Latest MLB Free Agents 2026 Rumors, Predictions Amid World Series

The Tampa Bay Rays will look to notch their first victory of the 2026 World Series Monday night at Tropicana Field when they host Game 3 against the Milwaukee Brewers.

For those teams not involved in this year's Fall Classic, their attention is on the offseason and the free agents they can acquire to help bolster their rosters and ensure they are not watching from the sidelines next October.

What is the latest, and where might some of the prized free agents end up?

Potential Landing Spots for Tarik Skubal

The prized free agent from this year's class is undeniably two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal.

Fresh off an early elimination from the postseason with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the lefty will likely sign a historic deal this offseason, but the question remains: "with who?"

MLB.com's Mark Feinsand named the incumbent Dodgers, his former squad, the Detroit Tigers, the New York Mets, the Chicago Cubs, the Toronto Blue Jays, and the Philadelphia Phillies as potential landing spots for the game's best pitcher.

"Obviously, he's the best and most accomplished starting pitcher to hit free agency in a number of years. I think the main thing to keep an eye out for is the timing of his signing; I think labor uncertainty could stop big market teams from pursuing him with the same vigor as someone like [Juan] Soto, but the big question is whether or not Dec. 1 will be a deadline for him."

It may take longer to get him under contract, and any potential labor dispute may throw a wrench in any team's desire to get him in the building sooner, but there is no doubt that any contending team looking for an ace will be contacting Scott Boras about his client.

With that said, with big money expected, the two teams that make the most sense are the Dodgers and the Mets.

If Los Angeles can do enough to prove to Skubal that this year was an anomaly and that the team is not the aging unit it looked like at times in the playoffs, one would have to figure they would be the front runner.

The Mets, though, are a young team with pieces in Carson Benge, AJ Ewing, and Nolan McLean that have them set up nicely for the future. Add in future Hall of Famers Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor and you have a team that, with the right coaching, is a World Series contender.

Even more so with Skubal in the rotation.

One team's window appears to be potentially closing while another is just opening. That could be the difference between the West and East Coast for Skubal.

It was a mixed bag for Bichette in his first season with the New York Mets and, with an opt-out clause in play, it may prove to be his lone season in the Big Apple.

The former Blue Jay came on strong after the break and ended the season hitting .260, with 18 home runs, 78 RBI, and 49 walks, showing improved plate discipline.

That, coupled with the aforementioned flashes of future brilliance in the young players in the Mets lineup, and the uncertainty of the labor dispute, suggests Queens may be the perfect place for the shortstop/third baseman to continue his career.

That he positively discussed his time in New York this past August with Mike Puma of the New York Post, stating, "I am having a really good time here right now. There are a lot of really good young players that make it fun to come here and a lot of really good players that have been around, so I am enjoying my time here," only heightens reasons to believe he would return.

He could return to Toronto, where his affect on the lineup was obvious, or he could move on to NL East rival Philadelphia.

His case is, perhaps, the most uncertain of all, but it feels like he has unfinished business in New York.

Prediction: Bichette opts in, stays with the Mets

Does Freddy Peralta Return to Tampa Bay?

The Tampa Bay righty achieved ALCS MVP honors for his play against the Cleveland Guardians. He has also been one of the best pitchers in the game since August, with a sub-1.0 ERA and the sort of fastball dominance that was missing during his brief and disastrous stint with the Mets.

If he sustains his level of play through his start Monday night in Tampa, and can finish the season strong, one would have to assume the Rays would make a play to keep him on the mound.

Tampa, though, is not necessarily known for paying big-money price tags for free agents. They carry one of the lowest payrolls in baseball and forking over tens of millions for Peralta, who should command a sizeable payday considering his work for the team, may be out of the question.

Maybe he stays and chases another World Series appearance with a team that should remain mostly intact, but that will likely be on Peralta and his willingness to take a pay cut.

Prediction: Peralta leaves and signs elsewhere