This group of free agents is far from the best or most complete, so teams need to choose wisely. It’s so thin that the one superstar — two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal — could easily receive a contract three or four times the size of any other free agent.
Here’s our annual dollar forecast for the top 30 and up available players, ranked by projected annual salary. (QO means they have a qualifying offer.)
1. Tarik Skubal, SP
Not only is Skubal probably the best starter in MLB, his durability is top-notch. Skubal, 29, is one of two pitchers with at least 590 innings (counting the postseason) since 2024 (Cristopher Sánchez). The Mets and Dodgers have shown willingness to enter the $50 million per year category and should be considered favorites even if many clubs register. However, the threat of a cap could provide opportunities for others. The new owners of the Angels and Padres could also be ready to make a splash. The arbitrage dollar record holder will likely receive annual and total dollar launch records. Half of Juan Soto’s record-breaking $765 million deal seems rough. Best guess: $382.5 million, 7 years.
2. Michael King, SP
He pulled out of the two-year, $58 million funding package after another stellar year. The outgoing Padres love him. But some East Coast teams (Orioles, Jays) also like the Rhode Island native. $90 million, 3 years, unsubscribe.
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