MLB free agent predictions. Where these 25 players may sign for 2026

MLB free agent predictions. Where these 25 players may sign for 2026Story byThe Bergen RecordPete Caldera and Andrew Tredinnick, NorthJersey.comTue, December 2, 2025 at 9:03 AM UTC·6 min read

Ahead of MLB's Winter Meetings, the free agent period has gained some momentum - including reliever Devin Williams' sudden shift across town.

Already, starter Dylan Cease (Blue Jays), closer Ryan Helsley (Orioles) and first baseman Josh Naylor (Mariners) have secured spots after a quick free-agent period.

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Late Monday night, the Mets agreed to a three-year deal with Williams, at least providing some protection as they pursue a reunion with free agent closer Edwin Diaz.

Now, will the New York Yankees reunite with Cody Bellinger, or might the Mets become heavily involved with yet another pinstriped free agent − a year after landing Juan Soto with a record-setting deal?

Once again in free agency, is this the end of the No. 7 line for Pete Alonso? Could either New York team make a big splash for the latest Japanese stars? And how much is Kyle Tucker getting in this market?

With the Winter Meetings set to start in Orlando, Fla., this Sunday, here's our predictions about where 25 top free agents might land in 2026:

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Kyle Tucker

Chicago Cubs designated hitter Kyle Tucker (30) celebrates with teammates after scoring during the second inning against the San Diego Padres during game three of the Wildcard round for the 2025 MLB playoffs on Oct. 2, 2025, at Wrigley Field.

Caldera: Dodgers

The world champs go to the top of the market, filling an outfield need with the talented lefty hitter.

Tredinnick: Cubs

They saw the value of adding a top-flight offensive player to their lineup and don’t let him get away.

Pete Alonso

New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (20) celebrates his solo home run against the Miami Marlins in the third inning on Sept. 28, 2025, at loanDepot Park.

Caldera: Red Sox

If Mets management isn't keen on paying the righty slugger deep into his 30s, Boston might fill the void.

Tredinnick: Mets

Opened up long-term financial flexibility by dealing Brandon Nimmo to ink their cornerstone piece for a few more years.

Cody Bellinger

Oct 2, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger (35) reacts at second base after hitting a double in the fourth inning against the Boston Red Sox during game three of the Wildcard round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Caldera: Yankees

Because their winter plan is dramatically altered without the lefty-hitting outfielder, with few clear replacement options - unless they're going all out for Kyle Tucker.

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Tredinnick: Yankees

Without Bellinger, the Yankees have a massive void in the heart of their lineup. They make sure to keep that piece in New York.

Edwin Diaz

New York Mets relief pitcher Edwin Diaz pitches against the San Diego Padres during the ninth inning at Citi Field, Sept. 18, 2025 in New York.

Caldera: Mets

They know him best and still need him, even with Devin Williams now in Queens.

Tredinnick: Mets

It’s difficult to imagine a ninth inning at Citi Field without the trumpets.

Bo Bichette

Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette (11) throws past New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) to complete a double play in the first inning on April 6, 2025, at Citi Field.

Caldera: Red Sox

If Alex Bregman signs elsewhere, could see Bichette moving to third base at Fenway Park.

Tredinnick: Blue Jays

Defending American League champions proved they're all-in by bringing in Dylan Cease. They keep this core piece, as well.

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Tatsuya Imai

Caldera: Cubs

Despite the interest in New York, L.A. and Boston, the market's top Japanese pitcher lands in Chicago.

Tredinnick: Giants

The Giants get their counter-punch to the Dodgers' beefed-up rotation with their own Japanese fireballer.

Alex Bregman

Sep 30, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; Boston Red Sox third base Alex Bregman (2) hits a single during the first inning against the New York Yankees during game one of the Wildcard round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Caldera: Mariners

It's time to go all-in in Seattle, after being achingly close to its first pennant in 2025.

Tredinnick: Tigers

With one more year of Tarik Skubal to make a splash, A.J. Hinch gets a familiar weapon for his lineup.

Munetaka Murakami

Caldera: Padres

Fits a need, which overrides whatever financial brakes they're trying to apply in San Diego.

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Tredinnick: Red Sox

With Pete Alonso off the board, the Red Sox add the best available power hitter from overseas.

Michael King

May 6, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Michael King (34) pitches in the first inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Caldera: Red Sox

A New Englander (Boston College) and ex-Yankee, King goes to the other side of The Rivalry, boosting Boston's rotation.

Tredinnick: Mets

Found success with another former Yankees relief standout in Clay Holmes. The duo links up again to bolster the top of the team's staff.

Framber Valdez

Mar 27, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros pitcher Framber Valdez (59) reacts to the end of the second inning against the New York Mets at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

Caldera: Phillies

Philadelphia's response to Ranger Suarez's free agent departure?

Tredinnick: Red Sox

Boston gets another dynamic left-hander atop its rotation. It works because Valdez works more north-south and Garrett Crochet goes west to east.

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Chris Bassitt

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Chris Bassitt (40) throws in the eighth inning against the Seattle Mariners during game seven of the ALCS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs on Oct. 20, 2025, at Rogers Centre.

Caldera: Orioles

Adding a veteran starter on a short-term deal to improve an area of concern.

Tredinnick: Yankees

With injury questions to start the season, the dependable righty fills an immediate need and can slot into a swing role if needed down the stretch.

Kyle Schwarber

Jul 25, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) scores after hitting a two run home run during the fifth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Caldera: Phillies

He just fits here.

Tredinnick: Phillies

An established, well-respected presence in the Phillies' clubhouse, Schwarber's absence would cut deeper than his big bat.

Ranger Suarez

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Ranger Suarez (55) throws a pitch against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning on Sept. 27, 2025, at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit:

Caldera: Dodgers

The world champs add a reliable lefty starter.

Tredinnick: Orioles

It was a bleak reality without a difference-maker at the top of the rotation last season, and they don’t make the same mistake again.

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Zac Gallen

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen pitches during the first inning against the Chicago White Sox on June 25, 2025, at Rate Field.

Caldera: Braves

Atlanta's march back to contention in the NL East requires a rotation boost.

Tredinnick: Astros

A move needs to be made to make up for the loss of Framber Valdez, and Gallen can help fill that need at his peak.

Eugenio Suarez

Jul 12, 2025; Anaheim, California, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suarez (28) celebrates in the dugout after his second solo home run of the game during the fourth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Caldera: Tigers

If they miss out on third baseman Alex Bregman, Detroit could pivot here.

Tredinnick: Marlins

There seems to be a willingness to spend in the Sunshine State, and the Marlins badly need an offensive spark.

Kazuma Okamoto

Caldera: Mets

The 29-year-old Japanese star fits a Yankees need as a selective righty hitter with power and plus defense at the corner infield spots, but the Mets might need an Alonso replacement.

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Tredinnick: Yankees

Right-handed hitter could provide Aaron Boone with a plethora of lineup options, with his ability to play both third and first base.

Robert Suarez

San Diego Padres relief pitcher Robert Suarez (75) pumps his fist after the Padres beat the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sept. 27, 2025, at Petco Park.

Caldera: Blue Jays

A lot of teams could use him at the back end of the 'pen, including the Dodgers. But the AL champs might have more motivation here.

Tredinnick: Blue Jays

A late collapse in the World Series should drive home a sense of urgency to shore up the ninth inning for 2026.

Harrison Bader

Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Harrison Bader (2) celebrates as he rounds first base after hitting a two-run home-run to tie the game five all, Tuesday, August 26, 2025.

Caldera: Royals

With a boost here and there, Kansas City could challenge again in the AL Central.

Tredinnick: Dodgers

There is a need in one of the outfield positions in Los Angeles, and maybe a shift to left could help Bader's longevity.

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Lucas Giolito

Sep 17, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Lucas Giolito (54) pitches against the Athletics during the first inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Caldera: Giants

A fully healthy Giolito could positively impact a needy San Francisco rotation.

Tredinnick: Nationals

Giolito's return to form off elbow surgery was encouraging. He fills a need for a young Nats team.

Luis Arraez

San Diego Padres first baseman Luis Arraez (4) celebrates after hitting a two-run home run during the fifth inning against the New York Mets on July 28, 2025, at Petco Park.

Caldera: Astros

Houston could use a lefty-hitting table setter.

Tredinnick: Giants

As one of the toughest outs in baseball, Arraez aids an offense-starved unit from a season ago.

Luke Weaver

Oct 4, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Yankees pitcher Luke Weaver (30) throws in the seventh inning against the Toronto Blue Jays during game one of the ALDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

Caldera: Phillies

Has the flexibility to set up, close, or return to a contender's rotation in 2026.

Tredinnick: Dodgers

Yankees' Swiss-Army knife from the last few seasons fills a glaring need for the Dodgers moving forward.

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Gregory Soto

New York Mets pitcher Gregory Soto (65) pitches in relief during the fifth inning, Tuesday, August 26, 2025.

Caldera: Rangers

Texas' bullpen might be a good place for the lefty, in hopes of regaining some of his past All-Star form.

Tredinnick: Mariners

Could use another left-handed option to beef up an already-dangerous pitching staff.

Justin Verlander

Sep 27, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) delivers a pitch against the Colorado Rockies during the first inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

Caldera: Yankees

A Yankee, at last, in his age 43 season? They could use a veteran rotation presence while waiting for Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon and Clarke Schmidt to return from the IL.

Tredinnick: Angels

Angels' plucky rise needed an extra arm to truly threaten for a playoff spot.

Max Scherzer

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer (31) in the sixth inning against the Seattle Mariners during game four of the ALCS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs on Oct. 16, 2025, at T-Mobile Park.

Caldera: Marlins

Builds back to form in Miami, with the potential to move to a contender at the trade deadline.

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Tredinnick: Tigers

A return to where it all began and an opportunity to compete for a World Series.

Merrill Kelly

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Merrill Kelly delivers a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park, July 26, 2025 in Pittsburgh.

Caldera: Astros

Fills a rotation need in Houston at a comfortable, short-term price.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: MLB free agency 2026 predictions for Cody Bellinger, Pete Alonso and more

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