10 Free Agents Who Could Bag The Biggest Contracts In 2026 MLB Offseason

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The 2026 season is in the books. The Milwaukee Brewers defeated the Tampa Bay Rays in the Fall Classic to clinch their first World Series title this week.

With the season over, MLB teams have turned their attention to improving their rosters. Teams are expected to pursue top free agents this offseason to assemble squads capable of competing for the big prize.

Here are 10 free agents who could bag the biggest contracts in the offseason:

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#1 Tarik Skubal

Tarik Skubal is projected to sign a record deal in free agency - Source: Imagn — Tarik Skubal is projected to sign a record deal in free agency – Source: Imagn

Two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal is the most high-profile free agent heading into the offseason. Skubal spent the second half of the 2026 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers after a trade from the Detroit Tigers.

Skubal, who negotiated a record arbitration salary earlier this year, is projected to sign a long-term contract worth around $350 million. The Dodgers and New York Mets are expected to be strong contenders in Skubal’s sweepstakes.

#2 Randy Arozarena

Former AL Rookie of the Year Randy Arozarena is expected to be one of the most sought-after free agents in the offseason. The 31-year-old outfielder earned his third All-Star selection in 2026.

Arozarena drove in 79 runs in 154 games for Seattle in 2026. His hitting ability and base-running skills make him an attractive position player for several teams. According to The Athletic, he is projected to land a contract worth around $125 million.

#3 Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. had a mediocre season with the New York Yankees in 2026 - Source: Imagn — Jazz Chisholm Jr. had a mediocre season with the New York Yankees in 2026 – Source: Imagn

Former New York Yankees slugger Jazz Chisholm Jr. is one of the most high-profile free-agent infielders this offseason. Although he is coming off a mediocre season with the Yankees in 2026, he could command a lucrative contract in free agency.

Chisholm, who registered the first 30-30 season of his career in 2025, is projected to sign a $128 million contract in free agency, according to The Athletic. His former team, the Yankees, are among the teams linked with the All-Star infielder.

#4 Adrian Morejon

Adrian Morejon is linked with a return to the San Diego Padres - Source: Imagn — Adrian Morejon is linked with a return to the San Diego Padres – Source: Imagn

All-Star relief pitcher Adrian Morejon became a free agent after the 2026 season with the San Diego Padres. Morejon, who earned his first All-Star selection in 2025, has emerged as one of the best bullpen arms over the last two seasons.

Although the Padres have a designated closer in Mason Miller, the NL West team is expected to reunite with Morejon, who is projected to sign a $40 million deal.

#5 Seiya Suzuki

Seiya Suzuki had a strong 2026 season with the Chicago Cubs - Source: Imagn — Seiya Suzuki had a strong 2026 season with the Chicago Cubs – Source: Imagn

Veteran outfielder Seiya Suzuki hits free agency following the 2026 season with the Chicago Cubs. During his five seasons with the Cubs, Suzuki has become one of the league’s most consistent hitters.

Jim Bowden of The Athletic has predicted a five-year, $120 million contract for Suzuki after a strong 2026 season in Chicago.

#6 Freddy Peralta

Freddy Peralta heads into free agency after postseason heroics with the Tampa Bay Rays - Source: Imagn — Freddy Peralta heads into free agency after postseason heroics with the Tampa Bay Rays – Source: Imagn

Freddy Peralta struggled for consistency with the New York Mets in the first half of the season. However, Peralta rediscovered his form on the mound in the second half with the Tampa Bay Rays.

After his heroics against the Cleveland Guardians in the championship series, which earned him the ALCS MVP title, Peralta is predicted to sign a five-year, $140 million contract in free agency, according to Jim Bowden of The Athletic.

#7 Michael King

Michael King opted out of his San Diego Padres contract to become a free agent - Source: Imagn — Michael King opted out of his San Diego Padres contract to become a free agent – Source: Imagn

Veteran starting pitcher Michael King declined his player option with the San Diego Padres for the 2027 season, becoming a free agent. King is expected to be one of the most coveted rotation pieces in the offseason.

King, who reportedly left $53M–$58M on the table by opting out of his Padres contract, is expected to sign a long-term deal worth around $118 million, according to The Athletic.

#8 Jake Bauers

Jake Bauers helped the Milwaukee Brewers to their first World Series title - Source: Imagn — Jake Bauers helped the Milwaukee Brewers to their first World Series title – Source: Imagn

Following his heroics for the Milwaukee Brewers during their World Series-winning campaign, Jake Bauers became a free agent. Bauers was named the NLCS MVP for his heroics at the plate against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the championship series.

Bauers batted a career-best .266 with a career-high 26 home runs during the 2026 regular season. According to Jim Bowden of The Athletic, he is projected to sign a four-year contract worth around $56 million.

#9 Brandon Lowe

Brandon Lowe had a strong 2026 season with the Pittsburgh Pirates - Source: Imagn — Brandon Lowe had a strong 2026 season with the Pittsburgh Pirates – Source: Imagn

The Pittsburgh Pirates traded for All-Star infielder Brandon Lowe ahead of the 2026 season. Lowe emerged as one of the Pirates’ best players, smashing 35 home runs in 150 games.

Lowe is expected to be a coveted infielder in the offseason. He is predicted to sign a three-year, $45 million contract in free agency.

#10 Luis Arráez

Luis Arráez spent the second half of the 2026 season with the Philadelphia Phillies - Source: Imagn — Luis Arráez spent the second half of the 2026 season with the Philadelphia Phillies – Source: Imagn

Veteran All-Star slugger Luis Arráez remains one of MLB’s best contact hitters. The four-time All-Star registered 185 hits with a .310 batting average in 2026.

Arráez, who spent the second half of the season with the Philadelphia Phillies after a trade from the San Francisco Giants, is predicted to sign a three-year, $60 million deal in free agency.

Edited by Arvind Sriram

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