Introduction

As the 2026 MLB season approaches, teams are scrambling to finalize their rosters by securing top free agents. With several key players still on the market, updated contract projections and landing spot predictions are essential for both teams and fans.

Top Remaining Free Agents

1. Kyle Tucker

2025 Stats: .266/.377/.464, 22 HR, 73 RBI, 87 BB, .841 OPS, 4.5 WAR Age in 2026: 29 Original Contract Prediction: 10 years, $360 million Updated Contract Prediction: 8 years, $288 million with player opt-out after 2029 Original Team Prediction: Yankees Updated Team Prediction: Blue Jays

Tucker's situation has evolved as he looks for a new home, and the Blue Jays appear to be a strong contender after his recent visit to Dunedin.

2. Bo Bichette

2025 Stats: .311/.357/.483, 18 HR, 94 RBI, 40 BB, .840 OPS, 3.8 WAR Age in 2026: 28 Original Contract Prediction: 7 years, $210 million Updated Contract Prediction: 3 years, $120 million with player opt-outs after 2026 and 2027 Original Team Prediction: Blue Jays Updated Team Prediction: Dodgers

With concerns about his injury history, teams may consider Bichette for a shorter-term deal, potentially joining the Dodgers after a disappointing postseason.

3. Alex Bregman

2025 Stats: .273/.360/.462, 18 HR, 62 RBI, 51 BB, .821 OPS, 3.5 WAR Age in 2026: 32 Original Contract Prediction: 5 years, $135 million Updated Contract Prediction: 5 years, $135 million Original Team Prediction: Tigers Updated Team Prediction: Red Sox

With the Red Sox looking to solidify their lineup, retaining Bregman could be key to sustaining their World Series ambitions.

4. Framber Valdez

2025 Stats: 13-11, 3.66 ERA, 3.38 FIP, 187 K, 192 IP, 4.0 WAR Age in 2026: 32 Original Contract Prediction: 4 years, $114 million with a $25 million club option for 2030 Updated Contract Prediction: 4 years, $114 million Original Team Prediction: Cubs Updated Team Prediction: Cubs

Valdez remains a strong candidate for the Cubs as they continue to look for pitching depth.

5. Cody Bellinger

2025 Stats: .272/.334/.480, 29 HR, 98 RBI, 57 BB, .813 OPS, 4.9 WAR Age in 2026: 30 Original Contract Prediction: 5 years, $135 million Updated Contract Prediction: 5 years, $135 million Original Team Prediction: Mets Updated Team Prediction: Mets

With his history of performance, Bellinger remains a hot commodity, possibly leading to a duel between the Yankees and Mets for his signature.

6. Ranger Suárez

2025 Stats: 12-8, 3.20 ERA, 3.21 FIP, 151 K, 157.1 IP, 4.0 WAR Age in 2026: 30 Original Contract Prediction: 4 years, $110 million with player opt-out after 2027 Updated Contract Prediction: 4 years, $110 million Original Team Prediction: Blue Jays Updated Team Prediction: Orioles

Suárez offers teams depth in bullpen options and remains an attractive prospect for teams looking for reliable pitching.

7. Zac Gallen

2025 Stats: 13-15, 4.83 ERA, 4.51 FIP, 175 K, 192 IP, 1.1 WAR Age in 2026: 30 Original Contract Prediction: 2 years, $45 million with player opt-out after 2026 Updated Contract Prediction: 2 years, $45 million Original Team Prediction: Diamondbacks Updated Team Prediction: Angels

Gallen's situation has drawn interest from multiple teams as they seek to build competitive rotations.

8. J.T. Realmuto

2025 Stats: 10-4, 3.41 ERA, 4.17 FIP, 121 K, 145 IP, 2.0 WAR Age in 2026: 31 Original Contract Prediction: 2 years, $43 million with $20 million club option for 2028 Updated Contract Prediction: 2 years, $43 million with $20 million club option for 2028 Original Team Prediction: Yankees Updated Team Prediction: Yankees

Despite the standoff in negotiations, Realmuto is still considered an essential asset for any team looking for a top catcher.

9. Lucas Giolito

2025 Stats: 10-4, 3.41 ERA, 4.17 FIP, 121 K, 145 IP, 2.0 WAR Age in 2026: 31 Original Contract Prediction: 2 years, $43 million with $20 million club option for 2028 Updated Contract Prediction: 2 years, $43 million with $20 million club option for 2028 Original Team Prediction: Yankees Updated Team Prediction: Yankees

Giolito may face challenges due to past injuries, yet he remains a valuable player for teams seeking depth in pitching.

10. Eugenio Suárez

2025 Stats: .228/.298/.526, 49 HR, 118 RBI, 46 BB, .824 OPS, 3.8 WAR Age in 2026: 34 Original Contract Prediction: 2 years, $43 million Updated Contract Prediction: 2 years, $43 million Original Team Prediction: Angels Updated Team Prediction: Angels

Suárez’s stay in Seattle raises questions about his future, but he could be a good fit for several lineups.

Conclusion

With crucial signings on the horizon, the 2026 MLB season promises excitement as teams look to enhance their rosters. Keep an eye on these free agents as they make pivotal decisions impacting their careers and the league.