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Kyle Schwarber. Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Ranking the pending MLB free agents: National League edition

By Kevin Henry, Lauren Amour, Taylor Bretl | Last updated Oct 21, 2025 12:18 PM ET

MLB free agency officially begins days after the conclusion of the World Series. The teams in the National League will be battling to upgrade their rosters and put themselves in a better position to contend for the league pennant next season.

This week, Yardbarker's MLB writers got together to identify the top pending free agents from each division.

NL East

New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

Designated hitter Kyle Schwarber

Schwarber had the best season of his 11-year career in 2025, hitting a NL-leading 56 home runs alongside an MLB-best 132 RBI. He was named an All-Star for the third time in his career and led the NL to victory in the Midsummer Classic by belting three solo shots in the first-ever swing-off. The 32-year-old also turned in a .240 average and .928 OPS, and has noticeably cut down his strikeouts in recent seasons (although still high at 197). Following his career year, Schwarber will undoubtedly command a pay raise, but how much is too much for a player who can only offer his bat?

Appearing in only eight games in left field in 2025, interested teams must know Schwarber won’t offer much positional flexibility. However, those needing a veteran power bat should be all in on potentially signing him. Retaining Schwarber is a top priority for the Phillies, but if they fail to meet his lofty asking price, the Orioles, Rangers, Red Sox, Tigers, Padres, Reds and Braves were all cited as potential fits.

First baseman Pete Alonso

Shortly after his Mets were eliminated from postseason contention, Alonso declared he would be opting out of his two-year, $54 million deal that New York gave him last offseason. The five-time All-Star played in all 162 games in 2025, slashing .272/.347/.524 with a league-leading 41 doubles, along with 38 home runs and 126 RBI.

Like his NL East counterpart Schwarber, Alonso may return to his incumbent team. That said, he previously turned down a seven-year, $158M offer from the Mets. Alonso will turn 31 in December and is reportedly still seeking a seven-year contract in free agency. The Red Sox, Rangers, Yankees, Diamondbacks and yes, even the Phillies, have all been linked to the two-time Home Run Derby champion.

Right-handed pitcher Edwin Diaz

Alonso’s teammate Diaz is also expected to opt out of his current deal, but hasn’t said one way or another. Diaz returned to his All-Star form in 2025 after an uncharacteristically high 3.52 ERA last season. This year, he tossed 66.1 innings — his most since the 2018 season — to the tune of a 1.63 ERA. The 31-year-old also struck out 98 batters and collected 28 saves in 31 opportunities.

Diaz signed a five-year, $102 million deal with New York in November 2022 but subsequently missed the 2023 campaign due to an injury he suffered in the World Baseball Classic. Now, his Mets future is up in the air with his historic deal, including a player opt-out after the World Series concludes. 2025 showed that Diaz is still among the best closers in the game, and it would be surprising if owner Steve Cohen let him get away. The Dodgers, Yankees, Braves and Blue Jays are potential fits for him should he leave Queens.

Designated hitter Marcell Ozuna

Perhaps flying under the radar a bit is Ozuna, who had a down year in 2025, much like the rest of his Atlanta teammates. The Braves' designated hitter, set to turn 35 in November, hit .232 along with a .756 OPS, 21 home runs, and 68 RBI across 145 games this season. This was a far cry from his 2024 campaign, in which he finished fourth in the NL MVP voting with 39 homers, 104 RBI, and a .925 OPS, appearing in all 162 games.

So, what does the future hold for the three-time All-Star? Ozuna is a former Gold Glove Award winner, but doesn’t play the field much anymore. He was rumored to be moved at this year’s trade deadline, but stayed put, making it all the more likely he’s in a different uniform next season. The Rangers, Padres and Brewers are among the potential landing spots for Ozuna.

Catcher J.T. Realmuto

It’s hard to imagine the Phillies parting ways with Realmuto, particularly due to his rapport with the team’s esteemed pitching staff. That said, his offensive production has steadily declined over the last few seasons. The three-time All-Star batted .257 with a .700 OPS, 12 home runs, 52 RBI and 129 strikeouts in 550 plate appearances in 2025. The former Silver Slugger still has some gas left in the tank, though, as he demonstrated at points this year.

It’s highly likely Realmuto, a two-time Gold Glove Award winner, returns to Philadelphia on a one- or two-year deal. How much a club would be willing to pay for an aging catcher is certainly up for debate. Realmuto will enter his age-35 season in 2026, and the Phillies would ideally like to get younger at the position. However, teams in need of catching help or a veteran voice would likely take a flier on him, such as the Yankees, Giants or Rays.

-- Lauren Amour

NL Central

Chicago Cubs right fielder Kyle Tucker David Banks-Imagn Images

Outfielder Kyle Tucker

Tucker is arguably the hottest bat that will be on the free agent market. Coming off his fourth-straight All-Star selection, the 28-year-old slashed .266/.377/.464, with 22 home runs and 73 RBI. He recorded a 4.5 WAR, marking his fifth straight season with a WAR above four. Tucker is projected to earn a contract near $400 million.

While a high contract is expected for Tucker, returning to the Cubs isn’t out of the cards. If he were to move away from Chicago, the Philadelphia Phillies come across as a frontrunner, especially if a collection of players, including Nick Castellanos, Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto, do not return.

Right-handed pitcher Brandon Woodruff

Woodruff’s mutual option for 2026 carries a lot of weight following a strong comeback season with Milwaukee after nearly two years away from the mound. The 32-year-old posted a 7-2 record with a 3.20 ERA across 64 2/3 innings pitched. A late-September lateral injury ruled him out for the postseason, introducing some concern about his durability as he enters a new contract.

Woodruff holds close to Milwaukee, playing with the Brewers for eight years of his career, but his veteran talents will be sought out by bigger markets. The New York Mets jump out as a top candidate, especially with Griffin Canning entering the free agent market.

Left-hander Jose Quintana

Quintana finished his 14th season in MLB, ending with 11 wins, his most in a season since 2019, with a 3.96 ERA. At 36 years old, the veteran left-hander has pitched for seven teams since 2020, bringing tons of experience as a southpaw.

Quintana has now been on a postseason roster for five of the last six seasons, making contending teams the front-runners looking to add the left-hander. He holds a mutual option with Milwaukee, but if he parts ways with the Brewers, teams such as the Padres, Blue Jays or Guardians could look into the veteran.

Right-handed pitcher Zack Littell

Littell joined Cincinnati at the trade deadline after being dealt from the Tampa Bay Rays. In 2025, he recorded a career-high 10 wins, finishing the season with a 10-8 record and a 3.81 ERA. His 1.104 WHIP was the best mark of his eight-year career.

Littell has bounced around MLB over his eight seasons, playing for five different ballclubs. His name is up in the air for most teams needing to anchor the backend of their rotation. A top fit that stands out is the Brewers, especially if they were to part ways with Quintana.

Infielder/Outfielder Willi Castro

Castro plays a true utility position, fielding to second and third base, shortstop, and all outfield positions in 2025. While not the biggest bat, slashing just .226/.313/.366 with 11 home runs, Castro brings some of the best defensive tools on the market.

The ability to fill multiple positions in the field at a high level makes Castro a target on many radars. Among postseason contenders, the New York Yankees are faced with Cody Bellinger, Trent Grisham, and Amed Rosario all entering the free agent market. Even if just one of the players leaves New York, Castro would provide a sustainable glove in their position.

-- Taylor Bretl

NL West

San Diego Padres first baseman Luis Arraez Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

Infielder Luis Arraez

Arraez has made it very clear he wants to stay with the San Diego Padres. However, there will be plenty of teams that are interested in the three-time batting champion. Coming off a one-year, $14 million deal with the Padres, Arraez will be looking to lock in a long-term deal after leading the National League in hits with 181.

His bat-to-ball skills are desperately needed by the Colorado Rockies, and he could fill their second base void as well. The Cincinnati Reds and Kansas City Royals could also use a boost at second.

Third baseman Max Muncy

Entering his 11th season, Muncy may well be back with the Dodgers in 2026 thanks in part to a $10 million club option. Muncy will turn 36 in August, so the Dodgers will have to decide if the money is worth it or if they’re ready to find a replacement (like Alex Bregman). However, Muncy posted an OPS+ of 136 in 2025, and that follows the 139 he logged in 2024. Would the Dodgers really be willing to let that go?

If Muncy and the Dodgers part ways, expect the Seattle Mariners to make a push if they don’t bring back Eugenio Suarez at third base. Muncy could also help as a DH with the Texas Rangers or New York Mets.

Right-handed pitcher Justin Verlander

The 42-year-old Verlander has insisted he wants to play again in 2026 after making 29 starts with the San Francisco Giants this season. His 3.85 ERA and 103 ERA+ (and 1.96 ERA over his last seven starts) suggest there could be something left in the tank for him to come back for his 21st season and add even more to his Hall of Fame resume.

Could a reunion with the Detroit Tigers or Houston Astros make sense? Could the San Diego Padres take a chance if they don’t bring back Dylan Cease and/or Michael King? This could be his last season, so he’ll likely want to land with a contender.

Right-handed pitcher Dylan Cease

The subject of plenty of trade rumors during the last season-plus with the Padres, the 29-year-old right-hander came down from a 2024 high where he finished fourth in the NL Cy Young voting to post a 4.55 ERA in 32 starts last season. His 11.5 strikeouts per nine innings led all MLB pitchers, so there are good numbers he is taking into free agency as well.

The Seattle Mariners could use another veteran pitcher in the rotation, and the New York Mets had plenty of disappointing moments from their starters in 2025. Don’t be surprised if the San Francisco Giants try to lure him up the coast as well.

Right-handed pitcher Michael King

There’s a mutual option in place with King and the Padres for 2026, but it’s expected that King will test free agency this offseason and decline a $15 million salary from San Diego. Could he be the next pitcher to earn $90-$100 million in a multiyear deal? Injuries limited him to 15 starts in 2025, but he was effective with a 3.44 ERA in 73.1 innings.

King was traded to the Padres by the New York Yankees in the Juan Soto deal before the 2024 season, so could the Yankees pursue him this offseason? How about the Mets joining in for another cross-borough competition? King could also be a fit in Chicago, depending on what the Cubs do with Shota Imanaga and a very interesting contract situation.

-- Kevin Henry

Taylor Bretl

Taylor Bretl writes about Major League Baseball with a focus on the Milwaukee Brewers. He is founder of Around the Globe Baseball.

Kevin Henry

A member of the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA), Kevin Henry has been covering MLB and MiLB for nearly two decades. Those assignments have included All-Star Games and the MLB postseason, including the World Series. Based in the Denver area, Kevin calls Coors Field his home base, but travels throughout North America during the season to discover the best stories possible

Lauren Amour

Lauren Amour is a writer and editor based in the Greater Philadelphia area. She works as an editor and writer at Yardbarker, covering MLB and the Philadelphia Phillies.

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