MLB Offseason Overview

The 2026-27 MLB offseason is shaping up to be one of uncertainty, primarily due to the impending expiration of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and the possibility of a lockout. This unsettling situation threatens to delay free agency and the usual flurry of trades and acquisitions that fans eagerly anticipate. Amidst these complications, the free-agent market appears to be relatively thin this winter, with only one standout name likely to dominate discussions: Tarik Skubal. However, several secondary talents are poised to reshape contending rosters, leading to a crucial and strategic offseason for all 30 teams.

Team-by-Team Predictions

As the offseason unfolds, we’ll delve into each team’s key free agents and make educated guesses on whether they will re-sign with their current clubs or seek opportunities elsewhere.

Baltimore Orioles: SP Trevor Rogers

At 28 years old, Trevor Rogers has solidified his position as a top-tier starting pitcher, boasting a 4.03 ERA with 157 strikeouts over 169.2 innings last season. Given the Orioles' glaring need for pitching, retaining Rogers is crucial for their future success. Verdict: Re-sign

Boston Red Sox: SP Sonny Gray

Sonny Gray, 36, is set to decline a $30 million mutual option in favor of a $10 million buyout following a stellar season (18-5, 2.72 ERA). The Red Sox are positioned to lean on Garrett Crochet to fill his absence. Verdict: Walk

New York Yankees: RP David Bednar

With a 2.47 ERA and 35 saves in 64 appearances, David Bednar's impact has been substantial. He stands as the most vital potential departure for the Yankees this offseason. Verdict: Re-sign

Tampa Bay Rays: SP Nick Martinez

Despite a successful season (15-6, 3.10 ERA), financial constraints may hinder the Rays from investing in Martinez again as they typically seek younger talent. Verdict: Walk

Toronto Blue Jays: SP Shane Bieber

After a season marred by injuries and only 11 starts, Shane Bieber remains an enticing buy-low option. However, the Blue Jays may prioritize stability elsewhere. Verdict: Walk

Chicago White Sox: RP Sean Newcomb

Newcomb has proven valuable as a top reliever with a 3.09 ERA. The White Sox should focus on retaining him to bolster their bullpen. Verdict: Re-sign

Cleveland Guardians: SP Foster Griffin

After a lackluster performance in Cleveland, Foster Griffin is unlikely to be retained as the Guardians look ahead to their promising pitching prospects. Verdict: Walk

Detroit Tigers: 2B Gleyber Torres

With in-house replacements ready, Gleyber Torres is unlikely to re-sign as the Tigers shift focus to rebuilding their pitching staff. Verdict: Walk

Kansas City Royals: IF Jonathan India

Plagued by injuries, Jonathan India may have to settle for a minor league deal, but his versatility will pique the interest of several teams. Verdict: Walk

Minnesota Twins: C Ryan Jeffers

Ryan Jeffers has emerged as a productive backstop and could return on a multi-year contract as a bridge to the team's top catching prospects. Verdict: Re-sign

Athletics: C Jonah Heim

Acquired mid-season and performing adequately, Heim's playing time may dwindle with a healthy Shea Langeliers on the roster. Verdict: Walk

Houston Astros: RP Bryan Abreu

Despite a tough season, Bryan Abreu's strikeout potential keeps him relevant, and he could find a multi-year deal favorable with a team looking for bullpen help. Verdict: Walk

Los Angeles Angels: IF Adam Frazier

With limited impactful free agents available, Frazier's minor contributions may not warrant a return for the Angels this offseason. Verdict: Walk

Seattle Mariners: OF Randy Arozarena

One of the market's more valuable players, Arozarena's stats command significant attention, making him crucial for the Mariners as they navigate their needs. Verdict: Re-sign

Texas Rangers: RP Tyler Alexander

Alexander proved to be a great addition to the bullpen, and a reunion seems likely given his recent performance and the Rangers' interest. Verdict: Re-sign

Atlanta Braves: SP Tyler Mahle

Following a stellar post-trade performance, Mahle’s return would secure a strong rotation presence for the Braves going forward. Verdict: Re-sign

Miami Marlins: None

With a minimal number of notable free agents, the Marlins have a clear path toward roster flexibility as they shift future strategies.

New York Mets: None

After offloading numerous players, Bo Bichette's situation stands out, though his decline in performance may keep him from testing the market. Verdict: Opt-in

Philadelphia Phillies: IF Luis Arraez

Hitting .310 in the last season, Arraez’s performance is noteworthy, but the Phillies may seek other solutions to optimize their infield. Verdict: Walk

Washington Nationals: None

The Nationals find themselves without significant free agents, allowing for mobility in roster construction as they focus on their rebuilding efforts.

Chicago Cubs: OF Seiya Suzuki

Among the most notable outgoing talents, Suzuki’s strong performance could lead to a reunion, as the Cubs seek to maintain competitive viability. Verdict: Re-sign

Cincinnati Reds: C Tyler Stephenson

With a solid record behind the plate, the Reds could consider alternative options, but Stephenson serves important long-term interests. Verdict: Walk

Milwaukee Brewers: 1B Jake Bauers

With impressive offensive stats, retaining Bauers may be costly, and the Brewers might choose to let him explore the market. Verdict: Walk

Pittsburgh Pirates: 2B Brandon Lowe

Having a stellar offensive campaign, Lowe’s potential departure carries weight, and while mutual interest exists, financial hurdles loom large. Verdict: Re-sign

St. Louis Cardinals: None

The Cardinals look ahead without immediate free-agent concerns, as roster decisions will pivot towards development.

Arizona Diamondbacks: SP Michael Soroka

Having performed well last season, Soroka’s market appeal will readily attract attention, and his likely departure seems imminent. Verdict: Walk

Colorado Rockies: SP Kyle Freeland

After a decade with the Rockies, Freeland’s experience holds considerable value, and retaining him for continuity may prompt a reunion. Verdict: Re-sign

Los Angeles Dodgers: SP Tarik Skubal

The two-time Cy Young winner is expected to garner a massive deal, with the Dodgers positioned to offer the most attractive package as CBA negotiations unfold. Verdict: Re-sign

San Diego Padres: SP Michael King

As a top contender in the free-agent market, King is likely to opt out of his contract, and the Padres will need to retain him as their ace. Verdict: Re-sign

San Francisco Giants: RP JT Brubaker

Having recovered from injuries, Brubaker's solid performance may lead him to test free agency, seeking potential opportunities elsewhere. Verdict: Walk