The 2026 Free Agent Class

Today in the Athletic they had an article on the Top 25 Free Agents for 2026 and, given that it’s an off day and El Duque has already covered what’s at stake this week, I thought I’d take a look at a few of them and consider what some of the possibilities for next year might be. Two of them are game changers. 

These rankings are the Athletic’s and I skipped over the ones that made no sense for the Yankees. Of course this means those will be the signings because… Cashman.

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1) Kyle Tucker, RF, Cubs

Age: 28
Bats: L Throws: R
OPS+: 142
WAR: 4.3

I’d like to see the Yankees sign him for the outfield because he’s the number one free agent but the Gammonites are saying he’s worth a 500-600M contract.

Pros: Strong defender. Entering his prime. Perennial All-Star. Sounds good.

Cons: 500-600M contract?  Also plays right field. We have a right fielder.

Five to Six Hundred Million Dollars?   Not to go all Moneyball but…

This year he’s played 120 games batting .265/.377/.457 with 18 homers 116 hits and 24 steals in 26 attempts.

Much like the bidding for Soto I’m kinda hoping we come in second.

2) Framber Valdez, LHP, Astros

Age: 31
IP: 145 2/3 SO: 145
ERA+: 139
WAR: 4.3

Pros: Big game pitcher. Goes deep into games. 

Cons: Thirty one years old. I’m pretty sure we are already going this route with Fried. I like that he is currently an Astro. Nice take away. But he’s going to want a lot of money and seven years right? 

 3) Alex Bregman 3B

No. 

I’m sure he’ll be great for another year or two and let’s face it when he 87 years old they could wheel him up to home plate on a gurney and he’s still hit a three run home run against us but no. No more old guys on the corners.

4) Kyle Schwarber

No. We have too many DH’s. I’d rather have Jasson once Stanton shuffles off his mortal coil. Why do DHs have to be old anyway?

6) Bo Bichette, SS, Blue Jays

Age: 27
Bats: R Throws: R
OPS+: 119
WAR: 2.4

Hmmmn.  Sign Bichette? Trade Volpe? Move Volpe to second? Trade Jazz?

Pros: Leads the league in hits, has 16 HRs 35 doubles. Plays hard and to win. Weakens Blue Jays. Can also play third.

Cons: NONE.

Sign him! Trade Volpe or Jazz. 

9) Michael King, RHP, Padres (mutual option)

Age: 29
IP: 57 2/3 SO: 65
ERA+: 1.52
WAR: 1.4

Pros:  I understand we needed to trade him to get Soto and make the series but he’s really good and he’s a homegrown Yankee and we should bring him home.

Cons:  The Athletic: “However, he was placed on the injured list in late May with a pinched thoracic nerve and didn’t return to the active roster until last week. Now, he’s back on the IL again, this time for left knee inflammation.”

Fuck! Pass.

10. Cody Bellinger, CF, Yankees (opt out)

Age: 30
Bats: L Throws: L
OPS+: 123
WAR: 3.5

Pros:  We all know the Pros. This guy was born to be a Yankee. Literally.

Cons:  How many years? How much money?

How about four x $25M?   Five tops.  How about four x $25 and we throw in Oscar Gamble’s old bong.

11. Eugenio Suárez, 3B, Mariners

Age: 34
Bats: R Throws: R
OPS+: 127
WAR: 2.6

Pros: Suárez leads all third basemen with 37 home runs and 92 RBIs.

Cons: Not a great defender. 3B requires a great defender. Plus, no more old guys on the corners!

Hard no.

14) Robert Suarez, RHP, Padres (opt out)

Age: 34
IP: 51 1/3 SO: 53 SV: 33
ERA+: 136
WAR: 1.6

Pros:  Great relief pitcher.

Cons: They are a crap shoot. Don’t overpay.

No.

15. Josh Naylor, 1B, Mariners

Age: 28
Bats: L Throws: L
OPS+: 126
WAR: 1.7

Pros:  Dangerous hitter. Young. Good first baseman.

Cons: Really aren’t any beyond money and years. 

Do it anyway! He’s slot right into the middle of a dangerous lineup. This is a second chance at getting a Freddie Freeman .

16. Munetaka Murakami, 1B/3B/OF, Tokyo Yakult Swallows (NPB) 

Age: 25
Bats: L Throws: R

Pros:  He is a superstar in Japan and we don’t have one.

Cons: Not a great fielder and is starting to have an injury history.

After advocating for him for a couple of years I’m changing my mind. Pass.

18  Luke Weaver, RHP, Yankees

Age: 31
IP: 47 SO: 49 SV: 8
ERA+: 153
WAR: 1.2

Pros:  Luke Weaver

Cons: Years and Money

Do it.

21)  Gleyber Torres, 2B, Tigers

Age: 28
Bats: R Throws: R
OPS+: 111
WAR: 1.8

Hahahahahahahahha. No.

23) Trent Grisham, OF, Yankees

Age: 28
Bats: L Throws: L
OPS+: 121
WAR: 2.6

Pros:  Clutch. Fun to watch.

Cons:  He’s due to cash in.

But not that much I hope. Sign him if it’s reasonable.

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2026 Lineup

SS   Bo Bishette (Hits leader)

RF  Aaron Judge

1B   Josh Naylor (Great protection for Judge)

DH  Giancarlo Stanton

CF Cody Bellinger

C    Ben Rice

LF  Jasson Dominquez (Grisham in CF Belly to LF if necessary or late)

3B  Ryan McMahon

2B  Jazz Chisholm (2^nd leadoff guy)

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That's actually a very good lineup and strong up the middle. I'll take it.