MLB Teams Target Top Free Agents Ahead of CBA Deadline

Major League Baseball is entering a potentially hectic free agency period as teams pursue top players following the conclusion of the World Series. With the collective bargaining agreement set to expire on December 1, 2026, franchises face mounting pressure to complete major signings before the deadline and possible changes to league rules.

According to ESPN, players can begin signing contracts at 5 p.m. ET on Monday. Although the 2026-27 free agent class is considered one of the weakest in the past decade, it still features several notable starting pitchers, an established superstar hitter and an emerging offensive talent.

Tarik Skubal headlines the pitching market after recording a 12-7 record, a 2.72 ERA, 158.2 innings pitched, 27 walks and 186 strikeouts in 2026. His performance also produced 4.6 WAR, strengthening his position as one of the offseason's most valuable available players.

ESPN analyst Kiley McDaniel surveyed MLB insiders about Skubal's potential contract. Estimates from 27 projections ranged from four years and $176 million to $500 million, with an average prediction of eight years and $355 million.

That projected average would establish a record for the largest total contract value awarded to a pitcher, surpassing Yoshinobu Yamamoto's $325 million agreement with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2024 and Gerrit Cole's $324 million deal with the New York Yankees in 2020.

However, Skubal's medical history could influence negotiations. He underwent Tommy John surgery during college, elbow surgery in 2022 and another procedure in May 2026 to remove loose bodies from his elbow. Although he returned quickly and maintained his Cy Young-level performance, interested teams are expected to examine his medical records carefully.

The Chicago Cubs emerge as a potential destination because their rotation finished 18th in ERA and 21st in strikeout rate. Several pitchers, including Shota Imanaga, Kevin Gausman and David Peterson, are also free agents, while Matthew Boyd could become available if he exercises his opt-out clause.

The St. Louis Cardinals represent another possibility. According to Cot's Contracts, their projected 2027 payroll stands at $66 million, with JJ Wetherholt holding the club's only long-term contract. President of baseball operations Chaim Bloom has developed a young roster with considerable financial flexibility.

The Los Angeles Dodgers also remain a potential destination. Skubal reportedly enjoyed his time in Los Angeles, while the upcoming collective bargaining agreement deadline could provide the franchise with an opportunity to make another major free agent investment.

Randy Arozarena is another prominent name entering the market after producing a .281 batting average, .381 on-base percentage and .484 slugging percentage in 2026. He hit 26 home runs, recorded 79 RBIs and accumulated 5.7 WAR, the highest total among the free agents discussed by ESPN.

At 32, Arozarena also posted career highs in WAR, batting average and OPS, while leading the American League in runs scored. However, his defensive limitations in left field could affect his market value. ESPN reported that he has expressed interest in returning to the East Coast.

The Atlanta Braves and Boston Red Sox are potential fits because both teams struggled offensively in left field. Braves left fielders ranked 27th in OPS, while Red Sox left fielders finished 26th. The Philadelphia Phillies are another candidate after ranking 19th in runs scored and 22nd in OPS.

Seiya Suzuki also enters free agency following another productive season with the Cubs. He finished 2026 with a .270 batting average, .368 on-base percentage, .473 slugging percentage, 26 home runs and 86 RBIs, while recording 5.1 WAR.

ESPN highlighted Suzuki's consistency throughout his five seasons in Chicago and his career-best WAR in 2026. Defensive metrics from Defensive Runs Saved and Statcast also rated his fielding performance highly.