Latest MLB Free Agents 2025 Rumors, Predictions for Cody Bellinger, Pete Alonso, More
With the 2025 season in the rear view mirror, teams across Major League Baseball have turned their attention to the offseason free agency market and the moves they will need to make in order to chase a World Series in 2026.
The New York Mets, in particular, will look to put the nightmare that was the second half of last season behind them by adding (or subtracting) pieces necessary to make their dreams of being world champions come true.
Who are they linked to in the latest trade rumors and which player may they be content to let walk?
Find out in this collection of the latest from the most trusted insiders, as well as an update on the Chicago Cubs pitching conundrum.
Mets Heavily in on Cody Bellinger
1 of 3
Following a colossal collapse at the conclusion of this season, the New York Mets figure to be be players in the free agency market and they may not have to look too far to find one acquisition.
Pat Ragazzo of SI.com reported, "Don't be surprised if the Mets are heavily in on the versatile Cody Bellinger in free agency given their need for defense in both centerfield and at first base."
Ragazzo noted in the same report that the Mets are expected to field trade calls for sometimes center-fielder and second baseman Jeff McNeil, while trade deadline acquisition Cedric Mullins is a free agent. That opens up a big hole at a position of need, one that signing Bellinger would immediately upgrade.
Former MVP joined the across-town Yankees in 2025 and returned to form with 160 hits, 29 home runs, 98 RBI, and 13 stolen bases. His .814 OPS was the third-best of his nine-year career.
Spotrac lists Bellinger's annual market value at $30.4 million, a price the Mets will be happy to pay at a position of need, especially if they can convince him to leave their Big Apple rivals to do it.
The move would allow the Amazins to maintain outfield consistency while using McNeil, or someone else, at second base without constantly tinkering with the lineup. Considering the offensive struggles that plagued the team down the stretch, that would be hugely beneficial for a team with lofty expectations and payroll.
Prediction: Bellinger stays in New York, signs with the Mets
Could the Mets Let Pete Alonso Walk?
2 of 3
Pete Alonso has been the face of the New York Mets since arriving in the big leagues in 2019. He is a superb hitter and one of the best power hitters in the game. He also opted out of his contract at the end of the season and announced his intention to test the free agency market.
It will be the second season in a row that the Polar Bear will be faced with the potential of leaving Queens. Last year, he returned on a two-year deal with a player option.
Ragazzo reported for SI.com that unless the 2025 Silver Slugger is willing to take another team-friendly deal, the Mets "let franchise cornerstone first baseman Pete Alonso walk in free agency."
The Mets may be playing with fire, though. Alonso totaled 170 hits, 38 home runs, and 126 RBI, with a slash line of .272/.347./.524 and an OPS of .871.
Mets great and SNY broadcaster Keith Hernandez made his thoughts on re-signing Alonso clear during an appearance on the New York Post's The Show, comparing him to Harmon Killebrew and bluntly stating that the Mets will not replace his bat.
It will be incredibly difficult to find his production elsewhere, barring improbably signing free agent DH and NL MVP candidate Kyle Schwarber. There is still a discussion to have about Alonso's willingness to give up first base and take on that designated hitter role amid concerns about his throwing.
Something Alonso has not been open to.
That change in roles, more than the money, may ultimately determine whether the 2019 Rookie of the Year continues his career in Queens for the only team he has known.
Prediction: Alonso signs elsewhere
Cubs Not Expected to Jump on Reliever Market
3 of 3
The Chicago Cubs exceeded expectations this season, advancing to Game 5 of the NLDS before being eliminated from the postseason by the Milwaukee Brewers. Despite their postseason success, in which their bullpen was hugely significant, the team has just one later-innings arm under team control in 2026: Daniel Palencia.
Brad Keller, Drew Pomeranz, and Caleb Thielbar are free agents, yet Shahadev Sharma reported "league sources told The Athletic not to expect the Cubs to jump in on big-name free agent relievers, at least not early on. The Cubs are not going to be setting the market on relievers."
He added:
"Perhaps someone could fall through the cracks and be available in January or February at a deal that could provide potential surplus value. In that case, the Cubs may pounce; otherwise, reeling in big fish in the reliever department in free agency just isn't in the cards for this front office. A trade for an established reliever on an expiring deal — like Ryan Pressly last winter — shouldn't be ruled out, though."
Chicago will have to do something this offseason to offset the number of arms it is losing. Perhaps that means re-signing one or two of those impending free agents. Maybe they look to their farm system or add a few lesser-expensive arms via free agency. Still, if the team wants to build on the success it experienced this postseason and move closer to its first World Series since 2016, it will need to rebuild the bullpen and make sure it has strong arms late in games that can sustain leads.
Dropping an exorbitant amount on a closer may not be the cards, but finding reliable arms, either in-house or elsewhere, could ultimately determine whether the Cubs give their fans another year of playoff baseball or if it was a one-year interruption in a string of mediocre campaigns.
Prediction: Cubs spend less on second-tier relievers, make a mid-season trade for a higher-profile arm
.jpg?w=600 "Mike McCarthy Talks Lemon Call")