Starting pitchersFramber Valdez, LHP\u00a0<\/p>\n
Age:\u00a032
2025 bWAR:\u00a03.8
2025 team:\u00a0Houston Astros
Agent:\u00a0Octagon<\/p>\n
Best matches: 1. Mets 2. Orioles 3. Tigers<\/p>\n
Mets president David Stearns is philosophically opposed to expensive, long-term contracts for starting pitchers, but if the Mets want to be competitive in 2026 it\u2019s important they improve their rotation and have someone who can lead the staff. Valdez can do just that. He\u2019s a ground ball machine who misses bats and has proven he can pitch in big games.<\/p>\n
The Orioles would also be a great fit, but I decided to match-up Ranger Su\u00e1rez there instead. If the Tigers determine that they can\u2019t extend Tarik Skubal and trade him, then replacing him with Valdez might make some sense.<\/p>\n
![\"Ranger](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/GettyImages-2218476727-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\n Ranger Su\u00e1rez could be a fit for the Orioles, who have already beefed up their lineup but now need rotation enhancements. (Justin Berl \/ Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Ranger Su\u00e1rez, LHP\u00a0<\/p>\n
Age:\u00a030
2025 bWAR:\u00a04.7
2025 team:\u00a0Philadelphia Phillies
Agent:\u00a0Boras Corp.<\/p>\n
Best matches: 1. Orioles 2. Astros 3. Phillies<\/p>\n
I get the impression the Phillies aren\u2019t going to offer what it will take to retain Su\u00e1rez, especially now that they committed $150 million to Kyle Schwarber.<\/p>\n
No team needs a starter more than the Orioles. Su\u00e1rez has low mileage on his arm in terms of career innings pitched and his incredible off-speed offerings make him a solid fit with the O\u2019s. The Astros are trying to replace Valdez in their rotation, and I think Su\u00e1rez might be a good fit there, as well, since he\u2019s likely to command a shorter commitment than Valdez, and Houston prefers shorter-term contracts for starters. A return to Philly would work if it has the dough to allocate to him.<\/p>\n
Tatsuya Imai, RHP\u00a0<\/p>\n
Age:\u00a027
2025 team:\u00a0Saitama Seibu Lions (Nippon Professional Baseball)
Agent:\u00a0Boras Corp.<\/p>\n
Best matches: 1. Cubs 2. Yankees 3. Mets<\/p>\n
Imai is fascinating. His small frame may scare off some but given his dominance and durability in Japan, it shouldn\u2019t be a concern for most teams. The teams that he\u2019s been linked to the most are the Cubs, Yankees, Mets and Padres, and all of those clubs make sense.<\/p>\n
The Cubs would like another starter and they could certainly use a younger option since three-fifths of their rotation is over 34 years old (Matthew Boyd, Jameson Taillon and Colin Rea), making Imai a particularly good fit in Chicago.<\/p>\n
Zac Gallen, RHP\u00a0<\/p>\n
Age:\u00a030
2025 bWAR:\u00a01.1
2025 team:\u00a0Arizona Diamondbacks
Agent:\u00a0Boras Corp.<\/p>\n
Best matches: 1. Astros 2. Diamondbacks 3. Tigers<\/p>\n
The Astros tried to acquire Gallen at the July trade deadline and have been in pursuit of him ever since. He would fit nicely behind their ace, Hunter Brown, and would give a staff that has struggled to stay healthy a reliable, durable arm. Changing leagues and getting out of Chase Field should benefit Gallen.<\/p>\n
Arizona would like him back and Detroit would be a good fit, as well.<\/p>\n
![\"MIchael](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/USATSI_26162105-scaled-e1755307537215.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\n Could Michael King return to the Yankees? (Denis Poroy \/ Imagn Images)<\/p>\n
Michael King, RHP\u00a0<\/p>\n
Age:\u00a030
2025 bWAR:\u00a01.2
2025 team:\u00a0San Diego Padres
Agent:\u00a0Excel Sports Management<\/p>\n
Best matches: 1. Yankees 2. Red Sox 3. Orioles<\/p>\n
King is the most undervalued pitcher on the market and I predict he will provide the best bang for the buck among this year\u2019s free-agent starters. He has great makeup, nasty stuff and really knows how to pitch. If he can stay healthy, he has the talent to be a Cy Young contender. However, he\u2019s coming off of an injury-plagued season, which may lead to him taking a shorter deal with a higher AAV and opt outs on both sides.<\/p>\n
A return to the Yankees would be his best play, but joining the Red Sox as they build an elite rotation, would also work. I like the Orioles for him, too, but I think they\u2019d be better off with a less risky starter if they get their choice.<\/p>\n
Chris Bassitt, RHP\u00a0<\/p>\n
Age:\u00a036
2025 bWAR:\u00a02.1
2025 team:\u00a0Toronto Blue Jays
Agent:\u00a0Meister Sports Management<\/p>\n
Best matches: 1. Padres 2. Orioles 3. Blue Jays<\/p>\n
The Padres are looking for an inexpensive starter on a shorter-term deal and Bassitt is likely to land a short-term deal. He proved with Toronto that he has something left in the tank; he can help the Padres be contenders.<\/p>\n
If the O\u2019s miss on the other starters, I can see them making a late play for Bassitt. I also think it\u2019s possible he could return to Toronto to give them starting pitching depth.<\/p>\n
Tyler Mahle, RHP<\/p>\n
Age:\u00a031
2025 bWAR:\u00a02.1
2025 team:\u00a0Texas Rangers
Agent:\u00a0ISE Baseball<\/p>\n
Best matches: 1. Tigers 2. Angels 3. Athletics<\/p>\n
Mahle is finally healthy and was able to make 16 starts for the Rangers last year, posting a 2.18 ERA and 3.37 FIP. Due to his injury history, he\u2019ll have to sign another prove-it deal, which could be a huge bargain for whoever signs him. Mahle\u2019s profile is a strong fit for what the Tigers tend to look for, but I also think the Angels and Athletics make sense because if he has a great first half, either could trade him for prospects at the deadline.<\/p>\n
RelieversBrad Keller, RHP\u00a0<\/p>\n
Age:\u00a030
2025 bWAR:\u00a01.5
2025 team:\u00a0Chicago Cubs
Agent:\u00a0Excel Sports Management<\/p>\n
Best matches: 1. Yankees 2. Twins 3. Cubs<\/p>\n
Keller is fascinating because some teams want to convert him back to the rotation, but I believe there\u2019s more risk with him as a starter. He has found his niche as a high-leverage reliever and should be impactful in that role going forward.<\/p>\n
The Yankees need to replace Devin Williams and Luke Weaver, and Keller would be a huge addition because he can handle multi-inning stints and fill different roles.<\/p>\n
The Twins are also making their bullpen a point of emphasis and the Cubs are still a possibility if his price comes down.<\/p>\n
Luke Weaver, RHP\u00a0<\/p>\n
Age:\u00a032
2025 bWAR:\u00a00.8
2025 team:\u00a0New York Yankees
Agent:\u00a0Ballengee Group<\/p>\n
Best matches: 1. Cubs 2. Padres 3. Athletics<\/p>\n
Weaver is my choice for most undervalued reliever remaining on the market. I believe he will return to the level he was pitching at in September 2024. I like his stuff, competitiveness and ability to set-up or even close when right.<\/p>\n
The Cubs need to fill a lot of spots in their bullpen, making Weaver a good fit. If the Padres deal from the back of their bullpen to fill other needs, San Diego could emerge as a suitor for Weaver. The Athletics need to continue to add pitching in all roles.<\/p>\n
Infielders\/CatchersBo Bichette, SS\u00a0<\/p>\n
Age:\u00a027
Bats:\u00a0R\u00a0Throws:\u00a0R
2025 bWAR:\u00a03.4
2025 team:\u00a0Toronto Blue Jays
Agent:\u00a0Vayner Sports<\/p>\n
Best matches: 1. Red Sox 2. Blue Jays 3. Giants<\/p>\n
Bichette is only 27 and can play second base, shortstop or third base. He\u2019s led the AL in hits twice already and is a really focused, hard-working player who would become an instant fan favorite in Boston. Fenway Park\u2019s unusual dimensions \u2014 with the Green Monster in left and the short porch in right \u2014 would benefit Bichette, who uses the whole field well. The Red Sox could make him their everyday third or second baseman.<\/p>\n
If the Blue Jays don\u2019t sign Kyle Tucker, it is likely Bichette will return to Toronto (assuming he hasn\u2019t signed by the time Tucker does). I also think he\u2019d be a huge get for the Giants.<\/p>\n
Though many teams view him as a second or third baseman, his favorite position to play is shortstop. His best fits for teams in need of a shortstop would be the Brewers, but it doesn\u2019t appear Milwaukee is looking for that big of an investment at this point.<\/p>\n
![\"Alex](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/GettyImages-2238872484-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\n Alex Bregman could replace his former Astros teammate Kyle Tucker in the middle of the Chicago Cubs\u2019 lineup. (Al Bello \/ Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Alex Bregman, 3B\u00a0<\/p>\n
Age:\u00a031
Bats:\u00a0R\u00a0Throws:\u00a0R
2025 bWAR:\u00a03.5
2025 team:\u00a0Boston Red Sox
Agent:\u00a0Boras Corp.<\/p>\n
Best matches: 1. Cubs 2. Tigers 3. Red Sox<\/p>\n
Bregman is looking for a long-term commitment like Schwarber and Pete Alonso just received. His best shot to get that at this point would be with the Cubs, who will be trying to replace Tucker in the lineup. The Cubs covet Bregman\u2019s leadership and mentorship of younger players. If they were to sign him, they could move Matt Shaw to second base and trade impending free agent Nico Hoerner or just move Shaw to the outfield.<\/p>\n
The Tigers offered Bregman a long-term deal last offseason, and if it\u2019s still on the table he might grab it this year. The Red Sox want him back, but I\u2019m not sure they\u2019re going to meet his contractual demands.<\/p>\n
Munetaka Murakami, 1B\/3B\u00a0<\/p>\n
Age:\u00a025
Bats:\u00a0L\u00a0Throws:\u00a0R
2025 team:\u00a0Tokyo Yakult Swallows (Nippon Professional Baseball)
Agent:\u00a0Excel Sports Management<\/p>\n
Best matches: 1. Mariners 2. Reds 3. Marlins<\/p>\n
![\"Cody](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/GettyImages-2238241542-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n