MLB · 2 months ago

MLB Free Agency: Projected Teams and Contracts for the Top 10 Players

Danny Mogollon

Host · Writer

Where Did the Top Pitchers Sign?
While many of the top starting pitchers remain on the market, most of the best reliever free agents, including what was a deep closer class, have already inked deals ahead of spring training.

2026 Top Free Agent Starting Pitchers

Dylan Cease --> Toronto Blue Jays
- Age in 2026: 30
- 2025 Stats: 32 GS, 168 IP, 4.55 ERA, 3.56 FIP, 1.33 WHIP, 11.52 K/9
Michael King, San Diego Padres (Re-Signed)
- Age in 2026: 31
- 2025 Stats: 15 GS, 73.1 IP, 3.44 ERA, 4.42 FIP, 1.20 WHIP, 9.33 K/9
Brandon Woodruff, Milwaukee Brewers (Re-Signed)
- Age in 2026: 33
- 2025 Stats: 12 GS, 64.2 IP, 3.20 ERA, 3.17 FIP, 0.91 WHIP, 11.55 K/9
2026 Top Free Agent Closers

Edwin Diaz --> Los Angeles Dodgers
- Age in 2026: 32
- 2025 Stats: 62 G, 66.1 IP, 1.63 ERA, 2.28 FIP, 0.87 WHIP, 13.30 K/9
Robert Suarez --> Atlanta Braves
- Age in 2026: 35
- 2025 Stats: 70 G, 69.2 IP, 2.97 ERA, 2.88 FIP, 0.90 WHIP, 9.69 K/9
Ryan Helsley --> Baltimore Orioles
- Age in 2026: 31
- 2025 Stats: 58 G, 56.0 IP, 4.50 ERA, 4.14 FIP, 1.54 WHIP, 10.13 K/9
Raisel Iglesias, Atlanta Braves (Re-Signed)
- Age in 2026: 30
- 2025 Stats: 29 GS, 67.1 IP, 3.21 ERA, 3.31 FIP, 1.00 WHIP, 9.76 K/9
Emilio Pagán, Cincinnati Reds (Re-Signed)
- Age in 2026: 35
- 2025 Stats: 70 GS, 68.2 IP, 2.88 ERA, 3.72 FIP, 0.92 WHIP, 10.62 K/9
Devin Williams --> New York Mets
- Age in 2026: 30
- 2025 Stats: 67 G, 62.0 IP, 4.79 ERA, 2.68 FIP, 1.13 WHIP, 13.06 K/9
2026 Top Free Agent Relievers (Right-Handed)

Luke Weaver --> New York Mets
- Age in 2026: 32
- 2025 Stats: 64 G, 64.2 IP, 3.62 ERA, 3.89 FIP, 1.02 WHIP, 10.02 K/9
- 2025 Salary: $2.5 million
Tyler Rogers --> Toronto Blue Jays
- Age in 2026: 35
- 2025 Stats: 81 G, 77.1 IP, 1.98 ERA, 2.88 FIP, 0.94 WHIP, 5.59 K/9
- 2025 Salary: $5.25 million
Seranthony Dominguez --> Chicago White Sox
- Age in 2026: 31
- 2025 Stats: 67 G, 62.2 IP, 3.16 ERA, 3.47 FIP, 1.28 WHIP, 11.35 K/9
2026 Top Free Agent Relievers (Left-Handed)

Taylor Rogers --> Minnesota Twins
- Age in 2026: 30
- 2025 Stats: 57 G, 50.2 IP, 3.38 ERA, 4.38 FIP, 1.38 WHIP, 9.41 K/9
- 2025 Salary: $12 million
Gregory Soto --> Pittsburgh Pirates
- Age in 2026: 31
- 2025 Stats: 70 GS, 60.1 IP, 4.18 ERA, 3.81 FIP, 1.43 WHIP, 10.44 K/9
- 2025 Salary: $5.35 million
Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis, and insights for this slideshow article.
1) Framber Valdez
Framber Valdez, SP
- Age in 2026: 32
- 2025 Stats: 31 GS, 192 P, 3.66 ERA, 3.38 FIP, 1.24 WHIP, 8.77 K/9
- Contract Prediction: Five-year, $160 million deal (AAV: $32M)
- Original Team Prediction: New York Mets
Our initial projection had Framber Valdez landing in Toronto, driven by the belief that the Blue Jays would make an aggressive push for a frontline starter. That instinct wasn’t wrong; Toronto did chase a top-of-the-rotation arm, but the target turned out to be Dylan Cease rather than Valdez.

The Blue Jays then went a step further by bolstering their rotation with the signing of Cody Ponce to a three-year, $30 million deal. With those moves in place, it’s safe to say Valdez is no longer a realistic fit in Toronto this offseason.

That leaves Valdez searching for a new landing spot, and one potential destination stands out in an even larger market: the New York Mets. New York has made it clear they are hunting for high-end pitching and could already be exploring the trade market, with names like Freddy Peralta and Joe Ryan reportedly in play.

If the Mets ultimately decide that free agency is the cleaner path, Valdez would make a ton of sense as a stabilizing presence atop the rotation. His ground-ball-heavy profile would be especially appealing pitching in front of an elite infield, anchored by the newly formed double-play duo of Francisco Lindor and Marcus Semien. That combination alone could help maximize Valdez’s value and make New York a strong fit.
2) Zac Gallen
Zac Gallen, SP
- Age in 2026: 30
- 2025 Stats: 33 GS, 192 IP, 4.83 ERA, 4.51 FIP, 1.26 WHIP, 8.20 K/9
- Contract Prediction: Two-year, $54 million deal (AAV: $27M), opt-out after 2026
- Team Prediction: Chicago Cubs
Zac Gallen and Dylan Cease share more than a few similarities. Both pitchers have finished as Cy Young finalists without ever taking home the award, both are entering their age-30 seasons, and both have established themselves as durable, high-end starters. They’re also represented by the same agent, Scott Boras. On paper, their free-agent profiles look remarkably alike.

That’s what makes the projected gap in their contracts so striking. While Cease is expected to command north of $200 million, Gallen’s market appears far more modest, barely clearing $50 million. That disparity reflects how teams are likely to view Boras’s two top pitching clients, rather than a pure talent comparison.

Cease is expected to draw aggressive bidding because of his raw stuff and perceived upside. Teams see an arm with ace-level swing-and-miss ability, and many pitching coaches believe they can unlock a Cy Young season. The underlying numbers support that optimism, as Cease posted a 3.46 expected ERA despite a 4.55 actual ERA. Given his recent bounce-back track record, clubs are likely to pay the ceiling.

Gallen’s market feels less certain. The expectation here is that Boras may push too hard early, forcing Gallen to pivot late in the offseason. A short-term “pillow contract” makes sense, similar to Pete Alonso’s deal last winter. A two-year, $54 million agreement with a player opt-out after year one would allow Gallen to reset his value while protecting against downside.

The Cubs stand out as a logical fit, needing another right-handed starter to balance an increasingly left-handed rotation.
4) Chris Bassitt
Chris Bassitt, SP
- Age in 2026: 37
- 2025 Stats: 32 G, 31 GS, 170.1 IP, 3.96 ERA, 4.01 FIP, 1.33 WHIP, 8.77 K/9
- Contract Prediction: One-year, $16 million
- Team Prediction: Detroit Tigers
Chris Bassitt is one of those rare pitchers who fit almost anywhere in Major League Baseball. Rebuilding teams can benefit from his veteran leadership and experience, as he guides a young rotation. At the same time, contending clubs can use him as a versatile arm, just as the Blue Jays did during their near-miss in the 2025 World Series.

Bassitt pitched 170.1 innings in the regular season for Toronto, consistently delivering quality starts. He then seamlessly transitioned into a bullpen role for the playoffs, emerging in the ALCS after initially being left off the roster. In 8.2 innings out of the bullpen, Bassitt allowed just three hits and one run while striking out ten and walking only two, demonstrating his adaptability and value in high-leverage situations.

Given his versatility, Bassitt can serve as a reliable starter, swingman, or bullpen weapon depending on a team’s needs. While he could fit on nearly any roster, the Detroit Tigers emerge as a logical landing spot. Beyond Tarik Skubal, the rotation is uncertain, with Casey Mize, Jack Flaherty, and Reese Olson offering upside but limited reliability. Bassitt would provide innings, stability, and leadership. With teams competing for his services, a one-year deal north of $15 million seems realistic, especially when compared to Merrill Kelly’s recent two-year, $40 million contract.
5) Nick Martinez
Nick Martinez, SP/RP
- Age in 2026: 35
- 2025 Stats: 40 G, 26 GS, 165.2 IP, 4.45 ERA, 4.33 FIP, 1.21 WHIP, 6.30 K/9
- Contract Prediction: Two-year, $24 million
- Team Prediction: Baltimore Orioles
Much of what applies to Chris Bassitt also applies to Nick Martinez. He’s two years younger and slightly less accomplished this past season. Still, Martinez has long been one of the best swingmen in baseball, seamlessly alternating between starting and relieving as needed.

In 2025, pitching on the qualifying offer, Martinez made 26 starts and 14 relief appearances, reaching over 40 games for the fourth consecutive season. His consistent ability to get outs in multiple roles makes him highly attractive on the free-agent market.

A one-year deal would likely net Martinez compensation similar to Bassitt’s, somewhere in the $14–16 million range. For our projection, we went with a two-year, $24 million deal, landing him with the Baltimore Orioles. Still, in reality, Martinez should command significantly more, whether through a one-year contract or a two-year arrangement with either a player option or a mutual option for the second year.

Martinez provides valuable flexibility for Baltimore, giving them a reliable innings-eater who can start or relieve as the rotation demands. His versatility, durability, and track record make him a logical fit for a team looking to strengthen its pitching depth while protecting younger rotation arms.
6) Marcell Ozuna
Marcell Ozuna, DH
- Age in 2026: 35
- 2025 Stats: 145 G, .232/.355/.400, 21 HR, 68 RBI, 114 wRC+, 1.2 fWAR
- Contract Prediction: One-year, $12 million
- Team Prediction: Washington Nationals
Marcell Ozuna would provide immediate lineup protection for James Wood, helping balance the Nationals’ offense during the first half of the season. He offers a proven bat and the ability to soak up at-bats, which is ideal for a team looking to stabilize its middle-of-the-order production. If Ozuna replicates his 2024 performance, he instantly becomes a valuable trade asset, giving Washington flexibility to pivot at the deadline.

Even if Ozuna struggles, the risk remains low. He can be moved to a bench role to accommodate younger players competing for playing time later in the season, while maintaining roster flexibility. This makes him a low-risk, high-upside addition, particularly for a team that has DH at-bats to allocate.

Ultimately, Ozuna’s experience, power potential, and versatility make him a strong short-term solution for a team needing a middle-of-the-order presence. A one-year deal allows the Nationals to benefit immediately while maintaining the ability to adjust if his performance falls short, making it a smart, low-cost move with meaningful upside.
7) Miguel Andujar
Miguel Andujar, 1B/3B/OF
- Age in 2026: 31
- 2025 Stats: 94 G, .318/.352/.470, 10 HR, 44 RBI, 125 wRC+, 1.1 fWAR
- Contract Prediction: Two-year, $14 million
- Team Prediction: Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates have taken an aggressive approach this offseason, positioning themselves as one of the more active buyers on the market. They’ve been connected to several top free-agent hitters and managed to land one with the signing of Ryan O’Hearn to a two-year, $29 million deal. That move followed the trade for Brandon Lowe, giving Pittsburgh two impactful left-handed bats to slot into the heart of the lineup.

With that foundation in place, the Pirates’ next need is clear: a right-handed hitter, ideally one capable of handling third base. That’s where Miguel Andújar enters the conversation.

While Andújar may not carry the star power of Kazuma Okamoto or the buzz surrounding Eugenio Suárez, he profiles as a practical and effective fit. Pittsburgh is already familiar with Andújar after having him in the organization in 2023, when he excelled at Triple-A and performed well during a brief MLB stint. After a solid season in Oakland, Andújar took another step forward in 2025, emerging as a key contributor down the stretch for Cincinnati with elite production in limited action.

Now entering his age-31 season, there’s reason to believe Andújar has unlocked a sustainable offensive gear, particularly against left-handed pitching. He would balance a lefty-heavy lineup while offering defensive flexibility across all four corner positions, making him a sensible and versatile addition for Pittsburgh.
8) Zack Littell
Zack Littell
- Age in 2026: 30
- 2025 Stats: 32 GS, 186.2 IP, 3.81 ERA, 4.88 FIP, 1.10 WHIP, 6.27 K/9
- Contract Prediction: Two-year, $20 million
- Team Prediction: Athletics
Seeing Zack Littell on this list speaks volumes about the season he just delivered. Pitching across two teams and in some of the league’s more hitter-friendly environments, Littell still managed to post a respectable 3.81 ERA. That came despite a spike in his home run rate, as his 1.74 HR/9 climbed nearly half a homer above his 2024 mark when Tampa Bay was still playing at Tropicana Field.

Durability was Littell’s calling card. He logged 186 2/3 innings over 32 starts, placing him among a small group of pitchers who reliably took the ball every fifth day. Only 13 starters reached the 185-inning threshold, and just 22 made at least 32 starts, underscoring the value of his consistency.

While Littell may lack the flash of some other free-agent arms, at 30 years old he profiles as a steady, dependable middle-of-the-rotation option. That reliability makes him an especially strong fit for the Athletics. Oakland’s lineup appears capable of competing, but the rotation remains thin and in need of innings-eaters. Littell offers exactly that, along with experience pitching in challenging environments, making him a practical and logical target for the A’s.
9) Jose Quintana
Jose Quintana
- Age in 2026: 37
- 2025 Stats: 24 GS, 131.2 P, 3.96 ERA, 4.81 FIP, 1.29 WHIP, 6.08 K/9
- Contract Prediction: One-year, $8 million
- Team Prediction: Pittsburgh Pirates
In New York, Jose Quintana’s first season was slowed by injury, but he returned to make 13 effective starts in 2023 before logging a full workload in 2024 with a 3.75 ERA. The left-hander continued to deliver in 2025, turning in a 3.96 ERA across 24 starts for the Brewers. Once again entering free agency late, Quintana may face similar market challenges as last offseason, when he settled for a one-year, $4.25 million deal that proved to be a bargain for Milwaukee.

Pittsburgh now has a rotation opening after trading Mike Burrows for Brandon Lowe. Quintana would be a sensible addition, offering stability and veteran leadership. At worst, he becomes a valuable deadline trade chip. At best, he helps anchor a young rotation with postseason aspirations.
10) Justin Verlander
Justin Verlander
- Age in 2026: 43
- 2025 Stats: 29 GS, 152 IP, 3.85 ERA, 3.85 FIP, 1.36 WHIP, 8.11 K/9
- Contract Prediction: One-year, $12 million ($6 million deferred)
- Team Prediction: Houston Astros
Everyone loves a reunion, and with Carlos Correa already back in familiar territory, why not give the old ace one more run? Justin Verlander may be in the twilight of his career, but he showed last season that he still has something left to offer.

At 42 years old, Verlander took the ball 29 times and logged 152 innings, no small feat at that stage of a pitching career. He has been open about wanting to pitch until age 45, driven in part by a pursuit of the game’s most exclusive milestones. Despite posting a solid 3.85 ERA over more than 150 innings in 2025, Verlander was saddled with just four wins while pitching for the Giants, a result more reflective of circumstance than performance.

That win total matters, because Verlander sits 34 victories shy of 300, a benchmark that may never be reached again by another pitcher. The math is daunting, just nine wins over the last two seasons and 22 over the past three, but a single strong year could quickly change the outlook.

While a nostalgic return to Detroit alongside Tarik Skubal would be appealing, the more compelling scenario is Verlander landing back in Houston. On a contending Astros club, a surprise 16-win season could put 300 back within reach with time still on the clock.
Best of the Rest
Max Scherzer
- Age in 2026: 41
- 2025 Stats: 17 GS, 85 IP, 5.19 ERA, 4.99 FIP, 1.29 WHIP, 8.68 K/9
- Contract Prediction: One-year, $10 million
- Team Prediction: Detroit Tigers
Max Scherzer’s season ended on a far stronger note than it began, offering a reminder that even at this stage of his career, he can still rise to the moment. During the Blue Jays’ postseason run to the World Series, Scherzer delivered flashes of his old dominance, posting a 3.77 ERA across three starts. That performance stood in stark contrast to the 5.19 ERA he recorded during the regular season and reinforced the idea that his value is highest when the stakes are at their peak.

As he prepares to enter his age-41 season, durability remains the biggest concern. Injuries have become a recurring obstacle, but when Scherzer is physically right and able to lean on his slider, he remains capable of missing bats and navigating tough lineups. More importantly, his ability to elevate his performance in big moments should make him an appealing option for any contender seeking veteran upside.

The Detroit Tigers stand out as an especially logical fit. They have a clear need for rotation depth and offer Scherzer a legitimate chance to compete immediately. A return to Detroit, where he won his first Cy Young Award, would be a compelling storyline, but beyond nostalgia, his leadership could be invaluable to a club pushing to capitalize during what may be the final year of Tarik Skubal’s current window.

See where Sherzer ranks ninth on Taylor Greenhut's (Just Baseball) list of top 10 available starting pitchers.
Where Did the Top Position Players Sign?
Most of the top players are already off the board, including 2025 All-Stars Kyle Tucker, Kyle Schwarber, Pete Alonso, Alex Bregman, Ryan O'Hearn, Gleyber Torres, and Eugenio Suárez.

Here's a position-by-position breakdown of where the top position players signed going into the 2026 season.

2026 Top Free Agent Catchers

J.T. Realmuto, Philadelphia Phillies (Re-Signed)
- Age in 2026: 35
- 2025 Stats: 134 G, .257/.315/.384, 12 HR, 52 RBI, 94 wRC+, 2.1 fWAR
2026 Top Free Agent First Basemen

Pete Alonso --> Baltimore Orioles
- Age in 2026: 31
- 2025 Stats: 162 G, .272/.347/.524, 38 HR, 126 RBI, 141 wRC+, 3.6 fWAR
Josh Naylor, Seattle Mariners (Re-Signed)
- Age in 2026: 29
- 2025 Stats: 147 G, .295/.353/.462, 20 HR, 92 RBI, 30 SB, 128 wRC+, 3.1 fWAR
Ryan O’Hearn --> Pittsburgh Pirates
- Age in 2026: 32
- 2025 Stats: 144 G, .281/.366/.437, 17 HR, 63 RBI, 3 SB, 127 wRC+, 3.0 fWAR
2026 Top Free Agent Second Basemen

Gleyber Torres, Detroit Tigers (Re-Signed)
- Age in 2026: 29
- 2025 Stats: 145 G, .256/.358/.387, 16 HR, 74 RBI, 113 wRC+, 2.6 fWAR
Jorge Polanco --> New York Mets
- Age in 2026: 32
- 2025 Stats: 138 G, .265/.326/.495, 26 HR, 78 RBI, 132 wRC+, 2.6 fWAR
2026 Top Free Agent Third Basemen

Alex Bregman --> Chicago Cubs
- Age in 2026: 32
- 2025 Stats: 114 G, .273/.360/.462, 18 HR, 62 RBI, 125 wRC+, 3.5 fWAR
Eugenio Suarez --> Cincinnati Reds
- Age in 2026: 34
- 2025 Stats: 159 G, .228/.298/.526, 49 HR, 118 RBI, 125 wRC+, 3.8 fWAR
2026 Top Free Agent Shortstops

Bo Bichette --> New York Mets
- Age in 2026: 28
- 2025 Stats: 139 G, .311/.357/.483, 18 HR, 94 RBI, 134 wRC+, 3.8 fWAR
2026 Top MLB Free Agent Corner Outfielders

Kyle Tucker --> Los Angeles Dodgers
- Age in 2026: 29
- 2025 Stats: 136 G, .266/.377/.464, 22 HR, 73 RBI, 25 SB, 136 wRC+, 4.5 fWAR
Cody Bellinger, New York Yankees (Re-Signed)
- Age in 2026: 30
- 2025 Stats: 152 G, .272/.334/.480, 29 HR, 98 RBI, 10 SB, 125 wRC+, 4.9 fWAR
2026 Top MLB Free Agent Center Fielders

Trent Grisham, New York Yankees (Re-Signed)
- Age in 2026: 29
- 2025 Stats: 143 G, .235/.348/.464, 34 HR, 74 RBI, 3 SB, 129 wRC+, 3.2 fWAR
Cedric Mullins --> Tampa Bay Rays
- Age in 2026: 31
- 2025 Stats: 133 G, .216/.299/.391, 17 HR, 59 RBI, 22 SB, 94 wRC+, 1.3 fWAR
Harrison Bader --> San Francisco Giants
- Age in 2026: 32
- 2025 Stats: 146 G, .277/.347/.449, 17 HR, 54 RBI, 11 SB, 122 wRC+, 3.2 fWAR
2026 Top MLB DH/OF Bats

Kyle Schwarber, Philadelphia Phillies (Re-Signed)
- Age in 2026: 33
- 2025 Stats: 162 G, .240/.365/.563, 56 HR, 132 RBI, 10 SB, 152 wRC+, 4.9 fWAR
Where Did the Top Pitchers Sign?
While many of the top starting pitchers remain on the market, most of the best reliever free agents, including what was a deep closer class, have already inked deals ahead of spring training.

2026 Top Free Agent Starting Pitchers

Dylan Cease --> Toronto Blue Jays
- Age in 2026: 30
- 2025 Stats: 32 GS, 168 IP, 4.55 ERA, 3.56 FIP, 1.33 WHIP, 11.52 K/9
Michael King, San Diego Padres (Re-Signed)
- Age in 2026: 31
- 2025 Stats: 15 GS, 73.1 IP, 3.44 ERA, 4.42 FIP, 1.20 WHIP, 9.33 K/9
Brandon Woodruff, Milwaukee Brewers (Re-Signed)
- Age in 2026: 33
- 2025 Stats: 12 GS, 64.2 IP, 3.20 ERA, 3.17 FIP, 0.91 WHIP, 11.55 K/9
2026 Top Free Agent Closers

Edwin Diaz --> Los Angeles Dodgers
- Age in 2026: 32
- 2025 Stats: 62 G, 66.1 IP, 1.63 ERA, 2.28 FIP, 0.87 WHIP, 13.30 K/9
Robert Suarez --> Atlanta Braves
- Age in 2026: 35
- 2025 Stats: 70 G, 69.2 IP, 2.97 ERA, 2.88 FIP, 0.90 WHIP, 9.69 K/9
Ryan Helsley --> Baltimore Orioles
- Age in 2026: 31
- 2025 Stats: 58 G, 56.0 IP, 4.50 ERA, 4.14 FIP, 1.54 WHIP, 10.13 K/9
Raisel Iglesias, Atlanta Braves (Re-Signed)
- Age in 2026: 30
- 2025 Stats: 29 GS, 67.1 IP, 3.21 ERA, 3.31 FIP, 1.00 WHIP, 9.76 K/9
Emilio Pagán, Cincinnati Reds (Re-Signed)
- Age in 2026: 35
- 2025 Stats: 70 GS, 68.2 IP, 2.88 ERA, 3.72 FIP, 0.92 WHIP, 10.62 K/9
Devin Williams --> New York Mets
- Age in 2026: 30
- 2025 Stats: 67 G, 62.0 IP, 4.79 ERA, 2.68 FIP, 1.13 WHIP, 13.06 K/9
2026 Top Free Agent Relievers (Right-Handed)

Luke Weaver --> New York Mets
- Age in 2026: 32
- 2025 Stats: 64 G, 64.2 IP, 3.62 ERA, 3.89 FIP, 1.02 WHIP, 10.02 K/9
- 2025 Salary: $2.5 million
Tyler Rogers --> Toronto Blue Jays
- Age in 2026: 35
- 2025 Stats: 81 G, 77.1 IP, 1.98 ERA, 2.88 FIP, 0.94 WHIP, 5.59 K/9
- 2025 Salary: $5.25 million
Seranthony Dominguez --> Chicago White Sox
- Age in 2026: 31
- 2025 Stats: 67 G, 62.2 IP, 3.16 ERA, 3.47 FIP, 1.28 WHIP, 11.35 K/9
2026 Top Free Agent Relievers (Left-Handed)

Taylor Rogers --> Minnesota Twins
- Age in 2026: 30
- 2025 Stats: 57 G, 50.2 IP, 3.38 ERA, 4.38 FIP, 1.38 WHIP, 9.41 K/9
- 2025 Salary: $12 million
Gregory Soto --> Pittsburgh Pirates
- Age in 2026: 31
- 2025 Stats: 70 GS, 60.1 IP, 4.18 ERA, 3.81 FIP, 1.43 WHIP, 10.44 K/9
- 2025 Salary: $5.35 million
Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis, and insights for this slideshow article.
1) Framber Valdez
Framber Valdez, SP
- Age in 2026: 32
- 2025 Stats: 31 GS, 192 P, 3.66 ERA, 3.38 FIP, 1.24 WHIP, 8.77 K/9
- Contract Prediction: Five-year, $160 million deal (AAV: $32M)
- Original Team Prediction: New York Mets
Our initial projection had Framber Valdez landing in Toronto, driven by the belief that the Blue Jays would make an aggressive push for a frontline starter. That instinct wasn’t wrong; Toronto did chase a top-of-the-rotation arm, but the target turned out to be Dylan Cease rather than Valdez.

The Blue Jays then went a step further by bolstering their rotation with the signing of Cody Ponce to a three-year, $30 million deal. With those moves in place, it’s safe to say Valdez is no longer a realistic fit in Toronto this offseason.

That leaves Valdez searching for a new landing spot, and one potential destination stands out in an even larger market: the New York Mets. New York has made it clear they are hunting for high-end pitching and could already be exploring the trade market, with names like Freddy Peralta and Joe Ryan reportedly in play.

If the Mets ultimately decide that free agency is the cleaner path, Valdez would make a ton of sense as a stabilizing presence atop the rotation. His ground-ball-heavy profile would be especially appealing pitching in front of an elite infield, anchored by the newly formed double-play duo of Francisco Lindor and Marcus Semien. That combination alone could help maximize Valdez’s value and make New York a strong fit.

‌

2026 Top Free Agent Starting Pitchers

Dylan Cease --> Toronto Blue Jays

Michael King, San Diego Padres (Re-Signed)

Brandon Woodruff, Milwaukee Brewers (Re-Signed)

2026 Top Free Agent Closers

Edwin Diaz --> Los Angeles Dodgers

Robert Suarez --> Atlanta Braves

Ryan Helsley --> Baltimore Orioles

Raisel Iglesias, Atlanta Braves (Re-Signed)

Emilio Pagán, Cincinnati Reds (Re-Signed)

Devin Williams --> New York Mets

2026 Top Free Agent Relievers (Right-Handed)

Luke Weaver --> New York Mets

Tyler Rogers --> Toronto Blue Jays

Seranthony Dominguez --> Chicago White Sox

2026 Top Free Agent Relievers (Left-Handed)

Taylor Rogers --> Minnesota Twins

Gregory Soto --> Pittsburgh Pirates

Framber Valdez, SP

Zac Gallen, SP

Chris Bassitt, SP

Nick Martinez, SP/RP

Marcell Ozuna, DH

Miguel Andujar, 1B/3B/OF

Zack Littell

Jose Quintana

Justin Verlander

Max Scherzer

2026 Top Free Agent Catchers

J.T. Realmuto, Philadelphia Phillies (Re-Signed)

2026 Top Free Agent First Basemen

Pete Alonso --> Baltimore Orioles

Josh Naylor, Seattle Mariners (Re-Signed)

Ryan O’Hearn --> Pittsburgh Pirates

2026 Top Free Agent Second Basemen

Gleyber Torres, Detroit Tigers (Re-Signed)

Jorge Polanco --> New York Mets

2026 Top Free Agent Third Basemen

Alex Bregman --> Chicago Cubs

Eugenio Suarez --> Cincinnati Reds

2026 Top Free Agent Shortstops

Bo Bichette --> New York Mets

2026 Top MLB Free Agent Corner Outfielders

Kyle Tucker --> Los Angeles Dodgers

Cody Bellinger, New York Yankees (Re-Signed)

2026 Top MLB Free Agent Center Fielders

Trent Grisham, New York Yankees (Re-Signed)

Cedric Mullins --> Tampa Bay Rays

Harrison Bader --> San Francisco Giants

2026 Top MLB DH/OF Bats

Kyle Schwarber, Philadelphia Phillies (Re-Signed)

2026 Top Free Agent Starting Pitchers

Dylan Cease --> Toronto Blue Jays

Michael King, San Diego Padres (Re-Signed)

Brandon Woodruff, Milwaukee Brewers (Re-Signed)

2026 Top Free Agent Closers

Edwin Diaz --> Los Angeles Dodgers

Robert Suarez --> Atlanta Braves

Ryan Helsley --> Baltimore Orioles

Raisel Iglesias, Atlanta Braves (Re-Signed)

Emilio Pagán, Cincinnati Reds (Re-Signed)

Devin Williams --> New York Mets

2026 Top Free Agent Relievers (Right-Handed)

Luke Weaver --> New York Mets

Tyler Rogers --> Toronto Blue Jays

Seranthony Dominguez --> Chicago White Sox

2026 Top Free Agent Relievers (Left-Handed)

Taylor Rogers --> Minnesota Twins

Gregory Soto --> Pittsburgh Pirates

Framber Valdez, SP

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