MLB Rumors: Top 3 Relievers Available In Free Agency This Offseason (& Projected Contracts)

After watching the World Series this fall, it's more apparent than ever why teams usually try to load up their bullpens as much as possible to make sure they're covered. With the Dodgers and Blue Jays having to go to starting pitchers out of their 'pens on so many occasions (the Dodgers used their entire starting staff in Game 7) because they couldn't trust their relievers, it will cast even more of a spotlight on the top relievers available this offseason.

With that, let's have a look at the elite high-leverage options in free agency this winter: The Top 3 Relievers available.

Edwin Diaz, New York Mets

Yes, he wants to return to the Mets. But, as insider Jim Bowden notes, "Diaz is expected to opt out of his contract to pursue a longer, more lucrative deal." More specifically, he had $57 million remaining over three years, but Bowden figures he can get a four-year deal at $88 million.

Diaz was back to being a shutdown closer again in 2025, notching 28 saves with an insane 1.63 ERA and 0.87 WHIP with 13.3 strikeouts per nine innings.

Robert Suarez, San Diego Padres

Another opt-out decision, this one is even more clear, as Suarez will pass up on two more years and $16M remaining on his Padres deal, in order to chase something much more lucrative on the free agent market. Suarez led the NL with 40 saves this season, with a 2.97 ERA and 0.90 WHIP, while earning his second straight All-Star nod. He'll ride that to a projected four-year deal worth somewhere between $65M and $80M.

Ryan Helsley, NY Mets

He was a disaster as a set-up man with the Mets after the trade deadline, but everyone in baseball knows what this guy can do as a closer. He led the majors with 49 saves in 2024 with a 2.04 ERA, his second All-Star season. He has a career 2.96 ERA.

Helsley's projected market value took a huge hit after his poor finish with the Mets; he was at an $81M projected deal over six years prior to the trade deadline, but post-trade, that went down $41M over three years, per Sportrac.

Honorable Mentions:

Raisel Iglesias, Devin Williams, Tyler Rogers, Kenley Jansen.