Get ready for a wild ride, baseball fans, because this offseason is shaping up to be a doozy! With the Dodgers celebrating yet another World Series title and familiar names like Alex Bregman and Pete Alonso back on the free-agent market, it’s easy to feel like we’ve seen this movie before. But here’s where it gets interesting: this isn’t a rerun—it’s the 2025-26 offseason, and the stakes are higher than ever. From blockbuster free-agent signings to international stars making their MLB debut, here are the 11 biggest storylines you won’t want to miss.
First up, the free-agent frenzy. While the market is packed with talent, two names stand out: Kyle Tucker and Kyle Schwarber. Tucker, despite an injury-marred season, is the undisputed top prize, but his sky-high price tag will likely limit his suitors to big-market teams like the Yankees and Dodgers. And this is the part most people miss: Schwarber, entering his age-33 season, isn’t your typical free agent. His unique skill set could spark a bidding war, especially if the Phillies don’t lock him down early.
But here’s where it gets controversial: What happens when players like Alonso and Bregman test the market for the second straight year? Both opted out of their deals, seeking the long-term contracts they missed last time. Will they find what they’re looking for, or will teams hesitate to commit big bucks to players who’ve already cashed in? It’s a question that divides fans and experts alike.
Toronto’s tale is another must-watch. After falling just short of their first title since 1993, the Blue Jays are hungry to finish the job. But with Bo Bichette hitting free agency and a pitching staff in flux, GM Ross Atkins has his work cut out for him. Will they re-sign Bichette, or shift Andrés Giménez to shortstop and target a second baseman instead? And what about their rotation? With Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt on the market, the Blue Jays could be in for a major overhaul.
International stars are also set to shake things up. Remember the Yoshinobu Yamamoto sweepstakes? This year, it’s Tatsuya Imai, Munetaka Murakami, and Kazuma Okamoto who could command nine-figure deals. But here’s a thought-provoking question: Will any of them live up to the hype, or are teams overpaying for unproven talent? Let’s discuss in the comments.
Relief pitching is another hot topic. Edwin Díaz, Robert Suarez, and Devin Williams are all on the market, but will teams shell out big money for closers in an era of bullpen uncertainty? And what about the Phillies, who could lose Schwarber, Ranger Suárez, and J.T. Realmuto? How will they replace so much talent, especially with few catchers available in free agency?
Finally, let’s talk about the pressure on executives like A.J. Preller. With five key free agents, including Dylan Cease and Michael King, the Padres’ president of baseball operations has his hands full. Will he make bold moves to keep San Diego competitive, or play it safe? And what about the Mets and Yankees, both coming off disappointing seasons? Will they spend big again, or take a more measured approach?
So, what do you think? Are teams overvaluing free agents, or is this the year we see record-breaking deals? Will international stars dominate, or will they struggle to adjust to the MLB? Let us know in the comments—this offseason promises to be one for the books!
