The Offseason Calendar in MLB: An Unrelenting Schedule
The MLB calendar is relentless, offering no break between the postseason and the offseason. The moment the World Series concludes, free agency begins, with players on expiring contracts officially becoming free agents the following morning. This transition is marked by a five-day period during which they can exclusively negotiate with their former teams. While some deals tend to trickle in as Thanksgiving approaches, December is almost always the busiest month on the offseason calendar, often referred to as “hot stove season.”
A Deep but Subtle Free Agent Class
This year’s free agent class may not feature a blockbuster name like Juan Soto in 2024 or Shohei Ohtani in 2023. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who could have been a top draw, decided to remain with the Toronto Blue Jays by agreeing to a mega deal in April. However, the class is deeper than last year’s, with a mix of All-Stars, reliable contributors, and a potential Japanese phenom hitting the open market. Here’s a look at the top 27 free agents ahead of the MLB offseason.
Veterans and Steady Performers
Among the notables, Jorge Polanco, a 29-year-old second baseman/designated hitter for the Seattle Mariners, had a resurgent season after knee surgery, hitting .265 with 26 home runs and an .821 OPS. Robert Suarez, a 35-year-old closer for the San Diego Padres, is another veteran who has been steady, leading the NL with 40 saves in 2025. Merrill Kelly, a 37-year-old starting pitcher for the Texas Rangers, has been one of baseball’s steadiest veteran starters over the last four seasons, consistently carrying an ERA in the mid-to-low 3s.
A Mix of Power and Defense
Shane Bieber, a 30-year-old starting pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays, is another intriguing addition to the free agent pool. After a season marred by injuries, Bieber is expected to opt out of his $16 million player option and pursue a multi-year deal. Josh Naylor, a 28-year-old first baseman for the Mariners, had a breakout year, hitting .295 with 20 home runs and 92 RBIs, and is expected to land a significant contract. Eugenio Suarez, a 34-year-old third baseman for the Mariners, is known for his power, hitting 49 home runs in 2025 despite a high strikeout rate.
Prominent Catchers and Outfielders
J.T. Realmuto, a 35-year-old catcher for the Philadelphia Phillies, is a valuable defensive player despite a decline in his offensive numbers this year. Trent Grisham, a 29-year-old outfielder for the Yankees, had a career-high 34 home runs and an .811 OPS, setting himself up for a potentially lucrative deal. Harrison Bader, a 29-year-old outfielder for the Phillies, had his best season, batting .277 with 17 home runs and an OPS just under .800, making him an attractive option for teams looking for a well-rounded player.
Top Talents and Future Stars
At the top of the list is Kyle Tucker, a 29-year-old outfielder for the Chicago Cubs. Despite an injury-affected second half, Tucker is still considered one of the game’s best all-around bats, with an average of 30 home runs per season from 2021-23. Dylan Cease, a 30-year-old starting pitcher for the Padres, is another high-profile name, known for his strikeout capabilities and durability. Munetaka Murakami, a 26-year-old first baseman/third baseman from the Japan Professional Baseball League, is also making a splash, with his tantalizing power and potential as a designated hitter.
The Market’s Dynamics and Player Preferences
The free agent market is a complex dance of team needs and player preferences. Veterans like Suarez and Kelly will likely command multi-year deals due to their consistency and experience. Younger players like Bichette and Naylor, with their high ceilings and solid performances, are expected to fetch significant contracts as well. The presence of players like Murakami adds an international flavor, with MLB teams intrigued by his potential to bring his power to the big leagues. As the offseason progresses, fans and analysts alike will be closely watching to see where these talents land.
