2025 MLB Free Agents Rumors and Predictions for Pete Alonso, Kyle Schwarber & More
While the eyes of the baseball world are on the MLB Playoffs and the teams vying for a chance to call themselves champions, organizations outside of the annual tournament are preparing bids for some of the top free agents available this offseason while keeping a close eye on those still competing.
Pete Alonso headlines the class after announcing that he would opt-out of his deal, while fellow National League East slugger and MVP candidate Kyle Schwarber figures to command a hefty payday.
Elsewhere, Kyle Tucker may be the best all-around player available.
Dive deeper into each of their situations with this collection of insider rumors.
Update on Pete Alonso's Market
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In the wake of a devastatingly disappointing end to the New York Mets' season, Pete Alonso announced that he would exercise his opt-out and test free agency this offseason, one year after signing a two-year deal with the team.
Last offseason, the All-Star first baseman engaged in talks with Philadelphia, San Francisco, Boston, and Toronto and Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reported all but the Blue Jays figure to rejuvenate those discussions.
In the case of the Red Sox, it would likely determine if Boston is able to hold onto Alex Bregman, who also has a player option on his deal and could make like Alonso and test free agency this offseason.
The Phillies could utilize Alonso at first base and move back to the outfield, a position of need for the team depending on what the front office does this winter.
San Francisco and general manager Buster Posey will look to make a splash after missing the postseason, again, and so a big-money offer for Alonso is not out of the equation.
Coming off of a season in which he belted 38 home runs, drove in 126 RBI and established a .272/.347/.524 slash line, a more consistent performer than many of his Mets' teammates, he is guaranteed to attract attention.
Still, the former Florida Gator is synonymous with the Mets organization, a hero to the fan base and a big-hitter who fans still pack Citi Field to watch play. A return to Queens feels like the likely outcome.
Prediction: Alonso stays in New York
Is Kyle Schwarber a $100 Million Man?
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Philadelphia designated hitter, and occasional left fielder, Kyle Schwarber is a legitimate National League MVP candidate, thanks to his 56 home runs and 132 RBI.
He is also an impending free agent who, one AL executive told Feinsand, "The guy can hit. The closest comp off the top of my head would be Nelson Cruz signing with Seattle (four years, $57 million) a long time ago. Cruz was older and there's been a lot of inflation since then; now that I think about it, $100 million is not crazy."
The idea of a player in what will be his age 33 season commanding $100 million is mind-blowing, but representative of what the current Phillies slugger has been able to accomplish in recent years.
One of the best power hitters in the game, he has been a game-changer for Philadelphia and as big a reason for their success as even superstar Harper. There will be teams looking to add his bat this offseason, recognizing how valuable he has been for his current squad.
Another AL executive said, "I expect that a lot of good teams with money will explore shorter-term, high-AAV possibilities with him."
Whether it is $100 million remains to be seen, but Schwarber is going to get paid. The question is if it will be by his current team, looking to keep one of its most popular stars in the clubhouse, where he is beloved.
"He's a great person in the dugout, he's a great person in the clubhouse. We love him, we want to keep him," John Middleton, Phillies managing partner said.
With that said, it would be surprising to see him in any uniform but the red and white pinstripes.
Prediction: Schwarber re-signs with Philadelphia
Kyle Tucker's Free Agency Expectations
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Kyle Tucker's year in Chicago saw him miss 26 games and hit below average compared to the last two seasons in Houston, but he is arguably the best and most consistent player available this offseason.
He finished the season with a 4.5 WAR, continuing a trend of wins-above-replacement 4.0 or higher dating back to 2021.
Tucker hit 22 home runs, drove in 73, and stole 25 bases. Those numbers, despite slightly down, should be enough to command him a big payday this fall/winter.
Feinsand reported a contract "north of $400 million" is in the realm of possibility.
Tucker was one of the stars of the Astros teams that routinely competed for the World Series title. He is a championship piece who can contribute to any contending team, including Chicago, and make them better.
Whether the Cubs will be willing to match any other teams' offers for that large a number will ultimately determine whether he stays in the Windy City or takes his talents elsewhere.
Prediction: Tucker moves on, with the Phillies as an intriguing option
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