(Photo credit score: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images)
The MLB offseason is underway, which suggests it is time to spend.
Let’s check out 5 gamers who determine to be definitely worth the massive bucks it doesn’t matter what and 5 others who might be price it, but additionally have to come back with warning labels hooked up.
–Free Agents Worth Every Penny
Josh Naylor, 1B
Though he sacrificed some energy for on-base common, Naylor put up the perfect offensive numbers of his profession, serving to the Mariners win the AL West and attain the ALCS after a deadline commerce. Overall, he was maybe the ninth or Tenth most beneficial first baseman within the league and will not flip 29 till June. A projection of $90 million over 4 years figures to be higher worth than, say, fellow free agent Pete Alonso.
Cody Bellinger, OF
Bellinger has had two careers, and each have been fairly good. He famously separated his shoulder celebrating a house run with Enrique Hernandez through the 2020 World Series, and the damage set him again for 2 seasons. He’s additionally hit .281/.338/.477 with 73 dwelling runs since 2023, at all times outperforming his anticipated stats and low exit velocities. At age 30, his outfield protection stays robust, although much less so in middle. Whoever indicators him, probably the Yankees, figures to get worth even at $30 million a season.
Kyle Tucker, OF
Tucker fracturing his proper hand, along with growing some dangerous swing habits, appears to have been the reason for his fizzle within the second half. At age 28 he nonetheless was, roughly, the Tenth most beneficial outfielder within the league regardless of hitting .225/.348/.342 with 5 homers in his closing 53 video games. Even at $400 million over 10 years, he’ll give a crew, most likely the Dodgers, numerous worth.
Framber Valdez, LHP
One of the 5 or 6 most beneficial beginning pitchers since 2020, with regular peripheral stats to again it up. Similar in outcomes to Max Fried however with much less of an damage historical past. A $200 million deal won’t occur — however one thing shut ought to. Would be aided by good infield protection.
Ryan O’Hearn, 1B
The Tenth-most worthwhile first baseman since 2023, he labored arduous for years to only keep within the league. Kudos to the Orioles for determining unleash his bat. He additionally improved on protection at first base in ’25, and even hit left-handed pitching properly, which had been a deficiency.
–Free Agents with a Caution Label
Gleyber Torres, 2B
Torres, who turns 29 in December, made his third AL All-Star crew, however fell off within the closing 61 video games amid a sports activities hernia damage that required surgical procedure in October. He additionally continued a career-long pattern of being rather more efficient towards left-handed pitching than righties. His protection was beneath common. Overall, the Tigers bought their cash’s price for a one-year deal, and Torres presumably will probably be trying to make one thing like $75 million over 4 seasons. He was one of many 10 or so finest second basemen in 2025.
Munetaka Murakami, 3B
Said to be the perfect energy prospect from Japan since Hideki Matsui, Murakami turns 26 in February already having received his Japanese league’s Triple Crown at age 22 for the Yakult Swallows. Red flags: His stroll charge is down, his strikeout charge is up, his fielding is poor. His largest adjustment, like all hitter from Japan, will probably be dealing with MLB velocity. The Mariners are stated to have an interest, however not the Dodgers, who’re stated to concern his swing-and-miss tendencies. About $23-24 million per season over 5 years probably will get it accomplished. He was restricted to 69 video games in 2025 due to an indirect damage.
Shota Imanaga, LHP
He made the NL All-Star crew in his first season and had nice leads to the primary half of 2025, however the Cubs’ lefty additionally lacked velocity together with his fastball, was susceptible to the house run and could not maintain success down the stretch and within the playoff loss to the Brewers. He simply turned 32 and has an incredible fame within the clubhouse, but when he will get paid like a No. 2 starter, the following crew will probably be dissatisfied.
Bo Bichette, SS-2B
Bichette was a big-time producer for the Blue Jays till a knee damage derailed his bid for the batting common and hits chief honors. Not even 28, he hits like a prime 10 shortstop, a excessive praise, however he must play second base or else be a legal responsibility on protection. Would he settle for being paid like a prime second baseman?
Trent Grisham, OF
His terrific outcomes on the plate in 2025 have ‘contract yr’ written throughout them. Do we simply give James Rowson and the Yankees hitting employees the credit score?
–By David Brown, Field Level Media