The 2026 MLB free agent class is headlined by Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, with Kyle Tucker, Cody Bellinger, Bo Bichette, Alex Bregman and Sonny Gray all holding opt outs that could put them back on the market. Free agency opens five days after the World Series ends, and this offseason carries an extra wrinkle: the collective bargaining agreement expires December 1, 2026, so a lockout could split the class into players who sign before the deadline and those who wait. This page lists the class now and will track every signing as it happens.
Top Free Agents and Opt Out Candidates
| Player | Pos. | 2026 team | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tarik Skubal | SP | Tigers | The headliner of the class and a two time Cy Young winner; the best starter to reach the open market in years |
| Kyle Tucker | OF | Dodgers | Can opt out of the four year deal he signed last winter |
| Cody Bellinger | OF/1B | Yankees | Opt out available after returning to New York last offseason |
| Bo Bichette | SS/3B | Mets | Can opt out of the remaining two years and $84 million |
| Alex Bregman | 3B | Cubs | Opt out in his Cubs contract |
| Sonny Gray | SP | Red Sox | Opt out available after an 18 win season in Boston |
| Jazz Chisholm Jr. | 2B/3B | Yankees | One of the top infield bats available |
| Nico Hoerner | 2B | Cubs | Elite defender at second base |
| Randy Arozarena | OF | Mariners | Coming off the best season of his career |
| Freddy Peralta | SP | Brewers | Stock down after an uneven 2026, still a top 10 arm in the class |
| Eugenio Suarez | 3B | Mariners | Power bat at third base |
| Ian Happ | OF | Cubs | Consistent switch hitter |
| Alec Bohm | 3B | Phillies | Reaches free agency for the first time |
| Kevin Gausman | SP | Blue Jays | Contract expires after 2026 |
| George Springer | OF | Blue Jays | Contract expires after 2026 |
| Shane Bieber | SP | Blue Jays | Contract expires after 2026 |
| Daulton Varsho | OF | Blue Jays | Contract expires after 2026 |
| Luis Arraez | 1B/2B | Padres | Three time batting champion |
| Ozzie Albies | 2B | Braves | Braves hold a $7 million club option |
Opt out decisions are due in the days after the World Series, so several names above will not know their status until early November. Players who did not receive a qualifying offer last winter can receive one this time; a player who rejects it costs his new team draft compensation.
Signings Tracker
No signings yet. Free agency has not opened. Signings will be listed here newest first with team, years and total value once deals are reported.
Key Offseason Dates
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| World Series ends | As late as Saturday, Oct. 31 (Game 7) |
| 5 days after the World Series | Free agency opens; opt out and option decisions are due; qualifying offers are extended |
| About 10 days later | Deadline for players to accept or reject qualifying offers |
| Dec. 1, 2026 | Collective bargaining agreement expires; a lockout after that date would freeze all transactions |
| December | Winter Meetings, if there is no lockout |
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Class and opt out details from MLB.com and MLB Trade Rumors.