The League Leader

Framber Valdez

It is surprising that there is yet to be a team for one of the best arms on the market. The 2 times All-Star is one of the biggest names from the 2026 free agency class. Valdez had a career year in 2022 with the Houston Astros after being selected as the starting pitcher of the All-MLB First Team. In 2025, Valdez posted a 3.66 ERA in 31 games, tied for the most he’s played in a season throughout his career. His 62% ground-ball mark since 2021 ranks fourth among qualified arms, and he leads all pitchers since 2021 in double-plays generated.

However, due to the qualifying offer attached to him and a controversial interaction with his catcher toward the end of last season, he remains without a team.

2025 Team: Houston Astros

Best Fits: Baltimore Orioles, San Francisco Giants

Both the Orioles and Giants have made major upgrades in their lineup over the past year, with the addition of Pete Alonso for the Orioles and Rafael Devers for the Giants. However, both teams lack a quality rotation to survive the playoffs, with notable star starters from both teams being Trevor Rogers and Logan Webb.

Eugenio Suarez

The Mariners have yet to sign one of their most beloved stars, Eugenio Suarez. This leaves him as one of the biggest remaining question marks left, as he could be a impactful slugger for multiple teams. Geno had a fantastic season in 2025 with a total of 49 Home Runs. As a veteran third baseman, Geno is a combination of a high pull-side air-ball rate with strong exit velocity, making him a major run-producer.

2025 Team: Seattle Mariners

Best Fits: Boston Red Sox, Cincinnati Reds

He could be seen as a replacement for Alex Bregman in Boston, and a major offensive contributor for the Reds. The Reds are lacking players that can slug the ball in their lineup and be the co-star to Elly De La Cruz.

Luis Arraez

As one of the most unique stars in the league, many expected Arraez to be a player that would come off the board early in the market. However, teams are less interested in Arraez than expected. Arraez won three consecutive batting titles from 2022 to 2024, and is known as one of the best barrel controllers in the league.

Despite often finishing with a top batting average, Arraez is criticized for his lack of power, slow base-running, and underwhelming defense. This makes him more of a “one-tool” player that teams find less desirable.

2025 Team: San Diego Padres

Best Fits: Seattle Mariners, Cincinnati Reds

Other Players

• Zac Gallen
  • 2025 Team: Arizona Diamondbacks
  • Best Fits: Chicago Cubs, Baltimore Orioles
• Lucas Giolito
  • 2025 Team: Boston Red Sox
  • Best Fits: Detroit Tigers, San Francisco Giants
• Justin Verlander
  • 2025 Team: San Francisco Giants
  • Best Fits: Baltimore Orioles, Houston Astros
• Chris Bassit
  • 2025 Team: Toronto Blue Jays
  • Best Fits: New York Mets, Atlanta Braves