Overview
- Free agency opened Nov. 6 with four-time All-Star Kyle Tucker widely viewed as the top available player.
- Contract forecasts span from a projected 10-year, $350 million deal to ESPN’s 11-year, $418 million estimate and a CBS Sports prediction exceeding $450 million.
- Big-market bidders are expected to drive the action, with Reuters’ early projection placing Tucker with the Dodgers as the Cubs focus elsewhere.
- Teams are weighing a midseason right-hand fracture, a late-season calf strain, and a second-half decline after an elite first half.
- Alex Bregman has officially opted out, with early odds favoring the Phillies, as a broad class including Kyle Schwarber, Framber Valdez and Bo Bichette hits the market.