Top 7 Free Agents in MLB This Offseason

The World Series is upon us. That means that MLB free agency isn't far behind. 

Depending on certain opt-out candidates that haven't declared yet, the list of top free agents on the board this winter consists of one of the game's superstars, some very good players, and a few 'nice to haves'/'why nots?'

Let's have a look at the Top 7 free agents this offseason (pending any of those aforementioned opt-out candidates), and we'll break it down according to those categories.

The Superstar

1. Tarik Skubal, SP

The two-time Cy Young winner will likely be looking for a long-term deal in the $400 million range, and nobody would be surprised if he gets it. The incumbent LA Dodgers are the primary suitors, but the New York Mets are right there with them. And we do know that Skubal has said that he would be open to returning to his long-time former team, the Detroit Tigers. But for that to happen, the Tigers would have to open up their vaults to a degree that would be completely unheard of for them.

The Very Good

2. Michael King, SP

After a 3.21 ERA with 159 strikeouts and a career-high 185 innings pitched across 32 starts, the San Diego Padres starter will most certainly opt out of his $28 million salary for 2027, receive a $5 million buyout and then test the open market to seek a longer-term guaranteed contract. He should get it. 

3. Sonny Gray, SP

The Boston Red Sox hurler is coming off a career year with an 18-5 mark and a  2.72 ERA, and despite his age (37 in November), he could also earn a nice deal on the open market. He has confirmed he does want to come back and pitch. 

4. Randy Arozarena, OF

The Seattle Mariners do-it-all outfielder had quite the contract year, with a career-high .281 average and .865 OPS, and went 26-26 (homers and stolen bases) along with 79 RBIs. He also has some playoff heroics in his past (though not recently). 

The Nice to haves/Why nots?

5. Jake Bauers, 1B/OF

Speaking of playoff heroics, Bauer has had a nice postseason with Milwaukee heading into the World Series, and has a chance to add to his potential free agency score with a big next week or two.

6. Brandon Lowe, 2B

The Pittsburgh Pirates' two-time All-Star second baseman had a big contract year in the City of Bridges, and posted career highs with 35 homers and 96 RBIs. But even better for his free agency prospects, he stayed healthy for the first time for a full season, with 150 games played. 

7. Seiya Suzuki, OF

The Chicago Cubs outfielder will be sad to leave the Windy City, but he should get himself a nice deal in free agency from teams looking for a power bat and help in the outfield. He had a nice season with an .841 OPS and 26 dingers. 

The one big opt-out name we're waiting on is Bo Bichette, who would join the "Very Good" category if he entered the mix looking for a new contract.