MLB free-agent tracker: Kyle Tucker is a Dodger, capping a wild week of top-tier signings

The Dodgers did what they do: Wait until a player’s market softens, then swoop in and snap him up. Kyle Tucker was their latest target, and now he’s Los Angeles-bound, agreeing to a four-year, $240 million contract that includes opt-outs after the 2027 and 2028 seasons and a $64 million signing bonus.

Tucker’s decision came during a week that included left-handed starter Ranger Suarez signing with the Boston Red Sox and third baseman Alex Bregman signing with the Chicago Cubs.

Oh, and Bo Bichette accepted a three-year, $126 million deal with the New York Mets and catcher J.T. Realmuto re-signed with the Phillies on a three-year, $45 million contract.

Those high-profile free agents finding homes came shortly after a run on Japanese imports capped by the Toronto Blue Jays continuing their off-season spending spree by signing slugger Kazuma Okamoto to a four-year, $60 million deal.

Okamoto is the fourth — and last — Japanese star to jump to MLB this offseason, joining Tatsuya Imai (Astros), Munetaka Murikami (White Sox) and Cody Ponce (Blue Jays).

Besides Okamoto and Ponce, Toronto has signed front-of-the-rotation starter Dylan Cease and reliever Tyler Rogers.

Former Dodgers and Angels players litter the free-agent landscape. From the highly regarded Bellinger to distinguished veterans Kenley Jansen, Miguel Rojas and Kiké Hernandez to former top prospects looking to rebound (remember Dustin May and Walker Buehler? Of course you do), players whom Los Angeles fans are well familiar with will seek new homes and fresh starts.

The Dodgers made their first splash at the Winter Meetings, setting an average annual value record for a relief pitcher by landing closer Edwin Diaz on a three-year, $69 million deal. The only other move the Dodgers have made is re-signing utility infielder and World Series hero Rojas to a one-year, $5.5 million contract.

The lists below are not rankings. They are divided into segments and listed by Baseball Reference wins above replacement, known as bWAR. FanGraphs also computes wins above replacement, known as fWAR. Both measures are sound and respected, although the assessments of many players differ.

This is a working document that you can bookmark and return to frequently. The 13 players offered qualifying offers are noted. When a free agent signs, it will be updated with the team, the contract value and a brief analysis.

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Nov. 1, 2025

Kyle Schwarber, 33, DH, 4.7, 19.9: Schwarber is a premier slugger with 187 home runs in four seasons with Philadelphia, where he also was an exceptional clubhouse leader. He is pretty much restricted to designated hitter and is approaching an age where offensive production might decline. He still merits a lucrative multi-year deal, although going longer than four years at a $30 million average annual value (AAV) might be inviting buyer’s remorse by 2030. QUALIFYING OFFER REJECTED
SIGNED: Offers poured in for Schwarber, forcing the Phillies to add a fifth year to their offer and reeling back in their most valuable player. The left-handed hitting slugger will make $150 million over the life of the contract.

Kyle Tucker, 29, OF, 4.5, 27.3: Although his 2025 bWAR was lower than that of Bellinger and Schwarber, Tucker might have the highest sticker price in this free-agent class. The average of projections from 20 ESPN experts is 10 years and $391.5 million for a $38.8 million AAV. The Dodgers are considered a suitor because of their deep pockets and need for a productive corner outfielder. QUALIFYING OFFER REJECTED
SIGNED: The Dodgers grabbed Tucker out from under the noses of the Blue Jays and Mets, paying $240 million over four years. The deal includes opt-outs in 2027 and 2028 and a $64 million signing bonus.

Harrison Bader, 31, OF, 3.9, 17.3: Bader declined his player option for $6.5 million after posting a stellar second half with the Phillies, who acquired him from the Twins at the trade deadline. His combined numbers were his best since 2021, and given the fact that he is a Gold Glove center fielder, Bader will test free agency.

Eugenio Suárez, 34, 3B, 3.6, 26.8: A drop of nearly one win above replacement from the top three free agents — Bellinger, Schwarber and Tucker — still puts Suárez in an enviable position. Splitting the season between the Diamondbacks and Mariners, Suarez tied a career high with 49 home runs and drove in 118 runs.

Alex Bregman, 32, 3B, 3.5, 43.1: Even though Bregman’s bWAR was slightly lower than that of Suárez, he should command a larger deal because he’s younger and more well-rounded. Bregman missed 44 games because of injury in his single season in Bosto but put up solid numbers. His average bWAR over his 10-year career is 4.3.
SIGNED: The Cubs landed the elite third baseman they were seeking, signing Bregman to a five-year, $175 million contract Jan. 10.

Trent Grisham, 29, OF, 3.5, 14.6: Grisham is an enigma, a first-round draft pick who blossomed with the Padres only to crater and bat under .200 three years in a row. He rebounded in 2025, swatting a career-high 34 home runs with the Yankees. Grisham also has two Gold Gloves in center field. QUALIFYING OFFER ACCEPTED
SIGNED: Grisham jumped on the one-year, $22.025 million qualifying offer, and he will become a free agent again after the 2026 season.

Bo Bichette, 28, SS, 3.4, 20.8: Bichette showed his toughness by playing effectively in the World Series despite a lingering knee injury. Bichette can flat-out hit, accumulating more than 175 hits in four of the last five seasons with above-average power. He can play any infield position, and third base would be his home should he sign with the Cubs, who appear determined to add a slugger who can play that position. QUALIFYING OFFER REJECTED
SIGNED: After missing out on Kyle Tucker, the Mets wasted no time in locking up Bichett on a three-year, $126 million contract that will enable the infielder to hit the free-agent market agains when he’s 31.

Toronto Blue Jays’ Bo Bichette hits a three-run home run during Game 7 of the World Series, Nov. 1, 2025, in Toronto.

(Ashley Landis/AP)

Pete Alonso, 31, 1B, 3.4, 23.3: Alonso was disappointed by the tepid interest in him as a free agent last offseason, re-signing with the Mets on a two-year, $54-million deal with a player option after the first year. He posted the glittering power numbers that have made him a fan favorite in New York for seven years, making the opt-out attractive.
SIGNED: Alonso tested the free-agent waters for the second year in a row and after a bounce-back season with the Mets came away with a five-year, $155 million deal with the Orioles.

Josh Naylor, 28, 1B, 3.1, 8.4: The 5-foot-10, 235-pound left-handed slugger produced well in 2025 while splitting the season between the Diamondbacks and Mariners, batting a career-high .295 and hitting precisely 20 home runs for the third time in five seasons.
SIGNED: The first high-profile free agent to sign was re-signed by the Mariners, who gave Naylor $92.5 million over five years.

Gleyber Torres, 29, 2B, 2.9, 18.7: Torres needed to restore his value after taking a one-year deal with the Tigers after a ho-hum 2024 season with the Yankees. QUALIFYING OFFER ACCEPTED

Adolis Garcia, 33, OF, 2.7, 14.9: After his spectacular performance in the 2023 postseason helped the Rangers win the World Series, Garcia has been inconsistent, batting .225 with an OPS of .675. Rather than pay him an estimated $13 million through arbitration, Texas non-tendered Garcia.
SIGNED: The Phillies signed Garcia to a one-year, $10 million contract to replace Nick Castellanos in right field.

J.T. Realmuto, 35, C, 2.6, 38.8: Realmuto is recognized as one of the top-hitting catchers in baseball, and he’s clearly the top free-agent backstop, proving in 2025 that he can still catch upward of 130 games while putting up solid offensive numbers. Still, he will be 35 on opening day and his .700 OPS was his lowest in a decade.
SIGNED: The Phillies re-signed Realmuto to a three-year, $45 million contract that also includes a potential $5 million in performance bonuses.

Jorge Polanco, 32, 2B, 2.6, 20.7: Polanco hit 26 home runs and posted an .821 OPS, the switch-hitter’s best season since 2021 when he hit 33 homers and drove in 98 runs. Chronic knee problems have put his shortstop days behind him and cut into his range at second or third base, but the bat still plays.
SIGNED: The Mets rebounded from losing free agent Pete Alonso by signing Polanco to a two-year, $40 million deal to play first base despite his lack of experience at the position.

Mike Yastrzemski, 35, OF, 2.6, 16.8: The grandson of Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski posted his best OPS (.839) since the pandemic-shortened 2020 season in a 2025 split between the Giants and Royals.
SIGNED: Yastrzemski signed a two-year, $23 million deal with the Braves.

Ryan O’Hearn, 31, 1B/DH, 2.4, 3.1: O’Hearn is an accomplished left-handed hitter coming off a season split between the Orioles and Padres. He can expect a large raise from the $3.5 million he made in 2025, perhaps tripling it.
SIGNED: O’Hearn and the Pirates are in agreement on a two-year, $29 million contract.

Sports

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The offseason becomes an unabashed success for the Dodgers after Japenese phenom Roki Sasaki and top relievers Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates join an already impressive haul.

Feb. 21, 2025

Marcell Ozuna, 35, OF/DH, 1.6, 29.5: Ozuna is a proven power bat who has exceeded 20 home runs in nine seasons and led the NL with 18 homers and 56 RBIs in pandemic-shortened 2020. After tremendous 2023 and 2024 seasons in which he totaled 79 homers and 204 RBIs, Ozuna slipped in 2025, batting .232 with 21 home runs while battling hip pain.

Luis Arráez, 29, 1B, 1.3, 16.5: Arráez doesn’t get much love from bWAR or fWAR, but he sure can hit, leading all major leaguers with a .317 lifetime average. He led the NL with 181 hits in 2025, but because he doesn’t hit for power or walk much, his OPS was a pedestrian .719. The three-time batting champion should continue to be paid about $14 million a year, with the question becoming for how long.

Paul Goldschmidt, 38, 1B, 1.2, 63.8: Goldschmidt boasts the highest career bWAR of any free-agent hitter and he has made it clear that he is not ready to retire. His productivity, however, is trending downward, especially his power. With only 10 homers and 45 RBIs in 534 plate appearances with the Yankees last season, Goldschmidt is no longer an elite hitter.

Victor Caratini, 32, C, 0.9, 4.3: Catchers are at a premium in this free-agent class and Caratini is one of the few with a potent bat and ability to play more than 100 games in a season. He most recently delivered on a two-year, $12-million deal with the Astros and could land a similar contract because of the scarcity of backstops.

Jonah Heim, 30, C, 0.4, 7.9: As one of the few every day catchers on the market, Heim should find a starting role somewhere. The Rangers non-tendered him despite the fact that he’s reached double figures in home runs five consecutive seasons, has averaged 110 games behind the plate the last four years and caught all 17 games during Texas’ 2023 postseason run to a World Series title.

Rhys Hoskins, 33, 1B, 0.3, 12.1: The Brewers declined an $18 million option on Hoskins, who received a $4 million buyout. Once a promising slugger with the Phillies, he was a disappointment during two injury-riddled seasons in Milwaukee, batting .220 with a .730 OPS.

Nathaniel Lowe, 30, 1B, 0.1, 12.2: Lowe signed with the Red Sox after being released by the last-place Nationals in August, but Boston non-tendered him rather than pay an estimated arbitration salary of about $13.5 million. Lowe won an AL Gold Glove in 2022 and the AL Silver Slugger award at first base in 2023, when he helped Texas to a World Series title.

Cody Bellinger, 30, OF, 5.0, 30.4: Bellinger has gradually rehabilitated his on-field reputation since bottoming out after six years with the Dodgers, when the former rookie of the year and most valuable player was lost at the plate, constantly tinkering with his stance and swing. An excellent bounce-back season with the Cubs in 2023 was followed by a solid 2024 campaign, a trade to the Yankees and an above-average 2025 season while he continued to excel in the outfield and at first base. The turnaround enables him to opt out of his $25-million player option and cash in.
SIGNED: Bellinger re-signed with the Yankees for five years and $162.5 million. The deal includes opt-outs after the second and third seasons, a $20 million signing bonus and a full no-trade clause.

Miguel Rojas, 37, IF, 1.9, 19.1: Should Rojas choose to retire on top after his heroics in Games 6 and 7 helped the Dodgers to a second consecutive World Series title, he’ll land a job as a coach or manager.
SIGNED: The Dodgers re-signed the valuable utility infielder to a one-year, $5.5 million deal with an agreement that he will retire at season’s end to work in player development.

Kiké Hernández, 34, IF/OF, -0.2, 17.0: Game 7 of the World Series was his 103rd postseason game, the stage where the versatile, passionate Hernandez shines: He has an OPS of .826 in the playoffs compared to .707 in the regular season. He has helped the Dodgers to three championships in six years and they likely will re-sign him to a one-year deal in their quest for a three-peat.

The Dodgers’ Miguel Rojas reacts after his home run tied the score in the ninth inning of Game 7 of the World Series at Rogers Centre on Saturday.

(Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)

Yoán Moncada, 31, 3B, 0.7, 14.9: Moncada provided the Angels with a reasonable facsimile of Anthony Rendon — at least Moncada showed up to play — but he’ll never reach the potential the Red Sox hoped for when they signed him out of Cuba to a record $31.5-million deal in 2015 that set Boston back $63 million because of a 100% tax for exceeding the international bonus limit.

Luis Rengifo, 29, IF, 0.3, 6.6: Rengifo hits the open market after seven seasons with the Angels and could command a two-or three-year deal at about a $10 million AAV. His infield versatility is a plus and he put together three consecutive strong offensive seasons before regressing in 2025 to a .622 OPS.

Carlos Santana, 39, 1B/DH, 1.1, 39.3: The switch-hitting Santana still has a bit of thunder in his bat as well as an excellent glove — he won a Gold Glove at first base in 2024. His OPS in 2025 was a career-low .633, however, while playing on a one-year contract with the Cubs.

Justin Turner, 41, 1B/DH, 0.1, 38.7: Turner would love nothing more than to retire as a Dodger, although with Ohtani at DH and Freddie Freeman at first base, there is no place for him in their lineup. He’s played for four teams in three seasons since his prolific nine-year run with the Dodgers and has made $141.5 million in his 17-year career.

Michael Conforto, 33, OF, -0.7, 16.9; Conforto held down left field for the Dodgers during the regular season, although his production was as bad as any outfielder in baseball. A former top prospect with the Mets, Conforto hasn’t hit even .240 since 2020 and batted .199 for the Dodgers, who had signed him on a one-year, $17-million deal. Expect his best offer to be about one-third of that number.

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Oct. 27, 2025

Ranger Suárez, 30, SP, 4.7, 18.1: The left-handed Suárez is younger than most other free-agent starters and is coming off an excellent season. He has a 1.48 ERA over 11 postseason appearances. He is well-positioned to command a long, lucrative contract. Expect him to sign with one of the teams with a high payroll. QUALIFYING OFFER REJECTED
SIGNED: Suárez signed with the Red Sox for $130 million over five years.

Framber Valdez, 32, SP, 3.8, 18.8: Valdez was an impressively consistent workhorse for the Astros and certainly should be able to choose between several multi-year offers. His age works against a long-term deal, but Sportrac estimated his AAV at $33.3 million, easily the highest among free-agent pitchers. QUALIFYING OFFER REJECTED

Adrian Houser, 33, SP, 3.3, 5.9: Houser might be due the biggest raise among starters. He had an excellent season split between the White Sox and Rays while making only $1.375 million. Although only once has he made more than 21 starts in a season, Houser could be in line for a $10-million AAV.
SIGNED: Houser indeed was rewarded with a huge raise, signing a two-year, $22 million deal with the Giants that includes a team option for 2028.

Zack Littell, 30, SP, 3.2, 8.3: Littell came up as a reliever, was converted to the rotation after being traded to the Rays in 2023 and now could double his AAV from $6 million to at least $12 million.

Merrill Kelly, 37, SP, 2.9, 15.8: A late bloomer who became a stalwart starter for the Diamondbacks for years, Kelly might be restricted to a two-year deal because of his age. He’s a strong candidate for a team that wants a front-end starter without mortgaging the future.
SIGNED: It’s back to Arizona for Kelly, who signed a two-year, $40 million deal to remain near the top of the Diamondbacks rotation.

Voices

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Nov. 2, 2025

Nick Martinez, 35, SP, 2.3, 11.2: Martinez is a swingman who has pined for the workload and pay of a full-time starter. The Reds gave him that opportunity in 2025 and he was moderately successful, posting a 4.45 ERA in a career-high 165 2/3 innings while earning $21 million. He’ll likely get another one-year deal for less money.

Chris Bassitt, 37, SP, 2.1, 18.1: Bassitt has been a dependable mid-rotation arm, making at least 30 starts four years in a row with league-average results. He is coming off a three-year, $63-million contract with the Blue Jays, but at 37 he might not be able to replicate that deal.

Tyler Mahle, 31, SP, 2.1, 11.1: Mahle came back strong from a shoulder injury with two September starts that quieted concerns. He missed three months after a spectacular beginning of the season and finished with a career-low 2.18 ERA.
SIGNED: The Giants signed Mahle to a one-year, $10 million contract that includes performance bonuses that could bring the total value close to $13 million.

Shota Imanaga, 32, 1.5, 4.5: Imanaga declined a $15.25 million player option a day after the Cubs declined their three-year, $57-million club option for the left-hander. In his second year in MLB after eight seasons in Japan, Imanaga took a step back from his sensational 2024 performance. Is he the pitcher who went 15-3 with a 2.91 ERA as an MLB rookie or the one who went 9-8 with a 3.73 ERA and had two rocky outings in the playoffs? QUALIFYING OFFER ACCEPTED

Brandon Woodruff, 33, SP, 1.3, 18.6: Another pitcher whose once promising future is clouded by health issues, Woodruff sat out the entire 2024 season and the first half of this year recovering from shoulder surgery. He appeared as good as new in 12 starts, posting a 7-2 record and 3.20 ERA. He’s been with the Brewers his entire career and re-signing with them is a strong possibility. QUALIFYING OFFER ACCEPTED

Michael King, 30, SP, 1.2, 10.8: King was acquired by the Padres from the Yankees in the Juan Soto deal ahead of the 2024 season and immediately flourished, going 13-9 with a 2.95 ERA. This season, however, he was sidelined early on with a pinched thoracic nerve and pitched only 17 2/3 innings the rest of the season, finishing 5-3 with a 3.44 ERA. QUALIFYING OFFER REJECTED
SIGNED: King and the Padres agreed to a three-year, $75 million contract, with opt out clauses after each of the next two seasons.

Justin Verlander, 43, SP, 1.2, 81.7: Alas, Verlander’s dogged pursuit of 300 wins wasn’t helped by a 4-11 season with the Giants. He deserved better, posting a 3.85 ERA in 29 starts. The future first-ballot Hall of Famer made $15 million, and a one-year deal at two-thirds of that number seems reasonable. No financial worries: Verlander has been paid $419 million over 20 years.

San Francisco Giants right-hander Justin Verlander pitches to a St. Louis Cardinals batter during the first inning Monday, Sept. 22, 2025, in San Francisco.

(Godofredo A. Vasquez/AP)

Dylan Cease, 30, SP, 1.1, 16.9: His ballyhooed acquisition by the Padres ahead of the 2024 season didn’t turn out so well. Yes, Cease was 14-11 that year, but got lit up by the Dodgers in the playoffs and regressed to 8-12 with a 4.55 ERA in 2025 while making $13.75 million in his last year of arbitration. The potential remains for him to sign a multi-year deal for an AAV of more than $20 million. QUALIFYING OFFER REJECTED
SIGNED: Cease was the first top shelf starter to sign, agreeing to a seven-year, $210 million contract that sets the bar for other.

Zac Gallen, 30, SP, 1.1, 20.8: On the plus side, Gallen posted 56 wins over 126 starts the last four years for the Diamondbacks and he‘s only 30. On the negative side, his ERA has risen each of those four years, peaking in 2025 at 4.83. The right-hander should be looking at a multi-year deal with an AAV of about $18 million. QUALIFYING OFFER REJECTED

Michael Soroka, 28, SP, 0.6, 6.8: The former first-round pick has never replicated the promise he showed in 2019 when he went 13-4 with a 2.68 ERA over 19 starts for the Braves at age 21. Soroka has battled injuries and incompetent teammates — he was 0-10 for the woeful White Sox in 2024 — but he’s only 28. Another one-year deal is probably on the horizon.
SIGNED: The pitching depleted Diamondbacks signed Soroka to a one-year, $7.5 million deal to fill in the back of the rotation.

Zach Eflin, 32, SP, -0.4, 12.9: Eflin’s 2025 season was shortened by a back injury that he says has healed. He was one of the better starters in baseball in 2023 and 2024, so he could be a good bet for a team convinced he’s healthy. A one-year deal at a high AAV such as $15 million might be in the cards.

Lucas Giolito, 31, SP, 2.1, 14.4: Giolito has been an effective starter for nine seasons, with a 1-6 record and 6.89 ERA in six starts with the Angels in 2023 the most glaring blemish. The right-hander from Harvard Westlake High missed the 2024 season because of elbow surgery but rebounded to go 10-4 with a 3.41 ERA in 26 starts for the Red Sox in 2025. Giolito told the Baseball Isn’t Boring podcast he wants to return to Boston.

Tyler Anderson, 36, SP, 2.0, 16.8: The dependable former Angels and Dodgers starter is coming off a three-year, $39-million contract. His 2025 season ended in August because of an oblique strain, and he was 2-8 with a 4.56 ERA in 26 starts. A two-year deal at a reduced AAV isn’t out of the question.

Kyle Hendricks, 36, SP, 1.7, 22.7: Pitching for the Angels in 2025 was a homecoming for the former Capistrano Valley High product, and he was serviceable, going 8-10 with a 4.76 ERA over 164 2/3 innings while making $2.5 million. Another one-year deal seems in the cards for the poor man’s Greg Maddux.

Jose Quintana, 37, SP, 1.4, 31.7: Quintana has put together solid seasons with the Mets in 2024 and the Brewers in 2025, combining for 302 innings and 21 wins over 55 starts with a 3.79 ERA. The left-hander who seemed washed up in 2021 when he went 0-3 with the Angels after signing a one-year, $8-million contract has rebounded nicely and should find himself shoring up the back of a rotation in 2026.

Griffin Canning, 29, SP, 1.1, 5.8: The former Angels first-round pick out of UCLA underperformed in Anaheim but figured something out with the Mets, posting a 7-3 record with a 3.77 ERA in 16 starts before his season ended with a ruptured Achilles tendon.

Max Scherzer, 41, SP, 0.2, 75.6: The future Hall of Famer has no intention of retiring, even after posting a 5.19 ERA and giving up 19 home runs in 85 innings for the Blue Jays. Scherzer might take a steep pay cut from the $15.5 million he made in 2025, but he’s already been paid $366.5 million in his 18-year career. Dodgers fans remember him as a 2021 trade-deadline acquisition going 7-0 with a 1.98 ERA in 11 regular-season starts but bowing out of a start in the NLCS.

Walker Buehler, 31, SP, 0.0, 12.3: Returning to form after his second Tommy John surgery hasn’t been smooth for the ultra-competitive former Dodgers star. The Red Sox paid his $21.05-million salary last season, and he likely won’t get near that much on another one-year deal after posting a 4.93 ERA in 26 appearances.

Dustin May, 28, SP, -0.6, 2.5: Finally healed from injuries and illness, the red-headed former Dodgers starter likely will need to prove himself on a one-year deal after splitting the 2025 season between L.A. and Boston. Time remains on his side and he hasn’t been overused.
SIGNED: May agreed to a one-year deal to join the Cardinals depleted starting rotation.

Edwin Diaz, 32, RP, 3.0, 13.8: Díaz has a plan, and it is to opt out of his $15.5-million 2026 contract with the Mets and negotiate a multi-year deal at about a $20-million AAV. The right-hander with 253 career saves gained the leverage by posting a 1.63 ERA with 28 saves and 98 strikeouts in 66 1/3 innings in 2025. QUALIFYING OFFER REJECTED
SIGNED: A year ago, the Dodgers signed closer Tanner Scott to a four-year, $72 million deal that proved disappointing in year one. That prompted the free-spending Dodgers to dive headlong into the closer market again, agreeing with Diaz on a three-year, $69 million contract.

Tyler Rogers, 35, RP, 2.4, 9.8: The underrated Rogers was traded from the Giants to the Mets at the deadline in 2025 and over a league-high 81 appearances was equally effective in both places. Rogers’ submarine delivery induces a ton of ground balls and he is effective against left-handed batters as well as righties. He’s averaged 75 appearances a season since 2021.
SIGNED: Rogers signed a three-year, $37 million deal with the Blue Jays that includes a $12 million vesting option for 2029.

Brad Keller, 33, RP, 2.4, 9.8: Keller picked a great time to enjoy a career year, heading into free agency after a 2.07 ERA over 68 appearances in his only season with the Cubs. His ERA had been over 5.00 in three of the previous four years, so potential suitors must determine whether he is truly a new pitcher after healing from 2023 surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome.
SIGNED: Keller was rewarded for his resurgent season with a two-year, $22-million contract from the Phillies.

Robert Suarez, 34, RP, 2.3, 5.8: The late-blooming Suarez might be the most sought-after closer besides Díaz. The right-hander led the NL with 40 saves and got better as the season progressed. Suarez didn’t break into the big leagues with San Diego until he was 31 because he played one season in Mexico and five in Japan.
SIGNED: The Braves signed Suarez to a three-year, $45-million contract on the last day of the Winter Meetings, making his decision to opt out of the last two years and $16 million on his Padres contract a sound one.

Emilio Pagán, 34, RP, 2.0, 6.4: Pagán posted a 2.88 ERA in 70 appearances in 2025 for the Reds, the sixth team he has pitched for effectively in nine seasons. He told reporters he would like to return to Cincinnati even though he was twice as effective on the road as at home.
SIGNED: Pagán re-signed with the Reds on a two-year, $20 million deal.

Sean Newcomb, 33, RP, 1.6, 4.0: Newcomb was a first-round pick of the Angels in 2014 and broke into the majors with the Braves as a starter in 2017. He moved to the bullpen in 2019, endured four injury-riddled seasons and emerged in 2025 as a reliable left-handed option for the Athletics, posting a 1.75 ERA.
SIGNED: Newcomb signed a one-year, $4.5 million deal with the White Sox.

Shawn Armstrong, 35, RP, 1.5, 3.9: Armstrong gave up only 40 hits and posted a 2.31 ERA in a career-high 74 innings in 2025 for Texas in part because he had tossed only 347 1/3 innings in nine previous seasons. Armstrong’s arm remains strong and his sweeper has been nearly unhittable, with opponents batting .080 against it.
SIGNED: Armstrong and the Guardians agreed on a one-year, $5.5 million contract that includes a mutual option.

Pete Fairbanks, 32, RP, 1.2, 4.8: Fairbanks is a free agent because the Rays declined an $11 million option for 2026 despite the tall right-hander’s 2.83 ERA and 27 saves in 2025, the third consecutive season he’s posted more than 20 saves.
SIGNED: Fairbanks signed a one-year, $13 million deal with the Marlins, making $2 million more than he would have had the Rays picked up his option.

Luke Weaver, 32, RP, 0.8, 3.5: Weaver ran into trouble during the second half of the 2025 season with the Yankees, his ERA jumping a run-and-a-half amid reports that he was tipping his pitches. A starter the first eight years of his career, Weaver moved to the bullpen in 2024 and immediately assumed a role as a high-leverage reliever.
SIGNED: The Mets continued their busy offseason by signing Weaver to a two-year, $22 million contract.

Kyle Finnegan, 34, RP, 1.0, 4.3: This is the second foray into free agency for Finnegan, who last year settled for a one-year, $5.38-million deal with the Nationals, the same team he notched 88 saves for the previous five seasons. He again proved a reliable closer, compiling 24 saves. He was traded to the Tigers at the deadline and flourished through the postseason. A two-year deal might result this time around.
SIGNED: Finnegan indeed landed a two-year deal, re-signing with the Tigers. The contract is worth $19 million and fulfills the right-hander’s desire to remain in Detroit.

Ryan Helsley, 31, RP, 0.1, 7.3: Too bad for Helsley that he wasn’t a free agent after the 2024 season, when he led the NL with 49 saves and struck out 79 in 66.1 innings with the Cardinals. The right-hander had 21 saves at the 2025 trading deadline and was dealt to the Mets, where he never seemed comfortable and admitted that he succumbed to pressure in a set-up role for Diaz. A fresh start should do him good.
SIGNED: Helsley will return to a ninth-inning role after signing a two-year, $28 million contract with the Orioles that includes an opt-out after the first season.

Devin Williams, 31, RP, -0.3, 8.7: Williams went from being virtually unhittable with the Brewers for three years to decidedly mortal with the Yankees in 2025, posting a 4.79 ERA when his career ERA entering the season was under 2.00. Still, Williams’ devastating changeup and elite velocity are fresh in the minds of many general managers.
SIGNED: Williams will remain in New York, but will shift to Queens after signing a three-year, $51 million deal with the Mets.

Angels closer Kenley Jansen pitches in relief against the Dodgers on May 16, 2025.

(Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)

Kenley Jansen, 38, RP, 2.4, 24.4: A Dodgers closer for 12 years and an Angels closer in 2025, Jansen’s presence on the mound holding a ninth-inning lead is iconic in L.A. The right-hander has 476 career saves — including 29 last season — and becoming only the third pitcher to reach 500 is a worthy goal. Jansen has his doubters, but he continues to slam the door far more often than not.
SIGNED: Jansen should surpass Lee Smith into third place on the all-time saves list after signing a one-year, $11 million deal with the Tigers as their closer.

Raisel Iglesias, 36, RP, 1.3, 18.5: Another former Angels closer nearing the twilight of his career, Iglesias proved he continues to be effective, notching 29 saves and posting a 3.21 ERA for the Braves in 2025. The Angels signed him to a four-year, $58-million contract ahead of the 2022 season, but he was traded to Atlanta at midseason. Iglesias will take a pay cut this time around but still could be slotted as a closer.
SIGNED: The Braves brought back Iglesias on a one-year, $10 million deal.

Caleb Ferguson, 29, RP, 0.9, 1.6: A serviceable left-handed option out of the Dodgers’ bullpen from 2018 to 2023, Ferguson hasn’t really progressed or regressed since, playing for four teams in two years.

Luis García, 29, RP, 0.8, 3.2: García has had three stints with the Angels and one with the Dodgers. He pitched for both teams in 2025, has made 603 career appearances — all but four in relief — and likely will be a late sign when teams get to spring training and realize they need bullpen depth.

Evan Phillips, 31, RP, 0.4, 3.4: Phillips was perhaps the Dodgers most reliable reliever from 2022 to 2024, making more than 60 appearances each season and accumulating 44 saves with an ERA of 2.24. Tommy John surgery in may derailed his 2025 season, and rather than pay him an estimated $6 million in arbitration, the Dodgers non-tendered him with the intent of perhaps re-signing him for less money.

Chris Martin, 39, RP, -0.1, 7.7: Martin‘s career went into overdrive thanks to Dodgers pitching coaches when he was acquired at the deadline in 2023 and posted a 1.46 ERA in 26 appearances, giving up a paltry 12 hits and striking out 34. He’s been stellar ever since, first with Boston then with Texas. Who gets him next?

Ryan Yarbrough, 34, RP, 0.6, 5.2: Yarbrough is a swingman with a funky delivery who pitched decently for the Yankees in 2025 until suffering an oblique strain that sidelined him for nearly three months. He was with the Dodgers the second half of the 2023 season and first half of 2024. He made $2 million last season and probably will land a similar deal.
SIGNED: Yarbrough is back with the Yankees on a one-year deal worth a guaranteed $2.5 million, with an additional $250,000 available through performance bonuses.

Ryan Brasier, 39, RP, 0.2, 2.8: Brasier parlayed a tremendous second half of the 2023 season with the Dodgers (0.70 ERA in 39 appearances) into a two-year, $9-million contract. His 2025 season with the Cubs was cut short by a groin strain in August and he’ll likely settle for a one-year deal at about half the AAV.

Kirby Yates, 39, RP, -0.5, 8.5: One of several bullpen disappointments for the Dodgers in 2025, Yates seemed to hit a wall early and never scaled it, posting a 5.23 ERA in 50 appearances. This from a pitcher who in 2024 with Texas notched 33 saves and posted a minuscule 1.17 ERA. That earned him a one-year, $13-million deal with the Dodgers, one that certainly won’t be replicated.
SIGNED: The Angels signed Yates to a one-year, $5 million deal.

Munetaka Murakami, 25, 1B/3B, NA, NA: Enthusiasm for the most anticipated position player to come out of Japan in years was slightly dampened after he had arthroscopic elbow surgery and an oblique injury in 2025. The left-handed hitter played only 69 games, but still hit 24 home runs. He bashed 56 in his most productive season with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows. He does swing and miss an awful lot, and comparisons range from Schwarber at the high end to Joey Gallo at the low end.
SIGNED: In a surprise, the youthful Murakami signed a two-year, $34 million deal with the lowly White Sox.

Kazuma Okamoto, 29, 1B/3B, NA, NA: Okamoto might be more appealing to teams scared off by Murakami’s low-floor, high-ceiling profile. Like Murakami, Okamoto is a power-hitting corner infielder coming off an elbow injury, but he is four years older and a six-time All-Star in Japan. His contact skills are superior to Murakami’s and he is less of a gamble.
SIGNED: The Blue Jays locked up Okamoto with a four-year, $60 million contract, adding to an off-season haul that includes three free-agent pitchers in addition to the slugging Japanese import.

Tatsuya Imai, 27, SP, NA, NA; 2025 team: Somewhat like Dodgers World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Imai is an undersized right-hander whose mid-90s fastball is complemented by a broad arsenal highlighted by a devastating slider. Imai posted a 1.92 ERA in 163 2/3 innings in 2025.
SIGNED: Imai signed a three-year contract with the Houston Astros that guarantees $54 million and could be worth up to $63 million.

Cody Ponce, 31, SP, NA, NA: Originally a second-round draft pick of the Brewers out of tiny Cal Poly Pomona, Ponce exited for Japan after going 0-6 with a 7.04 ERA over 38 1/3 innings with the Pirates in 2021. He put up average numbers for three seasons, jumped to the KBO League in South Korea and blossomed in 2025, going 17-1 with a 1.89 ERA in 29 starts and being named KBO MVP. The difference? He developed a wipeout splitter and increased the velocity on his fastball.
SIGNED: Ponce signed a three-year, $30 million deal with the Blue Jays, joining Dylan Cease as an addition to Toronto’s starting rotation.