Latest MLB Free Agents 2025 Rumors and Predictions Before ALDS, NLDS Bracket Games

Pete Alonso figures to be one of the biggest stars in this upcoming free agent market, a power hitter with the ability to change the course of a game with the swing of a bat, but a defender whose deteriorating throws and reluctance to switch to the DH could determine his fate in New York.

He headlines the latest crop of free agent rumors and reports that also includes updates on Kyle Schwarber in Philadelphia and Cody Bellinger with the Yankees.

Update on Pete Alonso

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Pete Alonso announced moments after the end of the New York Mets' tumultuous season that he would exercise his player option and test free agency, creating questions about his future with the only organization he has known.

The Athletic's Will Sammon wrote, "If Alonso were to re-sign with the Mets, however, they'd likely need him to see some more time at designated hitter than he has in the past, people familiar with the club's thinking suggested. The Mets' defense was bad. The need for better defense was acutely felt on the right side of the infield."

Alonso was responsible for three runs below average at his position in 2025 and led the majors with 10 errors, per Baseball Reference. While he did lead MLB with 1178 put outs, his throwing made him a liability at first base, a position the Mets will look to improve in the offseason while hoping to convince the Polar Bear to a DH spot that would better fit his strengths at this point.

"From the perspective of two high-ranking evaluators from different teams, he has likely reached the point in his career where more time at designated hitter should be baked into the equation. Over the last two seasons, Alonso served as a DH in just three games," Sammon wrote.

There are plenty of reasons to want to keep Alonso and make that transition from infielder to DH. He accumulated 170 hits, 126 RBI, and 38 home runs for the Mets, proving that while a lot did not go right for the team in Queens, the fan favorite's bat was not one of them.

Without a qualifying offer attached to the two-time Home Run Derby champion, though, there will likely be greater interest in him this off-season than last, when he ultimately re-signed with the Mets.

The question then becomes whether Alonso wants to stay in Queens or if another team is willing to let him play first base and sacrifice bad throws for the pop of his bat.

If the Mets do not convince Alonso to continue his career there, how do they replace his bat? The answer, it seems, may come from their greatest rival.

Prediction: Alonso moves on if first base is not an option in Queens

Would the Mets Try to Sign Kyle Schwarber?

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Kyle Schwarber is the heart and soul of the 2025 Philadelphia Phillies, one of the most popular players in the clubhouse, and an explosive bat with the ability to change the direction of a game with a single swing.

He is also a free agent at the end of the season and the NL MVP candidate is going to command large offers from several teams and one scout believes the Mets should be one of them.

John Harper of SNY reported, "'Kyle Schwarber would solve a lot of their problems,' is the way one scout put it. 'I don't know if it's possible, but if Steve Cohen wants to flex again this winter, he should pay whatever it would take to get Schwarber to leave the Phillies.'"

The scout also cited Alonso's deteriorating defense as a reason to consider Schwarber, who belted 56 home runs this season. "If you're the Mets, you're holding your breath every time he has to make a throw," the scout told Harper. If Alonso would put up a stink about losing first base and opt to continue his career elsewhere, the 33-year-old DH would be the perfect choice to replace him, especially considering what it would mean for New York's rivalry with their division rivals.

""The fans here would never forgive (Phillies principal owner John S. Middleton) if Schwarber signed with the Mets," a Philadelphia media member told Harper.

Based on how aggressively the Mets went after Juan Soto a year ago, there is no reason to believe owner Steve Cohen would not pony up the cash necessary to bring Schwarber on board if the rest of the front office was passionate about acquiring him.

With that said, Schwarber's connection to Philly and his teammates is so strong that one would have to imagine the financial offer would be far and away the highest of any potential suitors to make signing with the Mets a reality.

Prediction: Schwarber stays in Philadelphia

Cody Bellinger to Test Free Agency

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Jon Heyman of The New York Post reported that Cody Bellinger will make like Alonso across town and exercise his player option to test free agency.

It is not particularly surprising. Bellinger had a strong season for the Yankees with 29 home runs, 13 stolen bases, 98 RBI, and the second-highest batting average of his career at .272. More importantly, he appeared to rediscover his confidence after a few uncharacteristically so-so seasons.

Testing free agency for the possibility of a long-term deal with a better AAV makes sense.

Heyman added that his only prerequisite is that he plays for a winner. The Yankees have certainly been that and would, most likely, be happy to have the 2020 World Series MVP back in pinstripes next season. The question is whether they would be willing to pay him what he wants, for the duration he is looking for.

That could very well be determined based on Bellinger's performance in the postseason. The Yankees defeated the Boston Red Sox in the Wild Card round, during which the 30-year-old tallied just three hits and a .250 average.

How he performs against Toronto and, potentially, beyond will go a long way in helping the organization decide whether to throw a large sum of money his way or look to other outfielders this off-season.

Prediction: Bellinger re-signs with New York