In an offseason that was bound to feature no once-in-a-lifetime talents or future Hall of Famers as free agents, but rather a collection of solid impact players, the proverbial hot stove period has turned into a slow burn so far. Following a thrilling World Series but also the dark cloud of a potential work stoppage after the 2026 season, most teams have chosen a tempered approach towards transactions, as everything needs to be considered before breaking the bank or mortgaging the future.
This is not to say that there have not been some interesting signings, including Pete Alonso taking his talents to Baltimore, Josh Naylor re-upping in Seattle, Kyle Schwarber cementing his legend status in Philly, the Dodgers adding a franchise closer in Edwin Diaz, and a new wave of NPB imports, and the Blue Jays are flexing their newfound financial muscles after coming oh so close to a championship. However, these notable moves have almost been matched by the lack of action around several notable free agents eager to find a new home.
With about six weeks before Spring Training comes into focus, the usual flurry of journeymen and reclamation projects are still looking for an opportunity to crack a Major League roster, but today we will focus on the cream of the crop – the players who are still projected to land multi-year deals worth tens or hundreds of millions, bound to impact playoff races in 2026 and for the rest of the decade (at least). They may be coveted by many franchises, but there is always one that becomes the best fit for factors that go well beyond simple money.
Chris Bassitt – Starting Pitcher
Okay, so this is kind of a cheat, as Bassitt is not even remotely close to being a household name or a top free agent in this market. However, he is a personal favorite of mine as a perennially underrated dependable starter – the kind of unassuming pitcher that can make a difference at the right price. In a group of middling veterans that includes the likes of Jose Quintana, Walker Buehler, and Jordan Montgomery, Bassitt adds a layer of consistency and reliability that is hard to find. Having made at least 27 starts in every full season since 2019, and coming off a solid World Series performance (albeit as a reliever), the righty is the perfect profile for a team that is willing to bet on his experience and veteran presence, even as he enters 2026 at age 37.
His age may limit him to a two or three-year deal worth around $15 million per season, with no pressure of being the ace but rather the right complement for an up-and-coming rotation. This limits his market to teams aiming to make the jump towards contention, but that should still provide plenty of suitors.
Best Fit: San Francisco Giants / Honorable Mentions: Baltimore Orioles, Cincinnati Reds
Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer – Starting Pitchers
In another case of veteran pitchers that will not command a hefty commitment, both Verlander and Scherzer deserve a shoutout for both their history in the league and their potential impact in 2026. Following the retirement of Clayton Kershaw, this pair of 40-somethings will seek for their next opportunity as the league’s elder statesmen, most likely signing one-year deals for a team that can benefit from their experience without any drawback should they be injured or ineffective. This was evident for Scherzer, who even started Game 7 of the World Series following an inconsistent season, but Verlander also had a strong second half despite the lack of run support that limited him to only four wins for the Giants on his quest towards 300 (he sits at 266 now). Expect contenders to check in on them as Spring Training approaches, and don’t be surprised when they are making critical starts during the playoff race.
Best Fits: Toronto Blue Jays, Detroit Tigers, San Diego Padres / Honorable Mentions: Houston Astros
Cody Bellinger – Left Field/First Base
If there is a reason to have faith in Cody Bellinger is his career-long familiarity with the limelight. Having played exclusively for marquee franchises like the Dodgers, Cubs, and Yankees, nothing should faze the former MVP as he approaches the next chapter of his career at age 30. After posting the best season since his MVP year, Bellinger’s name has been floated around through the offseason only at the top of the market, with deep-pocketed contenders fighting for his services. At the same time, his lack of signing may be a consequence of those same teams waiting for Kyle Tucker’s destination before making a decision. Bellinger may be more versatile in terms of defense and projects gracefully as a power/speed combo that can help any contender. He is also prone to deep slumps and has alternated good seasons with mediocre ones for the better part of this decade, adding a level of intrigue and uncertainty for any team that chooses to sign him. While he probably will avoid the disaster tag even on a long-term pact, there is a significant risk of overpaying.
Best Fit: New York Mets / Honorable Mentions: Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees
Ranger Suárez – Starting Pitcher
For years, Suarez was considered more of a reliable hurler instead of a superlative one, but that perception has changed after a contract year that included some of the best numbers of his career and the lone playoff win for a Phillies team that again underachieved in October. The lefty will turn 30 late in the season, and his lack of blazing speed or nasty stuff may not warrant a nine-figure deal, but he may end up becoming the best bang-for-the-buck starting pitcher in this market. Suarez features a level of command and pitching prowess that usually ages well, limiting walks and homers and succeeding despite a moderate strikeout rate. After years of playing on a hitters’ haven with subpar defenses behind him, his pitching style is bound to flourish in a more favourable environment.
Best Fit: Detroit Tigers / Honorable Mentions: New York Mets, Texas Rangers, San Francisco Giants
Bo Bichette – Shortstop/Second Base
When Bo Bichette was called up to the big leagues alongside fellow phenom Vladimir Guerrero, Jr., it was supposed to produce a new golden era of Toronto baseball. Both former sons of major leaguers followed a similar trajectory in their early years, and with both set to hit free agency at the same time, it was expected that the Blue Jays would secure their two young cornerstones for the long haul. Vladdy got the bag early last season, but an untimely injury and a bad 2024 prevented Bichette from the same fate, as it has become increasingly clear that his future may not be north of the border. Toronto’s recent shopping spree, which included another infielder in Kazuma Okamoto, suggests that the franchise is ready to move on, even as Bichette almost became a legend for his heroics in the postseason. His defensive drop-off at shortstop probably requires a full-time transition to second base, but Bo is likely to provide value in several ways, as evidenced by his top-tier bat control and career 121 OPS+. While a single bad season was enough to change his career trajectory, Bichette still has the chance to become a key player for whichever team takes the plunge towards signing him.
Best Fit: Boston Red Sox / Honorable Mentions: Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees
Framber Valdez – Starting Pitcher
When the Houston Astros signed Japanese phenom Tatsuya Imai to a long-term deal, it likely signalled the end of Framber Valdez’s tenure with the team. While the golden age of Astros baseball was mostly known for their array of top-level position players, it was Valdez who provided a steady presence atop the rotation, ending with a streak of five seasons of at least ten wins and a sub-4 ERA. The lefty’s controversial incident with his catcher, along with a slight dip in productivity, may have soured Houston’s front office towards re-signing Valdez, but he should still provide a solid floor and high ceiling in his next destination. Despite being slightly older than fellow southpaw Suarez, Valdez will likely command a richer contract and larger commitment, as his groundball-inducing tendencies and playoff experience are attractive for any team trying to anchor its rotation. Let’s just hope his pregame planning and communication improve a bit.
Best Fit: New York Mets / Honorable Mentions: Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies
Alex Bregman – Third Base
Alex Bregman’s early threat towards a Hall of Fame trajectory may have been thwarted by a mid-career swoon, but he remains a top-tier player, as evidenced by his solid season in Boston that led to an opt-out and a second straight offseason as a coveted free agent. Boston’s return to the postseason required a combination of young players breaking out and veterans guiding them, with Bregman being essential in that regard. With a career OBP well above .360 and a power profile seemingly tailor-made for Fenway Park, it all points to a long-term reunion with the Red Sox, but Bregman would fit perfectly with many teams should that plan fall through.
Best Fit: Boston Red Sox / Honorable Mentions: Chicago Cubs
Kyle Tucker – Right Field
With five straight seasons with at least 4.0 fWAR and being on the right side of 30, Tucker’s free agency had been anticipated for many seasons, with the Astros trading him to the Cubs as a clear signal that he was bound to become very expensive for his original team. Tucker’s market has developed right at the top tax bracket, but he still comes with a number of minor red flags to be considered. His power numbers dipped significantly in Chicago, even as he was able to provide plenty of value with a high OBP and solid defense. Any team that signs him will expect elite production and a quick return on investment, even as Tucker does not profile as a classic face of the franchise type. His signing will probably create a clearer path for the likes of Bellinger and Bichette, as the season’s prime contenders round out their rosters. As the presumed prize of this free agency cycle, Kyle Tucker’s deal is bound to grab many headlines when it finally happens, but for now, he has plenty of control amid the rumors and turmoil.
Best Fit: Toronto Blue Jays / Honorable Mentions: New York Mets, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers
