Aug 23, 2025; Anaheim, California, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker (30) hits a two-run home run against the Los Angeles Angels during the third inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images Let’s predict where the top 10 free agents this winter will be playing in 2026.
1. Kyle Tucker, RF. Destination: Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers have been linked to Tucker ever since the postseason began, and it makes a lot of sense for both sides. Tucker, who is said to be seeking at least $400 million, figured to drive the free-agent market. The Dodgers have more money than any other team, plus a willingness to spend it. They also have a need in right field, evident since Mookie Betts moved to shortstop.
Tucker, who turns 29 in January, appeared to finish the season in a diminished capacity because of the fractured right hand he sustained in June. Tucker overall hit .266/.377/.464 with 22 home runs, 25 doubles, 87 walks and 25 stolen bases in 597 plate appearances.
The Phillies and Yankees also were said to be leading contenders for Tucker.
2. Kyle Schwarber, DH. Destination: Philadelphia Phillies
The Dodgers overtaking the field for Tucker could help to drive Schwarber back to the Phillies. Turning 33 in March, Schwarber has been the best home-run hitter in the league not named Aaron Judge since his rookie season in 2015. Schwarber’s lack of fielding ability might knock a few dollars off his salary, or limit the range of teams willing to spend. But he’d make almost any team better.
The Padres and Braves are said to be interested too, and the Cubs definitely should pursue a reunion.
3. Alex Bregman, 3B. Destination: Phillies
Word is that Bregman soon will opt out of his contract with the Red Sox, which should mean more free-agent bidders this time around because there won’t be a qualifying-offer draft pick attached anymore. He turns 32 in March, still plays solid defense at third, again was one of the top 12-15% hitters in the league overall, and remains a clubhouse leader. He’d also still fit with the Red Sox, Tigers, Yankees and Mets.
4. Pete Alonso, 1B. Destination: New York Mets
Sep 27, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (20) celebrates his solo home run against the Miami Marlins in the third inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images 5. Bo Bichette, 2B. Destination: Mets
The Mets and Angels are the teams aside from the Blue Jays most likely to overpay, but is Bichette interested in playing in Anaheim? On the one hand, Bichette’s knee sprain turning him into a second baseman might seem like a tough break because shortstop is a more valuable position, but many more teams have strong shortstops than they do second basemen.
6. Cody Bellinger, RF. Destination: Yankees
Oct 5, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Yankees left fielder Cody Bellinger (35) rounds the bases after hitting a home run in the sixth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays during game two of the ALDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images 7. Framber Valdez, LHP. Destination: Chicago Cubs
Valdez would be ideal on a team with a strong infield defense and the Cubs, with Dansby Swanson and Nico Hoerner up the middle, fit the description. The Blue Jays also make sense.
8. Ranger Suárez, LHP. Destination: San Francisco Giants
The Giants finished in the middle on hitting and pitching, so take your pick as to which they need to devote more resources to. Buster Posey surely wants to make a splash in free agency to go with new manager Tony Vitello, and reinforcing the starting rotation with a couple of strong arms is the shortest cut to doing so.
9. Dylan Cease, RHP. Destination: Giants
Sep 1, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Dylan Cease (84) delivers during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images 10. Shane Bieber, RHP. Destination: Blue Jays
This player would help perhaps 29 additional teams. Bieber will be two full years removed from Tommy John surgery come April 2026. His performance in 17 2/3 innings this postseason (3.57 ERA, 18 K, 6 BB, 2 HR) should encourage suitors to just pay the 2020 AL Cy Young what he is worth.
