Now that the Milwaukee Brewers have won the World Series, it is time to look ahead to the offseason. Teams have an exclusive five-day window where they can negotiate with their own free agents before free agency begins at 5 p.m. ET on Nov. 2. Let’s take a look at the 10 best players who will be available in free agency.
Easily the top player available in free agency, Skubal had another stellar season despite missing time after undergoing surgery to remove loose bodies from his left elbow. He posted a 2.72 ERA and a 0.964 WHIP in his 158.2 innings between the Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Dodgers, striking out 186 batters with 27 walks. Skubal is one of the few legitimate ace-caliber pitchers in the majors and would instantly transform any rotation. It would not be a surprise if his next contract sets a record for the most money given to a pitcher.
While King is not in the same stratosphere as Skubal, he has become a solid starting pitcher since converting to the rotation. He continued his strong performance in 2026, posting a 3.21 ERA and a 1.178 WHIP over his 185 innings, striking out 159 batters with 70 walks. A solid second starter, King does not have the same mileage as a typical starter about to enter their age-32 season due to his time as a reliever.
Suzuki may be the best of a mediocre free-agent class for hitters. More consistent than exciting, he has hit at least 20 homers while posting an OPS+ between 125 and 138 in each of the last four seasons. His 2026 campaign may have been the best of his career as he posted a .270/.368/.473 batting line with 26 homers and 31 doubles in his 634 plate appearances. Suzuki is also an excellent defensive outfielder with a strong arm in right, making him an asset in virtually every facet.
A three-time All-Star and the 2021 AL Rookie of the Year, Arozarena has been a solid, if inconsistent, part of the Tampa Bay Rays and Seattle Mariners lineups. He posted a sixth consecutive season with 20-plus homers and 20-plus stolen bases in 2026, producing a career-best .281/.381/.484 batting line with 26 homers and 34 doubles in his 670 plate appearances while stealing 26 bases. Arozarena is one of the more dynamic options available in free agency and should have plenty of suitors.
Peralta had been expected to receive the second-largest contract for a pitcher in free agency before his disastrous stint with the New York Mets. While he was much better with the Rays, Peralta finished the year with a disappointing 4.42 ERA and a 1.325 WHIP over his 169 innings, striking out 156 batters with 63 walks. His track record as a solid middle-of-the-rotation arm who has displayed the ability to be a top-of-the-rotation starter could make Peralta a bargain for the right team.
Several teams with postseason aspirations in 2027 have a potential hole in the ninth inning. Bednar is the best closer available, having posted a 2.47 ERA and a 1.038 WHIP over his 69.1 innings, recording 35 saves while striking out 76 batters with 20 walks. He has become more of a groundball pitcher during his time with the New York Yankees, a change that could allow Bednar to thrive regardless of where he lands during the offseason.
Gray stepped up for the Boston Red Sox when staff ace Garrett Crochet was lost for majority of the season, responding with one of the best performances of his career. Gray led the majors with 18 wins while posting a 2.72 ERA and a 1.148 WHIP over his 169 innings, striking out 149 batters with 46 walks. Although he may not get a long-term deal since he turns 37 years old during the offseason, Gray has been a dependable middle-of-the-rotation arm who is not showing any signs of slowing down.
8. Third baseman/outfielder Teruaki Sato
Sato picked a perfect time to make history as he became the ninth player in NPB history to win the Triple Crown. The third baseman/outfielder posted a .306/.383/.609 batting line with 39 homers, 40 doubles and 106 RBI in his 614 plate appearances for the Hanshin Tigers. Although Sato is not considered to have the power potential of Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami or the hit tool of Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Kazuma Okamoto, he should be a solid bat capable of hitting 25 to 30 homers stateside. His defensive versatility makes him a fit for almost every team.
Lowe may have improved his free-agent stock more than any other player in 2026. He posted a .260/.331/.493 batting line in his 656 plate appearances, hitting 35 homers and 29 doubles. Lowe also made a dramatic improvement defensively at second, saving a career-best 13 runs at the keystone. As there are few legitimate power threats at second, Lowe should have plenty of demand.
10. Pitcher Kaima Taira
Taira spent most of his career in the bullpen before getting a chance to start in 2023. While he performed well, injuries pushed him back into the bullpen before Taira received another chance to start in 2026. He ran with the opportunity, posting an impressive 1.36 ERA and a 0.959 WHIP over his 146 innings, striking out 141 batters with 45 walks. Taira has an impressive arsenal fronted by a mid-90s fastball and a plus splitter, although his size (5-foot-8 and 209 pounds) could push him back to a relief role stateside. If so, Taira could become a late-inning weapon.
