Jack Flaherty

Looming Free Agency Promises a Hot Stove Winter: Tucker,Bregman,Alonso Headline Potential Moves

NEW YORK – As Major League Baseball teams settle into the rhythm of the 2025 season,the tantalizing prospect of the 2025-26 free agency period is already beginning to simmer. While the Rockies and other teams are dealing with disappointing starts,and the playoffs are several months away,front offices across the league are undoubtedly assessing potential targets,weighing current performance against future value.

This year’s free-agent class boasts a mix of established stars, rising talents, and veteran arms, promising a possibly frenzied winter of negotiations and blockbuster deals. Here’s an early look at some of the top names who could be on the move.

1. Kyle Tucker, Cubs OF, Age 28

Kyle Tucker is currently positioned as the crown jewel of the upcoming free-agent class. Traded in the offseason from Houston to Chicago, Tucker has “completely reenergized the Cubs’ offense,” solidifying his status as a premier offensive force.

While extension talks may have occurred, the likelihood of securing a deal before he hits the open market seems slim given his age and current performance. His agent, Scott Boras, has a reputation for maximizing his clients’ value through free agency.

The financial implications of signing Tucker are expected to be meaningful. “Vladimir guerrero Jr.’s recent deal set a marvelous benchmark for Tucker and his children and his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren.” While Tucker “won’t reach Juan Soto’s $765 million,” he’s projected to command an average annual value “between $40 million and $45 million.”

2. Alex bregman (Opt-Out), Red sox 3B, Age 31

Alex Bregman’s decision to sign a short-term, three-year, $120 million deal with the Red Sox last winter, rather than what he considered a “substandard” long-term offer, appears to be paying off. Thus far in 2025, Bregman is proving himself to be worth every penny.

“Bregman entered play Friday with a .956 OPS,and that performance is backed up by the under-the-hood metrics.” With increased average exit velocities and a return to “an elite level” chase rate,Bregman is positioning himself for a potentially lucrative payday. Unless his performance declines, “it’s a near guarantee he’ll opt out and retest the market.”

3. Pete Alonso (Opt-Out),Mets 1B,Age 31

Pete Alonso’s winter negotiations with the Mets were nothing short of “acrimonious” but ultimately resulted in the slugger betting on himself. After trading long-term security for a $30 million AAV and an opt-out after 2025, Alonso is thriving.”Alonso has been the best hitter in baseball not named Aaron Judge, and his Mets have roared to MLB’s best record.” The Polar Bear’s improved offensive approach, highlighted by reduced strikeouts and harder-hit balls, has solidified his value. he can “command a humongous deal next winter”. Some analysts suggest a deal similar to Freddie Freeman’s six-year, $162 million contract could be his floor.

4. Kyle Schwarber, phillies DH, Age 33

5. Marcell Ozuna, Braves DH, Age 35

these two National League East sluggers are “defensively limited, one-dimensional, lineup-altering”. Both have started the 2025 season strong, which is likely “an increase in their asking prices and the likelihood they reach free agency.”

Schwarber is ranked higher due to his age and perceived clubhouse presence, and he also “has faked it in the outfield more recently”.

6. Dylan Cease (Opt-Out), Padres SP, Age 29

7. Framber Valdez, Astros SP, Age 31

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Se Colombia

Archyde interview: Analyzing the 2025-26 MLB Free Agency Class with Analyst Sarah Miller

Archyde: Welcome to Archyde News. We’re thrilled to have Sarah Miller,a seasoned baseball analyst,with us today to dissect the upcoming MLB free agency class. Sarah, thanks for joining us.

Sarah Miller: Thanks for having me. Excited to break down what promises to be a engaging offseason.

The Crown Jewel: Kyle Tucker’s Ascent

Archyde: Let’s start with arguably the biggest name: Kyle Tucker. Traded to the Cubs and performing exceptionally.What makes him so valuable, and what’s his projected market worth?

Sarah Miller: Tucker is a complete offensive force.His ability to hit for average and power, combined with his improving defense, makes him a highly sought-after player. Given the current landscape and the benchmarks set by recent deals like Vladimir Guerrero jr.’s, we’re looking at an average annual value easily between $40 and $45 million. That’s what Kyle Tucker can command with his agent, Scott Boras, managing his free agency.

Bregman, Alonso, and the Opt-Out Gamble

Archyde: Alex Bregman opted for a shorter deal, and Pete Alonso did the same. Both could be looking at significant paydays.How are they positioning themselves?

Sarah Miller: Bregman bet on himself,and it’s paying off. His OPS and underlying metrics are solidifying an already accomplished career. Alonso, after a somewhat tough negotiation with the Mets, is dominating and has put himself in an even stronger position to obtain a substantial deal after this season. If he continues at his current pace, he could easily command a contract similar to Freddie Freeman’s.

Evaluating the DH Market: Schwarber and Ozuna

Archyde: Then there are the designated hitters: Schwarber and Ozuna. How does their profile factor into their free agency appeal?

Sarah Miller: Both are powerful hitters, but their defensive limitations are a factor. Their performance is increasing their value. Schwarber, being younger and bringing a strong clubhouse presence, might have a slight edge. Their value is purely based on their offense as dhs.

Pitching market and Other Key Players

Archyde: could you touch on the pitching market and other players to watch?

Sarah Miller: Dylan Cease and Framber Valdez are in engaging positions as well. Cease has an opt-out, and both have the potential to significantly impact the market. These pitchers are crucial for any team looking to build a contender.

The Bottom Line – Major Deals Ahead

Archyde: This free agency period promises meaningful movement and potentially record-breaking deals.What do you think the biggest trends will be?

Sarah miller: Well, it will be interesting to see whether teams will be willing to take risks based on performance, or on potential, and if teams are willing to take on these kind of deals in the current MLB climate. We could see more opt-outs and more shorter deals, providing players with the potential to re-enter the market and take what they know they’re worth. This will be exciting for the players, and for the fans.

Archyde: Sarah, thanks again for your insights.

Sarah Miller: My pleasure.