn 29 in January, leads the list, and though his second half left much to be desired, he could be a huge asset for any team. Alex Bregman was left on the market until late last winter but he showed no ill effects, putting up a 128 OPS+. On the pitching side, Framber Valdez and Ranger Suárez could frontline almost any rotation.
Josh Naylor became the first notable hitter to ink a new deal this offseason, heading back to Seattle in the winter’s first major free agency deal. He’s re-signing with the Mariners on a five-year, $92.5 million deal. The American League pennant-winning Toronto Blue Jays, meanwhile, brought Dylan Cease north of the border on a massive seven-year, $210 million contract, while the Mets signed closer Devin Williams after a disappointing 2025 season with the crosstown Yankees.
A record four players — Brandon Woodruff (Brewers), Shota Imanaga (Cubs), Gleyber Torres (Tigers) and Trent Grisham (Yankees) — accepted the qualifying offer and are returning to their respective teams for 2026.
Ranking top 50 MLB free agents for 2026: Kyle Tucker, Alex Bregman at top, plus landing spots for every player
R.J. Anderson
Our top 50 free agent rankings include write-ups on every player. CBS Sports will be keeping track of where they land below.
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