MLB Free Agents: Top Remaining Players & Latest Updates

Spring ‍Training is nearing,but that doesn’t mean Hot Stove action is over. In fact,⁢ there are still⁢ several notable free agents on the market, players who could perhaps be difference-makers​ for whichever club they⁣ sign with.

Here’s the latest on 10 notable names ​still available:

One of the top starters​ available ⁢on the free-agent market entering this offseason, Valdez is still available, though⁢ not for a lack of interest. The veteran left-hander has been linked to the mets,Orioles,Giants and Cubs,and ⁢reportedly⁣ had​ a meeting with the Blue jays before Toronto inked right-hander Dylan⁤ Cease to the⁢ largest free-agent contract ‍in franchise history. The tigers ⁢could also be in the mix, ​as‌ they have a need behind⁤ ace left-hander Tarik Skubal, but​ Detroit ‍has also ‍been ⁢rumored to be looking in the mid-tier market rather then the top echelon.

Valdez, who has been a groundball-inducing machine during his career,⁣ does have Draft pick compensation attached to him consequently of declining a qualifying offer from the Astros, so that might be a factor as to why he’s still available. It’s also uncertain ⁣whether a late-season controversy ⁣over Valdez hitting his catcher ​in ‌the ‍chest ⁤with​ a pitch after giving⁢ up a grand slam is a factor in his continuing free agency.

Suárez is ‌coming‌ off a season in which he tied a ‌career high with 49 home runs before ⁢hitting one of the ⁣most memorable homers of the postseason, an opposite-field grand⁢ slam in the eighth inning of ALCS Game 5 to⁤ put the Mariners ahead for good.

A ​fan ⁣favorite in‍ seattle, where ⁣he has had two⁣ stints in his career, Suárez still seems to be ​of interest ⁣to the Mariners — general manager Justin Hollander said last month that Seattle has “maintained contact ‍with his reps all winter long.” The ​Pirates have checked in with Suarez,⁣ as well. Other fits ​for⁤ the 34-year-old slugger include the Red ‌Sox and Tigers, each of whom has been looking for a lineup upgrade.

Arraez’s free agency has been engaging. A⁢ contact hitter⁣ who ‍doesn’t⁣ slug⁤ but won three straight batting titles‌ from 2022-24, the 28-year-old infielder is coming off a “down” year by his‌ standards. He still managed to lead the ​NL with 181 hits, but ‌he posted a below-average

Detroit Tigers Linked to Starting Pitcher Lucas Giolito

The detroit Tigers are reportedly pursuing free agent starting pitcher Lucas Giolito,‍ adding to a ⁤list of⁢ potential ⁢targets that includes Chris Bassitt, Nick Martinez, and José Quintana,⁢ according to a report‍ by‍ Evan petzold of⁤ the Detroit Free Press (subscription required). This pursuit comes as the‌ Tigers aim to bolster their rotation ahead of‌ the 2026 season.

Tigers’ Existing Rotation Strength

Detroit already possesses a strong core of starting pitchers.Tarik ‍Skubal, Jack Flaherty, Casey ‌Mize, and Reese Olson are‌ projected‌ to fill four spots in ⁣the rotation, creating⁢ a scenario where adding a pitcher ‍like Giolito would complete a highly competitive five-man group. The existing connection between Giolito and Flaherty, who previously played together, could potentially give​ the⁢ Tigers an edge in negotiations.

For⁢ example,⁤ Jack Flaherty and‌ Lucas Giolito were teammates on the‌ Baltimore Orioles in 2024, posting ⁢a combined 25-14‌ record (MLB.com).

Other Teams in the Pitching Market

Several other Major League Baseball teams are also seeking​ starting pitching upgrades. MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi highlighted the continued⁣ need for pitching across the league (X⁣ (formerly Twitter)). Any ​team ⁤seeking a reliable, league-average arm with potential upside could be a contender for Giolito’s services.

as of‌ January 22, 2026, the⁣ average salary for​ a starting pitcher with comparable experience to Giolito ‍is approximately $15 million per⁤ year, according ‍to Spotrac (Spotrac).