Overview
- Free agency opened Thursday with widespread predictions on landing spots for the top names after the World Series concluded.
- Multiple outlets project Kyle Tucker to command a massive, multi-year deal in the $350–$400 million range, with the Dodgers and Yankees frequently cited as major suitors and the Phillies mentioned as a possible fit.
- Toronto is expected to issue Bo Bichette a one-year qualifying offer of roughly $22 million, a move that positions the shortstop to pursue a long-term deal on the open market.
- Padres right-hander Yu Darvish underwent elbow surgery and is confirmed to miss the entire 2026 season, intensifying San Diego's offseason pitching questions.
- High-profile opt-outs, including Cody Bellinger and Alex Bregman, have added premium bats to the market as reports again frame the Dodgers as the spending benchmark and the Yankees as active bidders.