MLB Free Agents 2026 Predictions for Top Batters Set to Hit Open Market

In less than a week, a dozen fortunate MLB franchises will shift into their World Series-chasing playoff modes.

For the less fortunate members of the baseball world, though, their focus may have already turned toward the hot stove.

Since a dozen-ish teams have already been eliminated from postseason contention, they might already be making offseason plans. A big part of that process may involve identifying potential upgrades to their lineup, and a select group of free agent hitters can help make that happen.

Let's break out the crystal ball, then, and determine where three of the biggest bats in free agency will eventually land.

The 2026 season wasn't Arozarena's first as an MLB All-Star (he had twice been selected before), but it may have been when his star shined brightest. And it couldn't have happened at a more opportune time with free agency awaiting him this offseason.

His bat perked up in ways it never had since becoming a full-time player. All three layers of his .279/.379/.480 slash line hit high marks for any season in which he played more than 25 games. His career-high 106 runs are the most in the American League. His 26 homers are one off his previous personal-best, and he tallied 20-plus steals for the sixth consecutive campaign.

Those are difference-making numbers, so his representation will surely hope the market winds up treating him as a difference-maker as a result. Time only knows if that will actually happen, but at least he started the conversation.

If he wants out of the less-than-hitter-friendly confines of Seattle's T-Mobile Park, he could have a host of outfield-needy suitors along the East Coast. The Boston Red Sox could certainly use his bat, but he'd be such a clear plug-and-play fit for the Atlanta Braves that our crystal ball sees them placing the highest bid.

Prediction: Arozarena signs a three-year deal with Atlanta.

When the Pirates tried making a push for the playoffs last offseason, they made the acquisition of Lowe a big part of that plan. While other elements of the strategy failed to come together, that one absolutely hit.

The 2026 season may go down as the best of the 32-year-old's career. His 5.2 WAR is the highest he has ever posted, per Baseball-Reference, while his 33 homers, 93 RBI and 92 runs are all the second-best of his career. That WAR is a testament to his dramatically improved defense, too.

He has even managed to quiet some of the old concerns with his availability. The 134 games he played last season ranked second on his career list, and they've subsequently been passed by his 146 appearances (and counting) this time around.

While it can be hard for a true second baseman to get paid, Lowe's prolific power could make him an exception to the rule. That probably isn't great news for the typically budget-conscious Pirates, but it should mean great things for Lowe, who might fetch an average annual salary at (or even north of) $25 million.

Prediction: Lowe signs a three-year deal with the New York Yankees.

Since arriving stateside in 2022, Suzuki has played a key role in anchoring Chicago's lineup. Utilized as both an outfielder and DH, he has delivered at least 20 home runs and 73 RBI in each of the last four seasons.

That kind of consistency should treat him well in free agency. Even if he's never had a true superstar spike—he arguably came closest last season, when he delivered 32 homers and knocked in 103 runs—he has been a generally productive hitter with near-star numbers. And his defense has never been better.

A lot of teams can use what he brings, including the Cubs. But with his contract value perhaps reaching nine figures, Chicago could choose to invest those funds elsewhere.

Offense-needy suitors will surely hope that's the case. With Seattle losing Arozarena in our projections, the Mariners might make Suzuki a priority and keep another power bat in their outfield.

Prediction: Suzuki signs a four-year deal with Seattle.

The Worst Player on Every Team of 2026 Season 😞