Updated 2026 MLB Free Agents Rumors, Predictions on Top Stars Available

October is almost upon us, meaning the MLB's best will soon lock horns as part of a 12-team fight for World Series glory.

Something else is just around the corner, too: the ignition of the hot stove's burners.

Free agency is fast approaching, and it's carrying even more uncertainty than normal given all of the unknowns with the collective bargaining agreement negotiations. It's also featuring some bright stars and proven support players, both of which are featured in this latest rumor roundup.

Randy Arozarena Heading Back East?

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This can't be a comfortable time for many MLB free agents, but Arozarena seems an obvious exception.

A strong season at the plate—perhaps the strongest of his career—has Arozarena poised to snag a big paycheck on the open market. His 109 runs are already a personal-best, and all three layers of his .279/.380/.479 slash line sit higher than he's ever posted over a full season.

The money is almost certainly coming, it's just a matter of where from. And it seems Arozarena has a preference on that. According to Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times, Arozarena is "going to" leave Seattle and "would probably prefer to stay on the East Coast."

Arozarena, who has tallied at least 20 homers and 20 steals in six consecutive campaigns, would be a great for any offense-seeking shopper. The Atlanta Braves, in particular, might be all the way in given the boxes he'd check as a powerful (and speedy) hitter from the right side and capable corner outfielder.

Prediction: Arozarena signs with Atlanta.

Big Contract, Retirement Both Possibilities for Sonny Gray?

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It's possible that with every strikeout, inning completed and win secured this offseason, Gray could hear a cash register's ring in his head. But will that be enough to drown out the siren's song of retirement?

It sounds like everything is on the table for the 36-year-old. Per Mass Live's Chris Cotillo, Gray could fetch a similar deal to the three-year, $75 million deal Nathan Eovaldi inked with the Texas Rangers two years back. But Cotillo also noted that Gray relayed in a recent interview with The Boston Globe he would retire "in a heartbeat" if his family indicated any desire for him to do so.

Only Gray knows what he's thinking, and since he doesn't need to make a decision right now, it's very possible even if he isn't sure. If he wants to keep playing, though, he has clearly set himself up to strike it rich in free agency. He is tied for the MLB lead with 18 wins (against only five losses) and owns a 2.72 ERA over his 169 innings pitched.

Maybe this is an attempt to wish something into existence, but our crystal ball sees Gray keeping his career going. He could probably handpick his landing spot after a season this strong, but why bother tinkering with what's obviously working so well?

Prediction: Gray re-signs with the Red Sox.

A $500 Million Contract Coming for Tarik Skubal?

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There might be a million different scenarios for how this offseason plays out. And every last one of them happens to involve Skubal signing a massive—very possibly record-setting—contract.

ESPN's Jeff Passan explained: "The [contract] number will be huge. Bear in mind that Skubal turns 30 in November and never before has a pitcher age 30 or older received more than Stephen Strasburg's $245 million (on a seven-year deal) in free agency. Provided there is no salary cap, Skubal could get double that."

Skubal was the AL Cy Young winner each of the past two seasons. He has been nearly as dominant during this campaign despite dealing with both an elbow procedure and a midseason relocation (from Detroit to the L.A.). His ERA sits south of 3.00, and he's averaging more than 10 strikeouts and fewer than two walks per nine innings pitched.

His contract number will be enormous, which might restrict his list of landing spots to the deepest-pocketed clubs in the biggest markets. This is almost assuredly a cannonball splash the New York Mets would love to make, but it's hard to imagine the Los Angeles Dodgers letting him get away.

Prediction: Skubal re-signs with the Dodgers.