Best fits for the top five remaining free agents

Spring training is rapidly approaching, with pitchers and catchers slated to report mid-February. However, several top players in the 2025-26 free-agent class remain unsigned. Let's take a look at the five best free agents remaining and potential landing spots for each one.

Outfielder Kyle Tucker

Following a strong season with the Chicago Cubs, Tucker was considered the top free agent in the 2025-26 offseason. A four-time All-Star and former Gold Glove winner, he may be the best all-around position player available. Tucker produced a solid .266/.377/.464 batting line over his 597 plate appearances despite battling injuries, hitting 22 homers and 25 doubles while stealing 25 bases. He would be an impact player for any team.

Despite being unsigned, Tucker seems to have plenty of interest. The Blue Jays have been linked to him since December when he visited their spring training compound. The Yankees are reportedly interested in Tucker, albeit as a backup plan if they cannot sign Cody Bellinger. Teams such as the Mets, Dodgers and Phillies have been linked to Tucker at various times throughout the offseason. The Mets may be his best fit, especially with the vacancy in the outfield after Brandon Nimmo was traded to the Rangers.

Third baseman Alex Bregman

Bregman's market did not unfold as expected during the 2024-25 offseason. He ended up with the Boston Red Sox, signing a three-year, $120 million contract with an opt-out after each season with the Red Sox. After posting a .273/.360/.462 batting line with 18 homers and 28 doubles over his 495 plate appearances, Bregman decided to opt out of the rest of his contract and test free agency again.

Bregman is more than a solid hitter. He is one of the best defensive third basemen in the majors, someone who can make a difference on both sides of the ball. The incumbent Red Sox have a clear need at third with Bregman in free agency, while teams such as the Mets and Diamondbacks could be options. Ultimately, the Red Sox are his best fit, with ESPN's Buster Olney speculating that Bregman could receive a six-year deal worth approximately $175 million.

Outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger

A versatile player capable of playing all three outfield positions and first base, Bellinger would be a fit for just about any team. His foray into free agency may not have happened at a better time as Bellinger had his best season since winning the NL MVP award in 2019. He posted a .272/.334/.480 batting line with 29 homers and 25 doubles in his 656 plate appearances while stealing 13 bases.

While the Yankees have made Bellinger their top priority this offseason, they are hardly alone in their pursuit of the former MVP. The Mets, Dodgers, Cubs and Giants have been linked to Bellinger as well, giving him time for the market to come to him. However, his best fit is still the Yankees, who have reportedly made a sizable offer for a reunion.

Starting pitcher Framber Valdez

A modern-day workhorse, Valdez would have been expected to have plenty of offers by this point in the offseason. He threw over 175 innings for the fourth consecutive year with the Astros, posting a 3.66 ERA and a 1.245 WHIP over his 192 innings in 2025, striking out 187 batters with 68 walks. The problem is that Valdez may be viewed as having character concerns after allegedly intentionally hitting his catcher with a pitch. He has reportedly circulated a video to front offices showing that he is a good person to alleviate those concerns.

Despite those concerns, Valdez is a solid front-of-the-rotation starter. The Mets have significant questions in the rotation and could use a frontline starter such as Valdez. The Orioles made several moves to fortify their rotation but need someone of his caliber. Teams such as the Tigers and Giants could look to Valdez as a buffer to expected departures during the 2026-27 offseason. The Mets, who reportedly met with Valdez's representatives in November, have the biggest need for a rotation upgrade and would be the best fit.

Shortstop Bo Bichette

Bichette needed to prove that his injury-plagued and disappointing 2024 season was a fluke during his free-agency year. He had the type of walk season players hope for, posting a .311/.357/.483 batting line over his 628 plate appearances, hitting 18 homers and 44 doubles. Bichette is reportedly willing to move from short to second or third if needed, expanding his market. The problem is that Bichette also reportedly has absurd contract demands.

A return to the Blue Jays would seemingly be an ideal fit, especially if he is willing to move to second. The Phillies, Yankees, Cubs, Dodgers and Red Sox have all been linked to Bichette at various points in the offseason. Although Bichette has been clear that he wants to remain with the Blue Jays throughout his career, that may not happen. The Yankees, with questions at short after Anthony Volpe's disappointing 2025 showing, may be the best fit for Bichette.