As expected, Mets left-handed relieverA.J. Minter has exercised his player option for the 2026 season.
The option is worth $11 million.
Minter, who signed a two-year deal with the Mets last offseason that contained an opt-out after the first year of the deal, missed most of the 2025 season due to a torn lat muscle that required surgery.
Before getting hurt, Minter was stellar, posting a 1.64 ERA and 1.00 WHIP while striking out 14 in 11.0 innings spanning 13 appearances.
Aside from Minter, Brooks Raley is the only 2025 bullpen member who seems like a lock to be back.
Trade deadline acquisitions Ryan Helsley, Tyler Rogers, and Gregory Soto are all free agents.
Members of the Mets' 40-man roster who could be relief options next season include Drew Smith (who should be ready to go after rehabbing from Tommy John surgery), Huascar Brazoban (who is arbitration-eligible), Jonathan Pintaro, and Dylan Ross.
Fans line the streets of downtown Los Angeles for the Dodgers World Championship Parade on Monday. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Downtown Los Angeles was transformed into a sea of Dodger blue and white Monday, as thousands of fans from across Southern California filled the streets to get a glimpse of the back-to-back World Series champs.
Crowds at Metro stations and around downtown broke out into spontaneous “Go Dodgers” cheers and chants while fans awaited the team's celebratory parade before a rally at Dodger Stadium, capping off the team's World Series run with a dramatic Game 7 finisher.
Fans lined staircases, scaled streetlights, packed freeway overpasses and crammed into balconies along the parade route, in hopes of a better view of the dynasty-making Dodgers, who secured baseball's most coveted title with a star-studded lineup that hailed from around the globe — similar to the city of immigrants it represents.
Some said they arrived before sunrise to secure prime parade-route seats. Parents joked about cases of the "Dodger flu" allowing their school-age children to join in the historic day. Angelenos from all walks of life danced and cheered as stereos and car speakers blasted Kendrick Lamar, Ice Cube, Nate Dogg and, of course, Randy Newman's "I Love L.A."
“Back-to-back, baby!” a teenager shouted over the chorus of vuvuzelas and music.
The citywide celebration mostly featured good-natured revelry, but the Los Angeles Police Department reported at least one severe injury as officers attempted to clear downtown streets after the parade. It wasn't immediately clear what happened, but the LAPD issued a dispersal order around 1 p.m., blaming the crowd for blocking officers from reaching the injured person.
The agency reported that some rowdy fans had refused to leave, including a DJ who set up and played music to an estimated 700 people. Several others also set off fireworks.
Police also reported that a California Highway Patrol vehicle was surrounded and vandalized by parade participants.
By 2:30 p.m., however, the LAPD reported that the large crowds had mostly left the area and thanked those who supported the Dodgers "in a respectful and peaceful manner."
Tens of thousands of people could be seen packed between downtown's skyscrapers, but the LAPD did not provide an official estimate on the size of the parade crowd. Dodger Stadium, which has the highest capacity in baseball, was packed.
As the team's open-air, double-decker buses hit Temple Street on Monday morning, fans neared hysteria, shouting their favorite players' names and raising their fists in the air.
From one of the buses, pitcher Blake Snell pointed at the crowd while an armada of buzzing aerial drones dodged blasts from confetti cannons. A “Freddie! Freddie!" chant broke out when fans spotted the Dodgers' first baseman, renowned for his World Series heroics.
"This is insane," Freeman said of the parade crowd. "I feel like it’s almost double from last year."
Further down the route, Jane Lee held up a sign for pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who cemented his World Series MVP status in Game 7 when he took the mound to record the final eight outs after starting Game 6. On top of winning MVP of the series, Lee designated him “best pitcher” on her homemade sign, which ended with a word written in Japanese.
“Arigato!” the Monterey Park resident said. Others echoed her shout, and it soon became a raucous chorus of gleeful thank-yous for the Japan native — fully embraced by the city of Angels.
Ken Suzuki, a college student from Japan, brought similar energy to 2nd Street, where he waved a Japanese flag.
“I’ve followed Yamamoto since he played in Japan. It’s so wild to see him dominate on such a big stage,” Suzuki said.
The parade kicked off at 11 a.m. By noon, the team arrived at their stadium, where players and staff thanked fans and commemorated a historic season — and called for another.
“What’s better than two? Three! Three-peat! Three-peat!” Dave Roberts, the Dodgers' manager, shouted to the roaring crowd.
All day, Dodgers fans couldn't shake off their glee.
In knee-high Dodgers socks along the parade route, Mark Krojansky waxed poetic over the fact that his kids had already experienced three Dodger championships. He'd had to wait three decades between the 1988 win and 2020 — but said it was well worth it.
“This could be the only time for many, many years, you never know,” Krojansky said. “We deserve it.”
The 2025 Dodgers team has been a bright spot during an otherwise tumultuous year for the region, after wind-driven firestorms devastated thousands of homes in January and then widespread immigration sweeps began over the summer by the Trump administration, specifically targeting Los Angeles.
Carlos Soto, a San Bernardino resident, said the parade was a much-needed respite after the challenging year.
"I definitely feel the city needs a lift," Soto said. "It is something that brings the community together across nationalities and political lines and unites everybody — it's something that's very needed."
Chuck Berez, a decades-long Dodgers fan from L.A., was walking toward the parade route Monday morning and said the love from the organization and its fans embodied the city itself.
“They stick together. … You got to weather the storm and look at the big picture,” Berez said. “The way they came through in the clutch, you know, just showing you their resilience and their experience.”
Los Angeles transplant Aaron Wole, a hospital worker originally from Florida, felt that spirit these last few weeks. Despite being a lifelong Rays fan, he donned an Ohtani jersey Monday morning at the parade.
“When in Rome, you got to do as the Romans.… This doesn’t happen much in Florida,” Wole said. “In moments like these, you feel included in the community. It really feels like a great atmosphere with all these fans.”
Times staff writer Jack Harris contributed to this report.
Los Angeles’ 5-4, 11-inning win over Toronto in Game 7 on Saturday night capped a postseason with seven winner-take-all games, two more than any previous year.
Shohei Ohtani is building a case as the sport’s best player ever with his unprecedented two-way performances, captivating audiences outside the U.S. unlike any previous player.
“It just absolutely been the greatest benefit to the game that you can imagine throughout the year,” baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred.
Toronto’s success this year sparked interest throughout Canada, which gave the Blue Jays nationwide support.
Aaron Judge, Bobby Witt Jr., Paul Skenes and Cal Raleigh already have committed to play for the United States in next year’s World Baseball Classic, which is gaining increased interest with each addition.
And MLB is negotiating to send big league players to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics during an extended All-Star break.
“Players are interested in playing, whether it’s for the Team USA or any number of other teams around the world,” union head Tony Clark said.
The Dodgers are already talking about a three-peat
Minutes after the Dodgers became the first repeat champion since the 1998-2000 New York Yankees, Dodgers star Freddie Freeman said matching that pinstriped power was the next goal.
“The Yankees are three-time back-to-back,” he said, “so we get to use that same narrative next year.”
Those Yankees are among just four instances of teams winning three or more consecutive championships alongside five by the 1949-53 Yankees, four by the 1936-39 Yankees and three by the 1972-74 Oakland Athletics.
Big market spending sparks talk of salary-cap proposal
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts attracted attention after the National League Championship Series sweep of Milwaukee when he yelled to Los Angeles fans: “They said the Dodgers are ruining baseball. Let’s get four more wins and really ruin baseball!”
Los Angeles entered the World Series having spent $509.5 million in major league payroll and projected luxury tax, plus another $6.5 million for pitcher Roki Sasaki’s minor league signing bonus.
Including Sasaki’s bonus, the Dodgers spending for its two World Series title teams totaled at least $890 million. The New York Mets, who failed to reach the playoffs this year after getting knocked out in last year’s NLCS, have spent about $860 million in 2024 and ’25.
In a sign of how much payroll disparity has increased, the Athletics spent less than $150 million over the same period.
Manfred repeatedly has said owners haven’t settled on their labor proposals, but the players’ association is bracing to resist a push for a salary cap. Demand for a cap from owners is what led to a 7 1/2-month strike in 1994-95 and the first cancellation of the World Series in 90 years.
The labor contract expires on Dec. 2, 2026, and bargaining is likely to start this winter or spring.
More Japanese players likely headed to MLB
Following the success of Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki, more Japanese players may sign with MLB teams.
Munetaka Murakami, a third baseman and first baseman who turns 26 in February, is expected to be posted by the Yakult Swallows. He hit .273 with 22 homers and 47 RBIs this year, limited to 56 games by an oblique injury. A two-time Central League MVP, in 2022 he hit 56 homers to break Sadaharu Oh’s record for a Japanese-born player while becoming the youngest player to earn Japan’s Triple Crown.
Kazuma Okamoto, a 29-year-old third baseman and first baseman. will be posted by the Yomiuri Giants. He has 248 homers in 11 Central League seasons, hitting 30 or more from 2018-23.
Tatsuya Imai, a 27-year-old right-hander, could be posted by the Seibu Lions. He struck out 17 against Yokohama on June 17, breaking Daisuke Matsuzaka’s prior team record of 16 from 2004.
Here come the robots
Game 7 of the World Series was MLB’s last with human umpires making all ball/strike calls.
Starting next season, the Automated Ball/Strike System will be installed in all big league ballparks and batters, catchers and pitchers will be able to appeal decisions to a high-tech system of cameras tracking each pitch and judging whether it crossed home plate within the strike zone.
Each team has the ability to challenge two calls per game and a team retains its challenge if successful, similar to the regulations for video review, which has been in place for many calls since 2014. Teams that exhaust their challenges get one additional challenge in each extra inning.
As teams dive deep into their strategies for revamping rosters, let’s have some fun. That’s what our Bold Predictions for the MLB offseason are all about. We’ll touch on potential transactions, signings, awards. Some New York related, some New York adjacent.
Will these be 100 percent correct? Probably.
(Probably not!).
It’s all part of the Bold Predictions game, people. Read on to prep for hot stove magic, whether it’s based in reality or frivolity:
The Brothers Diaz reunite in Queens
Edwin Díaz’s brother, Alexis, started his MLB career with two very strong relief seasons with the Reds, but struggled mightily in 2025, notching an 8.15 ERA in 18 games with three teams. The 29-year-old righty is a free agent now and our crystal ball suggests the Mets take a chance on him as a setup man – after they run him through their pitching lab for a few fixes, of course. It fits David Stearns’ MO of seeking unexpected pitching production, and the Mets bullpen needs bodies. Oh, yeah – guess this means we are also predicting Edwin Díaz, who holds a contract opt-out, re-signs with the Mets.
Munetaka Murakami ships off to Boston
The 25-year-old Japanese slugger figures to be a big name this winter as he’s supposed to be posted and come to MLB. The Dodgers have been a comfy and successful landing spot for NPB stars recently – Hello? Did you watch the postseason? – but the Red Sox win out here, pitching their on-the-upswing roster. If (when?) Alex Bregman opts out and departs, Murakami could play third. Or he could man first. There’ll be plenty of competition, though – Stearns saw Murakami hit a walkoff homer on a visit to Japan, and other big-name hunters will lurk, too, perhaps even the Yankees.
Spending Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays have always been smart and competitive while operating at a lower budget than fellow AL East superpowers. Now they’re under new majority ownership. Maybe the new bigwigs add some zeroes to the payroll to start their stewardship with sizzle. That would create another landing place for big-name free agents. Heck, Pete Alonso’s from Tampa. Maybe he wants to go home.
Jul 9, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) hits an RBI double in the sixth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Yankee Stadium. / Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
We’re not saying we favor Raleigh outpacing Judge in the AL MVP voting, just that it will happen. To recap the debate: Raleigh, an excellent catcher, hit 60 home runs -- the 10th season ever with 60 homers -- and led the league with 125 RBI. Judge demolished just about everything else, including winning the batting title, notching an OPS of 1.144 (196 points higher than Raleigh) and whacking 53 homers. Judge had the better season, but Raleigh’s feats, all while appearing in 121 games behind the plate and 38 more as the DH, sway voters. Long live narrative!
Kyle Tucker joins the champs
Far from ruining baseball, the Dodgers are experts at amassing talent and they have a looming weakness that could stand in the way of their three-peat quest. The Dodgers won the World Series despite a minus-eight run differential, a .203 average, and a .658 OPS. Toronto topped them easily in those categories, though LA won the homer battle, 11-8. Los Angeles needs offense, particularly in the outfield. So they sign Kyle Tucker, the consensus top bat available. Boo hoo, Dodger haters.
No deal
You, like everyone else interested in baseball, have been trading Marlin players to your favorite teams for years. Oh, the Mets or Yankees need a pitcher? They’ll get Sandy Alcantara from Miami. Nah, they want someone younger, so it’ll be Eury Pérez. However, this winter, the Marlins thumb their noses at the idea they’re just your farm team, don’t deal their arms, and go for the playoffs. Hey, they had the second-best record in the NL East over the second half of last season.
Apr 27, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette (11) tags out New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe (11) on a steal attempt at second base during the eighth inning at Yankee Stadium. / Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Mets sign Bo Bichette to play second base
After a dud 2025, we think the Mets will look to make many splashes this winter. Here’s one with reverberations – they sign Bo Bichette, a tough, clutch player who gets oodles of hits, and move him off shortstop. Yeah, he had a bummer of a 2024. Yeah, he had a nifty 2025, including what, under a different result, would be a legendary World Series home run. Here comes the reverb – this means they seek to trade Jeff McNeil, which would address the changing-of-the-core theorem that some believe the Mets need. If Bichette profiles better at third, then shift Brett Baty to second.
Spencer for Steven, even up
Schooled by the Jays all year including in October, the Yanks nab something from Toronto’s playbook and add non-strikeout, plus-contact offense to their roster via trade by dangling top prospect Spencer Jones. Can they pry Steven Kwan from Cleveland? He’d be an ideal leadoff hitter who also happens to be the best defensive left fielder in baseball. And Yankee Stadium’s spacious left field needs proper tending. Kwan had an 8.7 percent strikeout rate this past season. The MLB average is 22.5 percent; Yanks had the sixth-highest rate in MLB (23.5 percent).
OK, maybe this is about as bold as predicting Kyle Schwarber returns to the Phillies (he will), but Alonso re-signs with the Mets. Mets fans set a Citi Field attendance record last season and the team was a disappointment. Can they really let the disappointment linger through the winter by letting Alonso leave? What if he (gulp) goes to the Yankees? The Polar Bear returning is a special treat for Mets fans and a huge boost to a lineup that would be lacking without him.
Nice winter for a trade, eh, Skub?
After protracted negotiations and much shopping around, the Tigers finally trade ace Tarik Skubal to the Mets. Detroit insists on Nolan McLean’s inclusion, but Stearns and Co. balk. Instead, the Mets send some combination of four name prospects, including Jett Williams and Brandon Sproat, to get one year of baseball’s best lefty. If that prospect package feels like a lot to give up for one guaranteed season, well, who the heck knows what baseball will look like after 2026, what with the looming labor talks? There’s more work to do after this move – the Mets must sign Skubal long term – but taking big swings this winter feels right for a team that has won the World Series exactly twice in its history.
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto is mobbed after the Dodgers won the 121st World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
The Los Angeles Dodgers' thrilling 11-inning Saturday win over the Toronto Blue Jays was the most watched World Series game since 2017, according to Nielsen data.
The Fox telecast of the Game 7 contest giving the Dodgers their second consecutive world championship attracted an average of 25. 5 million viewers on Fox.
Viewers watching the Spanish-language telecast on Fox Deportes and Fox Sports streaming platforms brought the audience figure to just under 26 million.
The Dodgers' 5-4 win delivered the largest audience for a World Series game since the Houston Astros' Game 7 win over the the team in 2017, which had an audience of 28.3 million.
The figure was 10% over the last decisive World Series Game 7 in 2019, when the Washington Nationals defeated the Astros.
The battle on Saturday will go down as one of the most memorable games in World Series history, with a number of spectacular plays in the field and a dramatic go-ahead home run by Dodgers catcher Will Smith.
Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto won his third game of the series with his strong relief outing, earning him the Most Valuable Player Award for the series.
The audience level peaked between 8:30 and 8:45 p.m. Pacific, with 31.5 million viewers tuned in.
The Dodgers became the first Major League Baseball team to win back-to-back championships in 25 years.
Free agency will be fully underway soon now that the Fall Classic has ended. Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber, coming off a 56-homer campaign, is the headliner of this offseason’s free agent class, but he’s far from the only big name set to hit the open market.
So, from the top players who could be available to how the qualifying offer works and more, here’s everything you need to know about MLB free agency:
When does MLB free agency start?
Players scheduled to hit free agency officially became free agents the day after the World Series ended. At that time, teams were able to re-sign their departing free agents.
But players can’t sign with a new club until 5 p.m. ET on the fifth day after the World Series ends.
When is the MLB option deadline?
The exercising of a player, club or mutual option must occur within five days following the conclusion of the World Series.
What is a qualifying offer in MLB?
Teams have five days after the World Series to extend qualifying offers to their departing free agents. A team can only extend a qualifying offer to a player who hasn’t received one before and spent the entire 2025 season on its roster.
The qualifying offer is a one-year deal with a value equal to the mean salary of MLB’s 125 highest-paid players, and a player has until 4 p.m. ET on Nov. 18 to accept it.
Should a player reject the qualifying offer and then sign with a new club in free agency, the team who lost the free agent will receive a compensatory draft pick. A club that signs a rival player who rejected a qualifying offer is subject to the loss of at least one draft pick.
How much is the MLB qualifying offer worth?
This year’s qualifying offer is worth $22.025 million.
Who are the top 2026 MLB free agents?
Here’s a look at the top players who could hit free agency (listed alphabetically by last name, all contract details via Spotrac):
Josh Naylor, a trade deadline pickup from Arizona, hit three homers with a .967 OPS across 12 games in the 2025 playoffs. (Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images)
Free agency will be fully underway soon now that the Fall Classic has ended. Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber, coming off a 56-homer campaign, is the headliner of this offseason’s free agent class, but he’s far from the only big name set to hit the open market.
So, from the top players who could be available to how the qualifying offer works and more, here’s everything you need to know about MLB free agency:
When does MLB free agency start?
Players scheduled to hit free agency officially became free agents the day after the World Series ended. At that time, teams were able to re-sign their departing free agents.
But players can’t sign with a new club until 5 p.m. ET on the fifth day after the World Series ends.
When is the MLB option deadline?
The exercising of a player, club or mutual option must occur within five days following the conclusion of the World Series.
What is a qualifying offer in MLB?
Teams have five days after the World Series to extend qualifying offers to their departing free agents. A team can only extend a qualifying offer to a player who hasn’t received one before and spent the entire 2025 season on its roster.
The qualifying offer is a one-year deal with a value equal to the mean salary of MLB’s 125 highest-paid players, and a player has until 4 p.m. ET on Nov. 18 to accept it.
Should a player reject the qualifying offer and then sign with a new club in free agency, the team who lost the free agent will receive a compensatory draft pick. A club that signs a rival player who rejected a qualifying offer is subject to the loss of at least one draft pick.
How much is the MLB qualifying offer worth?
This year’s qualifying offer is worth $22.025 million.
Who are the top 2026 MLB free agents?
Here’s a look at the top players who could hit free agency (listed alphabetically by last name, all contract details via Spotrac):
Josh Naylor, a trade deadline pickup from Arizona, hit three homers with a .967 OPS across 12 games in the 2025 playoffs. (Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images)
This year's free agent class is led by star outfielder Kyle Tucker, who will be entering his age-29 season in 2026 and could get a deal worth around $400 million.
Tucker, an All-Star the last four seasons who has a career OPS+ of 140, will obviously be highly sought after. And he would fit perfectly in the Mets' lineup.
But that would really only be feasible if Brandon Nimmo is traded. And that doesn't seem like something that's in the cards.
Here are the ones the Mets should be targeting, ranked:
10. INF Bo Bichette
Bichette had a huge bounce back season for the Blue Jays in 2025, hitting .311/.357/.483 with an .840 OPS.
Ahead of his age-28 campaign Bichette seems destined for a big commitment in terms of years. And with the Mets, he'd have to switch positions (likely to second base). As fun as it would be to have Francisco Lindor and Bichette up the middle for years to come, this one feels like more of a fallback option.
9. DH Kyle Schwarber
It's really hard to see Schwarber leaving the Phillies, which is why he isn't higher on this list.
Jul 15, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; National League designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts in the home run swing off tiebreaker during the 2025 MLB All Star Game at Truist Park. / Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Another reason why Schwarber isn't higher is because his presence would completely lock up the designated hitter spot, which the Mets could need some flexibility with if they re-sign Pete Alonso and/or get creative with how Nimmo is utilized.
8. RHP Michael King
King isn't getting nearly as much attention as Valdez or Suarez, probably due to the fact that he made just 15 starts in 2025 as he dealt with a nerve injury in his throwing shoulder and also lost time due to a knee injury.
But King was tremendous for the Padres in 2024 as he made the transition from relieving to starting, and could be a very good option for New York on a shorter-term deal if his medicals check out.
7. INF Alex Bregman
Yes, Bregman is going to be 32 years old next season. But he is still a really good, consistent hitter. And he's a plus defender at third base. Additionally, Bregman is viewed as a strong clubhouse presence and a leader.
In a world where the Mets shake up their offensive core, Bregman at the hot corner could make a lot of sense.
But as a finishing piece of sorts for the starting rotation, Cease would bring the floor of a solid innings-eater and the upside of a Cy Young candidate.
And signing Cease would be especially shrewd if it only takes a three-year deal or so.
San Diego Padres starting pitcher Dylan Cease (84) pitches against the New York Mets during the first inning at Petco Park. / Orlando Ramirez - Imagn Images
Cease had a relatively down 2025, posting a 4.55 ERA and 1.32 WHIP. But his FIP (3.56) suggests he was a bit unlucky, and his stuff -- he led all MLB starters with 11.5 strikeouts per nine -- can be filthy.
5. RHP Robert Suarez
Regardless of what happens with Edwin Diaz, the Mets should aggressively pursue Suarez, who will almost certainly opt out of the final two years and roughly $18.5 million of his contract with the Padres.
If the Mets lose Diaz via free agency, Suarez can replace him as the closer.
If the Mets retain Diaz, Suarez can fill an enormous need as a hard-throwing right-handed setup man.
Even with Suarez entering his age-35 season, it could take a three-year contract to land him. In a better scenario, perhaps he can be had on a two-year deal at a much higher average annual value than the one he's about to opt out of.
4. 1B/3B Munetaka Murakami
Murakami, who will be entering his age-26 season in 2026, has absolutely massive power.
His biggest power season came in 2022, when he slugged .710 and smashed a career-high 56 homers.
Murakami was limited to just 56 games in 2025, but he made the most of them, smacking 22 homers while slashing .273/.379/.663.
The elephant(s) in the room? Murakami strikes out a ton and is not a plus defender.
But if the Mets loseAlonso, they could do a lot worse than Murakami, who could be a true difference-maker if his power translates to the majors and is five years younger than Alonso.
3. 1B/3B Kazuma Okamoto
Okamoto -- a six-time All-Star in Japan -- has led the Central league in home runs three times (2020, 2021, and 2023), and has an .882 OPS in 1,074 NPB games.
And he is a better fit than Murakami for two reasons, despite being 29 years old.
Mar 16, 2025; Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan; Yomiuri Giants first baseman Kazuma Okamoto (25) hits a single against the Chicago Cubs during the second inning at Tokyo Dome. / Darren Yamashita - Imagn Images
First, while there are some questions about how Okamoto's power will translate, he does not have the strikeout issues Murakami has.
Second, Okamoto is a plus defender, having won two Golden Glove awards (2021 and 2022).
Okamoto could be a replacement at first base if Alonso departs via free agency. He could also fit at third base if the Mets decide to go in a different direction there.
A year after Alonso hit free agency for the first time, resulting in a drawn out process that ended with him returning to the Mets, he will be a free agent again once he opts out of his two-year deal.
As was the case last offseason, the Mets' best fit at first base (and in the middle of their lineup) is Alonso, and Alonso's best fit is the Mets.
Is it possible a team like the Angels goes wild and offers Alonso a deal for five or six years? Sure. Is it possible the Mariners or Red Sox offer Alonso a four-year deal at dollars the Mets aren't comfortable with? Yes.
But the most sensible outcome here is Alonso returning to the Mets on a three-or four-year deal worth roughly $30 million annually.
Retaining Diaz should be the easiest decision the Mets make all offseason.
Diaz, fresh off a year where he had a 1.63 ERA and 0.87 WHIP with 98 strikeouts in 66.1 innings, is expected to opt out of the final two years and roughly $38 million of his deal.
The calculus here should be simple. To bring Diaz back, the Mets would likely have to in effect add two years at similar dollars to the deal he was already pitching under.
Diaz is showing no signs of regression. The Mets need a closer. Diaz has posted a 2.36 ERA and 0.97 WHIP since 2020 while striking out 14.6 batters per nine and pitching in the New York spotlight. Diaz wants to be here. There are no better options to replace him. Get it done.
By definition, a Game 7 always delivers. While the official ratings data won’t appear for at least another 24 hours, Fox’s super-stuffed Dodgers-Blue Jays finale has drawn an audience that’s commensurate with the sheer can’t-miss thrills of Saturday night’s 11-inning masterpiece.
According to preliminary Nielsen data, the final game of the 2025 MLB season averaged just shy of 26 million viewers across the broadcast flagship and the Fox Sports streaming platforms, a figure which marks the biggest TV turnout for a baseball game since Game 7 of the 2017 World Series. (The Astros’ 5-1 victory over the Dodgers eight years ago averaged 28.3 million viewers).
As the rushed fast-national numbers do not reflect Nielsen’s newly-implemented “Big Data + Panel” currency, it’s worth noting that the official deliveries are almost certain to exceed the 25,984,000 viewers captured via the first stab at a Game 7 rating. That said, the extra boost from set-top boxes and connected TVs isn’t likely to beat out the final tally for the analogous broadcast in 2017.
Even a modest 4% lift in the final BDP figures should send Fox right to the outskirts of the 27 million-viewer mark, an outcome that would place Game 7 among the top 25 most-watched broadcasts of 2025. By way of comparison, the concluding frame of last season’s Yankees-Dodgers Fall Classic averaged 18.2 million viewers, making Game 5 the 84th-biggest draw of the year.
Fox said Saturday night’s clincher peaked with 31.5 million viewers in the 11:30 p.m. ET quarter-hour.
By virtue of their relative scarcity—there have been eight empty-the-tank outings since the century began—every Game 7 is an unqualified treat, but the Dodgers’ clinch was one for the ages. L.A. not only became the first club to repeat as World Series champs since the 1998-2000 Yankees, but on the way to the title they served up Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s MVP performance (a 34-pitch mopping up that arrived just one day after the hurler threw 96) and a highlight-reel performance by Miguel Rojas. The No. 9 hitter launched the tying homer in the top of the ninth before making a game-saving throw to the plate with the bases loaded at the bottom of the same inning.
Will Smith’s solo blast in the 11th sealed the Jays’ fate, but along the way fans feasted on a host of World Series anomalies, including a rare bench-clearing in the bottom of the fourth after Dodgers reliever Justin Wrobleski plunked Jays shortstop Andrés Giménez with a four-seamer. And while Clayton Kershaw wasn’t called upon on Saturday night, the roster of all-world pitchers that took the hill in the finale included the likes of Shohei Ohtani, Max Scherzer, Tyler Glasnow, Trey Yesavage and Yamamoto.
The official Nielsen data is expected to land Tuesday afternoon.
As the Phillies head into what could be their most pivotal offseason in years, the front office faces a long to-do list.
Kyle Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto, Ranger Suárez, Harrison Bader and Max Kepler headline a crowded free-agent class, while bullpen arms Jordan Romano, David Robertson, Lou Trivino and Tim Mayza — plus starter Walker Buehler — are also set to hit the market.
With needs behind the plate, across the pitching staff and in the outfield, expect Dave Dombrowski to be aggressive with his payroll.
Here’s a look at ten realistic targets who could fit what the Phillies need:
If J.T. Realmuto departs, Caratini offers a capable bridge option. The 32-year-old quietly put together one of his best seasons, ranking in the 77th percentile or better in chase, whiff, and strikeout rate. His switch-hitting bat provides steady contact and the ability to get on base, but defensive inconsistency has limited him to part-time duty in recent stops. The Phillies could pair Caratini with Rafael Marchán to form a balanced tandem that prioritizes contact and pitch-handling without a major financial commitment.
Alonso remains one of baseball’s most dangerous right-handed hitters. In his seventh big league season, he ranked in the 95th percentile or better in average exit velocity, barrel rate, and expected slugging. The glove remains serviceable, but his power makes him elite — and he’d bring a true middle-of-the-order presence if Kyle Schwarber walks. Alonso’s durability, big-market experience, and run production make him an ideal fit to protect Bryce Harper and add balance to a lefty-heavy lineup.
Naylor’s bat brings a lot of stability. The 29-year-old limited strikeouts (83 Ks in 604 PAs) while maintaining strong production against both lefties (.287) and righties (.298). With runners on, he slashed .324/.376/.506, showing value in bigspots. His 30 steals made him just the fourth primary first baseman in MLB history to post a 20–30 season. For a team that could use more contact and situational hitting, Naylor’s aggressive but controlled approach would fit cleanly into Philadelphia’s middle order.
If the Phillies explore upgrading from Alec Bohm, Bregman is the logical choice. The 32-year-old posted a 128 OPS+ and continued to provide solid defense (3 OAA) at third base. His career postseason line — .791 OPS with 19 homers — reflects the consistency the Phillies have lacked in October. A disciplined right-handed bat with elite control of the zone, Bregman fits the front office’s preference for veterans with playoff experience and on-base skills.
Robert’s season was cut short by a hamstring strain in August, but the talent remains obvious. The 28-year-old ranked in the 93rd percentile in outs above average and 90th in sprint speed, swiping 33 bases despite limited action. A change of scenery could help him recapture his 2023 All-Star form at the plate, when he hit 38 homers with an .857 OPS. The White Sox are unlikely to pick up his option unless they plan to trade him, and Philadelphia’s need for right-handed power and athleticism makes him an intriguing fit.
After a breakout 2023 in Washington (28 HR, 32 SB), Thomas hasn’t replicated that success. Still, his underlying metrics — 94th percentile sprint speed and 88th percentile arm strength — make him a strong buy-low target as a fourth outfielder. A career .292/.359/.500 hitter against lefties, he’d complement Brandon Marsh in a corner-outfield platoon. At 30, Thomas could fill a depth role with the chance for more if he rebounds at the plate.
Eflin’s 2025 was cut short by multiple injuries, ending with back surgery, but his prior two seasons (3.59 ERA, 1.09 WHIP over 59 starts) proved his dependability when healthy. The right-hander was tied for second in the American League in wins in that stretch (26). The Phillies know the 31-year-old well, and a reunion would make sense given Zack Wheeler’s uncertain timeline and Ranger Suárez’s free agency. Eflin’s command and five-pitch mix help him eat up innings, which could fit the backend of the Phils rotation, especially if Taijuan Walker is dealt.
Projected contract: 2 years, $32 million
Jordan Montgomery, SP
2025: Did not pitch (injured) | 2024: 21 GS, 8–7, 6.23 ERA, 117 IP, 83 K, 1.65 WHIP
Montgomery missed 2025 recovering from Tommy John surgery, but his 2021–23 stretch (30 or more starts each year, 3.48 ERA) shows what he can still offer. The 32-year-old’s postseason success — 2.63 ERA in 37.2 IP — fits Philadelphia’s mold of proven October performers. If Suárez departs, Montgomery represents a solid short-term lefty option who can slot into the middle of the rotation once healthy.
Rogers led all relievers in appearances and posted the lowest ERA among pitchers with at least 70 innings. His unique submarine delivery induces soft contact better than anyone — ranking in the 99th percentile in average exit velocity and 100th in walk rate and barrel percentage. The 35-year-old remains effective and could be an extremely successful setup man to closer Jhoan Duran. Rogers’ style contrasts perfectly with Philadelphia’s power-heavy bullpen mix.
Projected contract: 2 years, $35 million
Derek Law, RP
2025: Did not pitch (injured) | 2024: 75 G, 7–4, 2.60 ERA, 90 IP, 76 K, 1.18 WHIP
Law missed all of 2025 with a partial flexor tear but is expected back midseason. In 2024, he ranked in the 96th percentile for chase and barrel rate thanks to his slider-cutter combo. A healthy Law could stabilize Philadelphia’s middle innings, where depth faltered in the postseason. Given his track record and versatility, he’s a low-risk veteran option who could return solid value in the sixth and seventh innings.
Projected contract: 2 years, $11 million
FA begins, important dates to know
Free agency began Sunday, but teams have five days of exclusive negotiation with their own players before outside offers are permitted on Nov. 6. All option and opt-out decisions must be finalized within that window, with qualifying-offer announcements to follow (Nov. 18). The GM Meetings in Las Vegas (Nov. 10–13) typically mark the first movement, while the Winter Meetings in Orlando (Dec. 7–10) remain the offseason’s busiest stretch. Arbitration figures are exchanged in early January, and the international signing period opens on Jan. 15.
As the Phillies head into what could be their most pivotal offseason in years, the front office faces a long to-do list.
Kyle Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto, Ranger Suárez, Harrison Bader and Max Kepler headline a crowded free-agent class, while bullpen arms Jordan Romano, David Robertson, Lou Trivino and Tim Mayza — plus starter Walker Buehler — are also set to hit the market.
With needs behind the plate, across the pitching staff and in the outfield, expect Dave Dombrowski to be aggressive with his payroll.
Here’s a look at ten realistic targets who could fit what the Phillies need:
If J.T. Realmuto departs, Caratini offers a capable bridge option. The 32-year-old quietly put together one of his best seasons, ranking in the 77th percentile or better in chase, whiff, and strikeout rate. His switch-hitting bat provides steady contact and the ability to get on base, but defensive inconsistency has limited him to part-time duty in recent stops. The Phillies could pair Caratini with Rafael Marchán to form a balanced tandem that prioritizes contact and pitch-handling without a major financial commitment.
Alonso remains one of baseball’s most dangerous right-handed hitters. In his seventh big league season, he ranked in the 95th percentile or better in average exit velocity, barrel rate, and expected slugging. The glove remains serviceable, but his power makes him elite — and he’d bring a true middle-of-the-order presence if Kyle Schwarber walks. Alonso’s durability, big-market experience, and run production make him an ideal fit to protect Bryce Harper and add balance to a lefty-heavy lineup.
Naylor’s bat brings a lot of stability. The 29-year-old limited strikeouts (83 Ks in 604 PAs) while maintaining strong production against both lefties (.287) and righties (.298). With runners on, he slashed .324/.376/.506, showing value in bigspots. His 30 steals made him just the fourth primary first baseman in MLB history to post a 20–30 season. For a team that could use more contact and situational hitting, Naylor’s aggressive but controlled approach would fit cleanly into Philadelphia’s middle order.
If the Phillies explore upgrading from Alec Bohm, Bregman is the logical choice. The 32-year-old posted a 128 OPS+ and continued to provide solid defense (3 OAA) at third base. His career postseason line — .791 OPS with 19 homers — reflects the consistency the Phillies have lacked in October. A disciplined right-handed bat with elite control of the zone, Bregman fits the front office’s preference for veterans with playoff experience and on-base skills.
Robert’s season was cut short by a hamstring strain in August, but the talent remains obvious. The 28-year-old ranked in the 93rd percentile in outs above average and 90th in sprint speed, swiping 33 bases despite limited action. A change of scenery could help him recapture his 2023 All-Star form at the plate, when he hit 38 homers with an .857 OPS. The White Sox are unlikely to pick up his option unless they plan to trade him, and Philadelphia’s need for right-handed power and athleticism makes him an intriguing fit.
After a breakout 2023 in Washington (28 HR, 32 SB), Thomas hasn’t replicated that success. Still, his underlying metrics — 94th percentile sprint speed and 88th percentile arm strength — make him a strong buy-low target as a fourth outfielder. A career .292/.359/.500 hitter against lefties, he’d complement Brandon Marsh in a corner-outfield platoon. At 30, Thomas could fill a depth role with the chance for more if he rebounds at the plate.
Eflin’s 2025 was cut short by multiple injuries, ending with back surgery, but his prior two seasons (3.59 ERA, 1.09 WHIP over 59 starts) proved his dependability when healthy. The right-hander was tied for second in the American League in wins in that stretch (26). The Phillies know the 31-year-old well, and a reunion would make sense given Zack Wheeler’s uncertain timeline and Ranger Suárez’s free agency. Eflin’s command and five-pitch mix help him eat up innings, which could fit the backend of the Phils rotation, especially if Taijuan Walker is dealt.
Projected contract: 2 years, $32 million
Jordan Montgomery, SP
2025: Did not pitch (injured) | 2024: 21 GS, 8–7, 6.23 ERA, 117 IP, 83 K, 1.65 WHIP
Montgomery missed 2025 recovering from Tommy John surgery, but his 2021–23 stretch (30 or more starts each year, 3.48 ERA) shows what he can still offer. The 32-year-old’s postseason success — 2.63 ERA in 37.2 IP — fits Philadelphia’s mold of proven October performers. If Suárez departs, Montgomery represents a solid short-term lefty option who can slot into the middle of the rotation once healthy.
Rogers led all relievers in appearances and posted the lowest ERA among pitchers with at least 70 innings. His unique submarine delivery induces soft contact better than anyone — ranking in the 99th percentile in average exit velocity and 100th in walk rate and barrel percentage. The 35-year-old remains effective and could be an extremely successful setup man to closer Jhoan Duran. Rogers’ style contrasts perfectly with Philadelphia’s power-heavy bullpen mix.
Projected contract: 2 years, $35 million
Derek Law, RP
2025: Did not pitch (injured) | 2024: 75 G, 7–4, 2.60 ERA, 90 IP, 76 K, 1.18 WHIP
Law missed all of 2025 with a partial flexor tear but is expected back midseason. In 2024, he ranked in the 96th percentile for chase and barrel rate thanks to his slider-cutter combo. A healthy Law could stabilize Philadelphia’s middle innings, where depth faltered in the postseason. Given his track record and versatility, he’s a low-risk veteran option who could return solid value in the sixth and seventh innings.
Projected contract: 2 years, $11 million
FA begins, important dates to know
Free agency began Sunday, but teams have five days of exclusive negotiation with their own players before outside offers are permitted on Nov. 6. All option and opt-out decisions must be finalized within that window, with qualifying-offer announcements to follow (Nov. 18). The GM Meetings in Las Vegas (Nov. 10–13) typically mark the first movement, while the Winter Meetings in Orlando (Dec. 7–10) remain the offseason’s busiest stretch. Arbitration figures are exchanged in early January, and the international signing period opens on Jan. 15.
Two years removed from the Giants managerial position, Gabe Kapler is moving up the ranks with another organization.
The Miami Marlins promoted Kapler to the organization’s general manager position, the team announced Monday, along with other promotions in their baseball operations leadership.
We are excited to announce the following promotions within our Baseball Operations Leadership. pic.twitter.com/y7Qkw3dERG
Kapler, who was fired as the Giants manager in September 2023, joined the Marlins as an assistant general manager in January 2024. He becomes the sixth general manager in Marlins history.
The Marlins spent the last two seasons without a general manager after Kim Ng declined her 2024 option as the team decided to hire Peter Bendix as president of baseball operations to preside over her. Ng held the general manager title for the Marlins for four seasons from 2020-23.
Kapler, when initially hired by the Marlins, returned to a front office position for the first time since serving as the director of player development for the Los Angeles Dodgers from 2015-17. He previously spent six seasons as the manager for the Philadelphia Phillies and Giants.
In his four seasons as San Francisco’s manager, Kapler finished with a 295-248 record, including a record-setting 107-win season in 2021. His lone playoff appearance in 2021 ended with an NLDS loss to the Dodgers.
Over the last two seasons since Kapler joined Miami’s front office, the Marlins have gone 141-183. The Marlins have not won a playoff game since they won the 2003 World Series.
Free agency will be fully underway soon now that the Fall Classic has ended. Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber, coming off a 56-homer campaign, is the headliner of this offseason’s free agent class, but he’s far from the only big name set to hit the open market.
So, from the top players who could be available to how the qualifying offer works and more, here’s everything you need to know about MLB free agency:
When does MLB free agency start?
Players scheduled to hit free agency officially became free agents the day after the World Series ended. At that time, teams were able to re-sign their departing free agents.
But players can’t sign with a new club until 5 p.m. ET on the fifth day after the World Series ends.
When is the MLB option deadline?
The exercising of a player, club or mutual option must occur within five days following the conclusion of the World Series.
What is a qualifying offer in MLB?
Teams have five days after the World Series to extend qualifying offers to their departing free agents. A team can only extend a qualifying offer to a player who hasn’t received one before and spent the entire 2025 season on its roster.
The qualifying offer is a one-year deal with a value equal to the mean salary of MLB’s 125 highest-paid players, and a player has until 4 p.m. ET on Nov. 18 to accept it.
Should a player reject the qualifying offer and then sign with a new club in free agency, the team who lost the free agent will receive a compensatory draft pick. A club that signs a rival player who rejected a qualifying offer is subject to the loss of at least one draft pick.
How much is the MLB qualifying offer worth?
This year’s qualifying offer is worth $22.025 million.
Who are the top 2026 MLB free agents?
Here’s a look at the top players who could hit free agency (listed alphabetically by last name, all contract details via Spotrac):
Josh Naylor, a trade deadline pickup from Arizona, hit three homers with a .967 OPS across 12 games in the 2025 playoffs. (Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images)
Top MLB free agents this offseason include (clockwise from top left) Kyle Schwarber, Cody Bellinger, Framber Valdez and Kyle Tucker. (Getty Images)
Rest easy. No Juan Soto or Shohei Ohtani is available this offseason — no one remotely otherworldly enough to cause another seismic disruption in Major League Baseball's free-agent contract calculus.
Yet excellent players pepper the market, as do a slew of better than average options at nearly every position. Teams will need to shop wisely, digesting medical reports on established players coming back from injuries and deciphering scouting reports on another handful of talented players from Japan.
Former Dodgers and Angels players litter the landscape as well. From highly regarded Cody Bellinger to distinguished veterans Kenley Jansen, Miguel Rojas and Kiké Hernandez to former top prospects looking to rebound (remember Dustin May and Walker Buehler? Of course you do), players whom Los Angeles fans are well familiar with will seek new homes and fresh starts.
The lists below are not rankings. They are divided into segments and listed by Baseball Reference wins above replacement, known as bWAR. FanGraphs also computes wins above replacement, known as fWAR. Both measures are sound and respected, although the assessments of many players differ.
This is a working document that you can bookmark and return to frequently. When a free agent signs, it will be updated with the team, the contract value and a brief analysis.
Kyle Schwarber, 33, DH, 4.7, 19.9: Schwarber is a premier slugger with 187 home runs in four seasons with Philadelphia, where he also was an exceptional clubhouse leader. He is pretty much restricted to designated hitter and is approaching an age where offensive production might decline. He still merits a lucrative multi-year deal, although going longer than four years at a $30 million average annual value (AAV) might be inviting buyer's remorse by 2030.
Kyle Tucker, 29, OF, 4.5, 27.3: Although his 2025 bWAR was lower than that of Bellinger and Schwarber, Tucker might have the highest sticker price in this free-agent class. The average of projections from 20 ESPN experts is 10 years and $391.5 million for a $38.8 million AAV. The Dodgers are considered a prime suitor because of their deep pockets and need for a productive corner outfielder.
Eugenio Suárez, 34, 3B, 3.6, 26.8: A drop of nearly one win above replacement from the top three free agents — Bellinger, Schwarber and Tucker — still puts Suárez in an enviable position. Splitting the season between the Diamondbacks and Mariners, Suarez tied a career high with 49 home runs and drove in 118 runs.
Alex Bregman, 32, 3B, 3.5, 43.1: Even though Bregman's bWAR was slightly lower than that of Suárez, he should command a larger deal because he's younger and more well-rounded. Bregman missed 44 games because of injury in his single season in Bosto but put up solid numbers. His average bWAR over his 10-year career is 4.3.
Trent Grisham, 29, OF, 3.5, 14.6: Grisham is an enigma, a first-round draft pick who blossomed with the Padres only to crater and bat under .200 three years in a row. He rebounded in 2025, swatting a career-high 34 home runs with the Yankees. Grisham also has two Gold Gloves in center field.
Bo Bichette, 28, SS, 3.4, 20.8: Bichette showed his toughness by playing effectively in the World Series despite a lingering knee injury. Bichette can flat-out hit, accumulating more than 175 hits in four of the last five seasons with above-average power. He also plays a premium position and will turn only 28 in March, meaning he could command a contract exceeded only by that of Tucker.
Toronto Blue Jays' Bo Bichette hits a three-run home run during Game 7 of the World Series, Nov. 1, 2025, in Toronto. (Ashley Landis/AP)
Pete Alonso, 31, 1B, 3.4, 23.3: Alonso was disappointed by the tepid interest in him as a free agent last offseason, re-signing with the Mets on a one-year, $30-million deal with a player option. He's expected to test the market again after once again posting the glittering power numbers that have made him a fan favorite in New York for seven years.
Josh Naylor, 28, 1B, 3.1, 8.4: The 5-foot-10, 235-pound left-handed slugger produced well in 2025 while splitting the season between the Diamondbacks and Mariners, batting a career-high .295 and hitting precisely 20 home runs for the third time in five seasons.
Gleyber Torres, 29, 2B, 2.9, 18.7: Torres needed to restore his value after taking a one-year deal with the Tigers following a ho-hum 2024 season with the Yankees. He did so incrementally and should land a measured multi-year deal this time around.
J.T. Realmuto, 35, C, 2.6, 38.8: Realmuto is recognized as one of the top-hitting catchers in baseball, and he's clearly the top free-agent backstop, proving in 2025 that he can still catch upward of 130 games while putting up solid offensive numbers. Still, he will be 35 on opening day and his .700 OPS was his lowest in a decade.
Jorge Polanco, 32, 2B, 2.6, 20.7: Polanco hit 26 home runs and posted an .821 OPS, the switch-hitter's best season since 2021 when he hit 33 homers and drove in 98 runs. Chronic knee problems have put his shortstop days behind him and cut into his range at second or third base, but the bat still plays.
Mike Yastrzemski, 35, OF, 2.6, 16.8: Although the grandson of Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski posted his best OPS (.839) since the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, he might be entertaining only contract offers of one year at $10 million or so.
Ryan O'Hearn, 31, 1B/DH, 2.4, 3.1: O'Hearn is an accomplished left-handed hitter coming off a season split between the Orioles and Padres. He can expect a large raise from the $3.5 million he made in 2025, perhaps tripling it.
Marcell Ozuna, 35, OF/DH, 1.6, 29.5: Ozuna is a proven power bat who has exceeded 20 home runs in nine seasons and led the NL with 18 homers and 56 RBIs in pandemic-shortened 2020. After tremendous 2023 and 2024 seasons in which he totaled 79 homers and 204 RBIs, Ozuna slipped in 2025, batting .232 with 21 home runs while battling hip pain.
Luis Arráez, 29, 1B, 1.3, 16.5: Arráez doesn't get much love from bWAR or fWAR, but he sure can hit, leading all major leaguers with a .317 lifetime average. He led the NL with 181 hits in 2025, but because he doesn't hit for power or walk much, his OPS was a pedestrian .719. The three-time batting champion should continue to be paid about $14 million a year, with the question becoming for how long.
Paul Goldschmidt, 38, 1B, 1.2, 63.8: Goldschmidt boasts the highest career bWAR of any free-agent hitter and he has made it clear that he is not ready to retire. His productivity, however, is trending downward, especially his power. With only 10 homers and 45 RBIs in 534 plate appearances with the Yankees last season, Goldschmidt is no longer an elite hitter.
Victor Caratini, 32, C, 0.9, 4.3: Catchers are at a premium in this free-agent class and Caratini is one of the few with a potent bat and ability to play more than 100 games in a season. He most recently delivered on a two-year, $12-million deal with the Astros and could land a similar contract because of the scarcity of backstops.
Former DODGERS and ANGELS hitters
Cody Bellinger, 30, OF, 5.0, 30.4: Bellinger has gradually rehabilitated his on-field reputation since bottoming out after six years with the Dodgers, when the former rookie of the year and most valuable player was lost at the plate, constantly tinkering with his stance and swing. An excellent bounce-back season with the Cubs in 2023 was followed by a solid 2024 campaign, a trade to the Yankees and an above-average 2025 season while he continued to excel in the outfield and at first base. The turnaround enables him to opt out of his $25-million player option and cash in, though Tucker will likely sign a more lucrative deal.
Miguel Rojas, 37, IF, 1.9, 19.1: Should Rojas choose to retire on top after his heroics in Games 6 and 7 helped the Dodgers to a second consecutive World Series title, he'll land a job as a coach or manager. If he wants to play another season, the utility infielder will find a landing spot, either with the Dodgers or somewhere else that values his leadership and steady hand.
Kiké Hernández, 34, IF/OF, -0.2, 17.0: Game 7 of the World Series was his 103rd postseason game, the stage where the versatile, passionate Hernandez shines: He has an OPS of .826 in the playoffs compared to .707 in the regular season. He has helped the Dodgers to three championships in six years and they likely will re-sign him to a one-year deal in their quest for a three-peat.
The Dodgers' Miguel Rojas reacts after his home run tied the score in the ninth inning of Game 7 of the World Series at Rogers Centre on Saturday. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)
Yoán Moncada, 31, 3B, 0.7, 14.9: Moncada provided the Angels with a reasonable facsimile of Anthony Rendon — at least Moncada showed up to play — but he'll never reach the potential the Red Sox hoped for when they signed him out of Cuba to a record $31.5-million deal in 2015 that set Boston back $63 million because of a 100% tax for exceeding the international bonus limit.
Luis Rengifo, 29, IF, 0.3, 6.6: Rengifo hits the open market after seven seasons with the Angels and could command a two-or three-year deal at about a $10 million AAV. His infield versatility is a plus and he put together three consecutive strong offensive seasons before regressing in 2025 to a .622 OPS.
Carlos Santana, 39, 1B/DH, 1.1, 39.3: The switch-hitting Santana still has a bit of thunder in his bat as well as an excellent glove — he won a Gold Glove at first base in 2024. His OPS in 2025 was a career-low .633, however, while playing on a one-year contract with the Cubs.
Justin Turner, 41, 1B/DH, 0.1, 38.7: Turner would love nothing more than to retire as a Dodger, although with Ohtani at DH and Freddie Freeman at first base, there is no place for him in their lineup. He's played for four teams in three seasons since his prolific nine-year run with the Dodgers and has made $141.5 million in his 17-year career.
Michael Conforto, 33, OF, -0.7, 16.9; Conforto held down left field for the Dodgers during the regular season, although his production was as bad as any outfielder in baseball. A former top prospect with the Mets, Conforto hasn't hit even .240 since 2020 and batted .199 for the Dodgers, who had signed him on a one-year, $17-million deal. Expect his best offer to be about one-third of that number.
Ranger Suárez, 30, SP, 4.7, 18.1: The left-handed Suárez is younger than most other free-agent starters and is coming off an excellent season. He has a 1.48 ERA over 11 postseason appearances. He is well-positioned to command a lucrative contract of up to six years. Expect him to sign with one of the teams with a high payroll.
Framber Valdez, 32, SP, 3.8, 18.8: Valdez was an impressively consistent workhorse for the Astros and certainly should be able to choose between several multi-year offers. His age works against a long-term deal, but Sportrac estimated his AAV at $33.3 million, easily the highest among free-agent pitchers.
Adrian Houser, 33, SP, 3.3, 5.9: Houser might be due the biggest raise among starters. He had an excellent season split between the White Sox and Rays while making only $1.375 million. Although only once has he made more than 21 starts in a season, Houser could be in line for a $10-million AAV.
Zack Littell, 30, SP, 3.2, 8.3: Littell came up as a reliever, was converted to the rotation after being traded to the Rays in 2023 and now could double his AAV from $6 million to at least $12 million.
Merrill Kelly, 37, SP, 2.9, 15.8: A late bloomer who became a stalwart starter for the Diamondbacks for years, Kelly might be restricted to a two-year deal because of his age. He's a strong candidate for a team that wants a front-end starter without mortgaging the future.
Nick Martinez, 35, SP, 2.3, 11.2: Martinez is a swingman who has pined for the workload and pay of a full-time starter. The Reds gave him that opportunity in 2025 and he was moderately successful, posting a 4.45 ERA in a career-high 165 2/3 innings while earning $21 million. He'll likely get another one-year deal for less money.
Chris Bassitt, 37, SP, 2.1, 18.1: Bassitt has been a dependable mid-rotation arm, making at least 30 starts four years in a row with league-average results. He is coming off a three-year, $63-million contract with the Blue Jays, but at 37 he might not be able to replicate that deal.
Tyler Mahle, 31, SP, 2.1, 11.1: Mahle came back strong from a shoulder injury with two September starts that quieted concerns. He missed three months after a spectacular beginning of the season and finished with a career-low 2.18 ERA.
Brandon Woodruff, 33, SP, 1.3, 18.6: Another pitcher whose once promising future is clouded by health issues, Woodruff sat out the entire 2024 season and the first half of this year recovering from shoulder surgery. He appeared as good as new in 12 starts, posting a 7-2 record and 3.20 ERA. He's been with the Brewers his entire career and re-signing with them is a strong possibility.
Michael King, 30, SP, 1.2, 10.8: King was acquired by the Padres from the Yankees in the Juan Soto deal ahead of the 2024 season and immediately flourished, going 13-9 with a 2.95 ERA. This season, however, he was sidelined early on with a pinched thoracic nerve and pitched only 17 2/3 innings the rest of the season, finishing 5-3 with a 3.44 ERA. King might settle for a one-year bridge contract to satisfy health concerns before hitting the jackpot a year from now.
Justin Verlander, 43, SP, 1.2, 81.7: Alas, Verlander's dogged pursuit of 300 wins wasn't helped by a 4-11 season with the Giants. He deserved better, posting a 3.85 ERA in 29 starts. The future first-ballot Hall of Famer made $15 million, and a one-year deal at two-thirds of that number seems reasonable. No financial worries: Verlander has been paid $419 million over 20 years.
San Francisco Giants right-hander Justin Verlander pitches to a St. Louis Cardinals batter during the first inning Monday, Sept. 22, 2025, in San Francisco. (Godofredo A. Vasquez/AP)
Dylan Cease, 30, SP, 1.1, 16.9: His ballyhooed acquisition by the Padres ahead of the 2024 season didn't turn out so well. Yes, Cease was 14-11 that year, but got lit up by the Dodgers in the playoffs and regressed to 8-12 with a 4.55 ERA in 2025 while making $13.75 million in his last year of arbitration. The potential remains for him to sign a multi-year deal for an AAV of close to $25 million.
Zac Gallen, 30, SP, 1.1, 20.8: On the plus side, Gallen posted 56 wins over 126 starts the last four years for the Diamondbacks and he's only 30. On the negative side, his ERA has risen each of those four years, peaking in 2025 at 4.83. The right-hander should be looking at a multi-year deal with an AAV of about $18 million.
Shane Bieber, 30, SP, 0.7, 18.5: Getting tagged with the loss in Game 7 of the World Series skewed Bieber's recovery from Tommy John surgery. The Laguna Hills High and UC Santa Barbara product went 4-2 with a 3.57 ERA in seven starts after the Blue Jays boldly bet on him even though he hadn't pitched in 15 months when they acquired him from the Guardians. Bieber is a Cy Young Award winner with a career 66-34 record and 3.24 ERA who should be one of the more intriguing free agents if he declines his player option of $14 million and takes a $4 million buyout to hit the market.
Michael Soroka, 28, SP, 0.6, 6.8: The former first-round pick has never replicated the promise he showed in 2019 when he went 13-4 with a 2.68 ERA over 19 starts for the Braves at age 21. Soroka has battled injuries and incompetent teammates — he was 0-10 for the woeful White Sox in 2024 — but he's only 28. Another one-year deal is probably on the horizon.
Zach Eflin, 32, SP, -0.4, 12.9: Eflin's 2025 season was shortened by a back injury that he says has healed. He was one of the better starters in baseball in 2023 and 2024, so he could be a good bet for a team convinced he's healthy. A one-year deal at a high AAV such as $15 million might be in the cards.
Former DODGERS and ANGELS Starters
Tyler Anderson, 36, SP, 2.0, 16.8: The dependable former Angels and Dodgers starter is coming off a three-year, $39-million contract. His 2025 season ended in August because of an oblique strain, and he was 2-8 with a 4.56 ERA in 26 starts. A two-year deal at a reduced AAV isn't out of the question.
Kyle Hendricks, 36, SP, 1.7, 22.7: Pitching for the Angels in 2025 was a homecoming for the former Capistrano Valley High product, and he was serviceable, going 8-10 with a 4.76 ERA over 164 2/3 innings while making $2.5 million. Another one-year deal seems in the cards for the poor man's Greg Maddux.
Jose Quintana, 37, SP, 1.4, 31.7: Quintana has put together solid seasons with the Mets in 2024 and the Brewers in 2025, combining for 302 innings and 21 wins over 55 starts with a 3.79 ERA. The left-hander who seemed washed up in 2021 when he went 0-3 with the Angels after signing a one-year, $8-million contract has rebounded nicely and should find himself shoring up the back of a rotation in 2026.
Griffin Canning, 29, SP, 1.1, 5.8: The former Angels first-round pick out of UCLA underperformed in Anaheim but figured something out with the Mets, posting a 7-3 record with a 3.77 ERA in 16 starts before his season ended with a ruptured Achilles tendon.
Jack Flaherty, 30, SP, 0.9, 14.2: Despite a perception that he's always one pitch away from an arm injury, Flaherty made 31 starts for the Tigers and notched 188 strikeouts in 2025. No Dodgers fan can forget his contribution to their World Series title in 2024 when after being acquired at the deadline, the Harvard Westlake High product went 6-2 in 10 starts.
Dodgers pitcher Jack Flaherty pitches in Game 5 of the 2024 World Series against the Yankees. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
Max Scherzer, 41, SP, 0.2, 75.6: The future Hall of Famer has no intention of retiring, even after posting a 5.19 ERA and giving up 19 home runs in 85 innings for the Blue Jays. Scherzer might take a steep pay cut from the $15.5 million he made in 2025, but he's already been paid $366.5 million in his 18-year career. Dodgers fans remember him as a 2021 trade-deadline acquisition going 7-0 with a 1.98 ERA in 11 regular-season starts but bowing out of a start in the NLCS.
Walker Buehler, 31, SP, 0.0, 12.3: Returning to form after his second Tommy John surgery hasn't been smooth for the ultra-competitive former Dodgers star. The Red Sox paid his $21.05-million salary last season, and he likely won't get near that much on another one-year deal after posting a 4.93 ERA in 26 appearances.
Dustin May, 28, SP, -0.6, 2.5: Finally healed from injuries and illness, the red-headed former Dodgers starter likely will need to prove himself on a one-year deal after splitting the 2025 season between L.A. and Boston. Time remains on his side and he hasn't been overused.
Andrew Heaney, 34, SP, 0.3, 7.7: Heaney pitched 6 1/2 seasons with the Angels and had two short stints with the Dodgers, including posting a career-low ERA of 3.10 in 2022. The left-hander likely will have to take a low-ball one-year deal after going 5-10 with an unsightly 5.39 ERA in 26 appearances with the Pirates.
Top Relief Pitchers
Edwin Diaz, 32, RP, 3.0, 13.8: Díaz has a plan, and it is to opt out of his $15.5-million 2026 contract with the Mets and negotiate a multi-year deal at about a $20-million AAV. The right-hander with 253 career saves gained the leverage by posting a 1.63 ERA with 28 saves and 98 strikeouts in 66 1/3 innings in 2025.
Tyler Rogers, 35, RP, 2.4, 9.8: The underrated Rogers was traded from the Giants to the Mets at the deadline in 2025 and over a league-high 81 appearances was equally effective in both places. Rogers' submarine delivery induces a ton of ground balls and he is effective against left-handed batters as well as righties. He's averaged 75 appearances a season since 2021.
Brad Keller, 33, RP, 2.4, 9.8: Keller picked a great time to enjoy a career year, heading into free agency after a 2.07 ERA over 68 appearances in his only season with the Cubs. His ERA had been over 5.00 in three of the previous four years, so potential suitors must determine whether he is truly a new pitcher after healing from 2023 surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome.
Robert Suarez, 34, RP, 2.3, 5.8: The late-blooming Suarez might be the most sought-after closer besides Díaz. The right-hander led the NL with 40 saves and got better as the season progressed. Suarez didn't break into the big leagues with San Diego until he was 31 because he played one season in Mexico and five in Japan.
Emilio Pagán, 34, RP, 2.0, 6.4: Pagán posted a 2.88 ERA in 70 appearances in 2025 for the Reds, the sixth team he has pitched for effectively in nine seasons. He told reporters he would like to return to Cincinnati even though he was twice as effective on the road as at home.
Sean Newcomb, 33, RP, 1.6, 4.0: Newcomb was a first-round pick of the Angels in 2014 and broke into the majors with the Braves as a starter in 2017. He moved to the bullpen in 2019, endured four injury-riddled seasons and emerged in 2025 as a reliable left-handed option for the Athletics, posting a 1.75 ERA.
Shawn Armstrong, 35, RP, 1.5, 3.9: Armstrong gave up only 40 hits and posted a 2.31 ERA in a career-high 74 innings in 2025 for Texas in part because he had tossed only 347 1/3 innings in nine previous seasons. Armstrong's arm remains strong and his sweeper has been nearly unhittable, with opponents batting .080 against it.
Luke Weaver, 32, RP, 0.8, 3.5: Weaver ran into trouble during the second half of the 2025 season with the Yankees, his ERA jumping a run-and-a-half amid reports that he was tipping his pitches. A starter the first eight years of his career, Weaver moved to the bullpen in 2024 and immediately assumed a role as a high-leverage reliever. The regression late in 2025 might cost him AAV.
Kyle Finnegan, 34, RP, 1.0, 4.3: This is the second foray into free agency for Finnegan, who last year settled for a one-year, $5.38-million deal with the Nationals, the same team he notched 88 saves for the previous five seasons. He again proved a reliable closer, compiling 24 saves. He was traded to the Tigers at the deadline and flourished through the postseason. A two-year deal might result this time around.
Ryan Helsley, 31, RP, 0.1, 7.3: Too bad for Helsley that he wasn't a free agent after the 2024 season, when he led the NL with 49 saves and struck out 79 batters in 66.1 innings with the Cardinals. The right-hander had 21 saves at the 2025 trading deadline and was dealt to the Mets, where he never seemed comfortable in a setup role for Diaz, admitting that he succumbed to pressure. A fresh start should do him good.
Devin Williams, 31, RP, -0.3, 8.7: Williams went from being virtually unhittable with the Brewers for three years to decidedly mortal with the Yankees in 2025, posting a 4.79 ERA when his career ERA entering the season was under 2.00. His devastating changeup and elite velocity are fresh in the minds of many general managers, so expect multiple bidders for Williams' services.
Angels closer Kenley Jansen pitches in relief against the Dodgers on May 16, 2025. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)
Former DODGERS and ANGELS Relievers
Kenley Jansen, 38, RP, 2.4, 24.4: A Dodgers closer for 12 years and an Angels closer in 2025, Jansen's presence on the mound holding a ninth-inning lead is iconic in L.A. The right-hander has 476 career saves — including 29 last season — and becoming only the third pitcher to reach 500 is a worthy goal. Jansen has his doubters, but he continues to slam the door far more often than not.
Raisel Iglesias, 36, RP, 1.3, 18.5: Another former Angels closer nearing the twilight of his career, Iglesias proved he continues to be effective, notching 29 saves and posting a 3.21 ERA for the Braves in 2025. The Angels signed him to a four-year, $58-million contract ahead of the 2022 season, but he was traded to Atlanta at midseason. Iglesias will take a pay cut this time around but still could be slotted as a closer.
Caleb Ferguson, 29, RP, 0.9, 1.6: A serviceable left-handed option out of the Dodgers' bullpen from 2018 to 2023, Ferguson hasn't really progressed or regressed since, playing for four teams in two years.
Luis García, 29, RP, 0.8, 3.2: García has had three stints with the Angels and one with the Dodgers. He pitched for both teams in 2025, has made 603 career appearances — all but four in relief — and likely will be a late sign when teams get to spring training and realize they need bullpen depth.
Chris Martin, 39, RP, -0.1, 7.7: Martin's career went into overdrive thanks to Dodgers pitching coaches when he was acquired at the deadline in 2023 and posted a 1.46 ERA in 26 appearances, giving up a paltry 12 hits and striking out 34. He's been stellar ever since, first with Boston then with Texas. Who gets him next?
Ryan Yarbrough, 34, RP, 0.6, 5.2: Yarbrough is a swingman with a funky delivery who pitched decently for the Yankees in 2025 until suffering an oblique strain that sidelined him for nearly three months. He was with the Dodgers the second half of the 2023 season and first half of 2024. He made $2 million last season and probably will land a similar deal.
Ryan Brasier, 39, RP, 0.2, 2.8: Brasier parlayed a tremendous second half of the 2023 season with the Dodgers (0.70 ERA in 39 appearances) into a two-year, $9-million contract. His 2025 season with the Cubs was cut short by a groin strain in August and he'll likely settle for a one-year deal at about half the AAV.
Kirby Yates, 39, RP, -0.5, 8.5: One of several bullpen disappointments for the Dodgers in 2025, Yates seemed to hit a wall early and never scaled it, posting a 5.23 ERA in 50 appearances. This from a pitcher who in 2024 with Texas notched 33 saves and posted a minuscule 1.17 ERA. That earned him a one-year, $13-million deal with the Dodgers, one that certainly won't be replicated.
International Players
Munetaka Murakami, 25, 1B/3B, NA, NA: Enthusiasm for the most anticipated position player to come out of Japan in years was slightly dampened after he had arthroscopic elbow surgery and an oblique injury in 2025. The left-handed hitter played only 69 games, but still hit 24 home runs. He bashed 56 in his most productive season with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows. He does swing and miss an awful lot, and comparisons range from Schwarber at the high end to Joey Gallo at the low end.
Kazuma Okamoto, 29, 1B/3B, NA, NA: Okamoto might be more appealing to teams scared off by Murakami's low-floor, high-ceiling profile. Like Murakami, Okamoto is a power-hitting corner infielder coming off an elbow injury, but he is four years older and a six-time All-Star in Japan. His contact skills are superior to Murakami’s and he is less of a gamble.
Tatsuya Imai, 27, SP, NA, NA; 2025 team: Somewhat like Dodgers World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Imai is an undersized right-hander whose mid-90s fastball is complemented by a broad arsenal highlighted by a devastating slider. Imai posted a 1.92 ERA in 163 2/3 innings in 2025. Although he may sign for only about half of the $325 million the Dodgers gave Yamamoto, Imai should have plenty of suitors.
Cody Ponce, 31, SP, NA, NA: Originally a second-round draft pick of the Brewers out of tiny Cal Poly Pomona, Ponce exited for Japan after going 0-6 with a 7.04 ERA over 38 1/3 innings with the Pirates in 2021. He put up average numbers for three seasons, jumped to the KBO League in South Korea and blossomed in 2025, going 17-1 with a 1.89 ERA in 29 starts. The difference? He developed a wipeout splitter and increased the velocity on his fastball, enough to perhaps merit a two-year, $20-million deal.
SAN FRANCISCO — Two of the best hitters in Giants franchise history will get another crack at entering the Hall of Fame.
Barry Bonds and Jeff Kent, teammates in San Francisco for six seasons, were among the eight former players listed on this year’s ballot for the Contemporary Baseball Era Committee, which will meet on Dec. 7 in Orlando at the start of the annual MLB Winter Meetings. A 16-member board will meet to discuss this year’s ballot and any candidate who receives at least 12 votes will be part of next summer’s Hall of Fame class.
This is the only path to Cooperstown still available to Bonds and Kent, both of whom fell short during traditional voting.
Bonds was on the BBWAA ballot for 10 years and maxed out at 66 percent, falling short of the 75 percent required. He got another crack in 2022 but received fewer than four votes from this committee, which voted Fred McGriff into the Hall of Fame that year.
Kent, one of the best-hitting second basemen of all-time, didn’t crack 50 percent in 10 years on the BBWAA ballot. He could find more luck with the committees than Bonds, as they have been just as harsh to players with PED connections as the BBWAA writers were.
The 16 voters — a mix of former players, executives and media members — will be announced later this fall. It’s crucial that Bonds finds some support in the room, even if he is not elected this time. The Hall recently passed a rule that states any player who does not get at least five of 16 votes will not be eligible for the Era ballot over the next three years. Failing to reach that mark back-to-back times, starting this year, would make a player ineligible for all future ballots.
Bonds and Kent are joined on this year’s ballot by Roger Clemens, Carlos Delgado, Don Mattingly, Dale Murphy, Gary Sheffield and Fernando Valenzuela. Next year’s ballot will deal with managers, executives and umpires, and again could be Giants-heavy. Bruce Bochy is a lock and Brian Sabean could get some consideration, as well.
