The MLB trade deadline is behind us. That means free agency is one month closer. Here’s the latest update on our 2025-26 free-agent rankings.
Notes: Whenever you see a number, a slash and another number, that’s a reference to contract years and total earnings. For instance, the shorthand for Bryce Harper’s 11-year, $330 million deal would be “11/330.” Ages listed below are for the 2026 season.
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Previous free-agent rankings: April | May | June
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1. Kyle Tucker, Cubs OF, age 29 (June rank: 1)
Tucker has hit just one home run since July 1 amidst what has been an extended cold stretch for the class’ top player. It’s a much bigger deal for the Cubs, who now trail the Brewers by 3.5 games in the NL Central, than it is for Tucker’s wallet. Given his track record and age, he’s still a lock to eclipse the $300 million mark in free agency. But a deal in the Vladimir Guerrero Jr. range (14/500) is starting to feel more and more out of reach.
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2. Alex Bregman (opt-out), Red Sox 3B, age 32 (2)
Bregman missed a month and a half due to a hamstring issue but has looked like himself since returning in early July. He rarely chases or whiffs, and he elevates the ball often enough to the pull side to make the most of his good, not great, raw juice. One big thing to monitor with Bregman is the health of his lower half. That hamstring injury was not his first lower-body injury, and there’s no doubt that Bregman’s mobility has declined in recent years. His sprint speed, for instance, is at a career-low 20th percentile. That matters only as much as it impacts his defense at the hot corner, which remains stellar.
3. Kyle Schwarber, Phillies DH, age 33 (6)
4. Pete Alonso (opt-out), Mets 1B, age 31 (3)
Schwarber vs. Alonso will spark a fascinating debate this winter. There’s a legitimate argument to put either above the other. Alonso — who recently cranked his 251st career home run, putting him one behind the Mets’ franchise record — is two years younger than Schwarber and plays a defensive position. But Schwarber is (1) a left-handed hitter, (2) producing a tier above Alonso offensively and (3) considered one of the few elite clubhouse presences in the game. I’m leaning toward Schwarber for now because he might hit 60 home runs.
Kyle Schwarber, Bo Bichette and Framber Valdez are among the players delivering strong seasons ahead of reaching free agency this winter….