Five MLB players facing important walk years

Many players in today’s Major League Baseball landscape never reach free agency. A lot of teams are aggressive in trying to sign key players to contract extensions before they hit the open market.

Below are five key players whose pending free agency could significantly shape the market next offseason.

Kris Bubic, Royals

Bubic stands out as a coveted left-handed starter, a role every team values. His market will be strong if he delivers consistent results this season.

Last season, Bubic earned his first All-Star appearance and finished with an 8-7 record, 2.55 ERA, and 116 strikeouts over 116 1/3 innings before a rotator cuff injury sidelined him.

Jazz Chisholm Jr., Yankees

Chisholm is projected to be the market's top position player. His combination of power, speed, defensive versatility and leadership makes him highly desirable.

Last season, Chisholm hit .242 with 31 home runs, 80 RBI and 31 stolen bases in 130 games. Chisholm will open this season as the Yankees’ primary second baseman but also has extensive major-league action at third base and center field.

Freddy Peralta, Mets

Peralta has drawn the Mets’ interest for a contract extension after acquiring him from the Milwaukee Brewers in an offseason trade. He remains undecided about his long-term commitment, making his potential free agency notable.

A strong season from Peralta would generate broad interest. He led the NL in wins last year, finishing 17-6 with a 2.70 ERA in 33 starts.

Trevor Rogers, Orioles

Rogers rebuilt his profile last season, going 9-3 with a 1.81 ERA in 18 starts after a challenging three years (7-24, 5.09 ERA) split between the Marlins and Orioles.

Rogers was an All-Star with the Miami Marlins in 2021 at age 23, underscoring his talent.

Tarik Skubal, Tigers

The two-time reigning American League Cy Young award winner is likely to set a new market for free-agent starting pitchers after being awarded a $32-million salary in arbitration.

With a 31-10 record and 2.30 ERA over two seasons, Skubal appears poised for a historic contract, potentially surpassing the Dodgers’ $325-million deal with Yoshinobu Yamamoto.