Top MLB Free Agents Rumors Before 2026 Regular-Season Ends

As the MLB Playoffs approach, eliminated teams are already focusing on free agency.

Several top players, including Tarik Skubal and Sonny Gray, are preparing to enter the market.

Below, we'll do our best to predict landing spots by analyzing rumors and identifying top fits.

Luis Arraez Signs With the Yankees

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It's no secret the Yankees need a new second baseman.

Jazz Chisholm Jr., set to enter free agency as an unrestricted free agent, has struggled to get his bat going all year.

There are a number of talented second basemen set to hit the market.

In Pittsburgh, Brandon Lowe is having one of his best seasons, with 34 home runs and 95 RBIs.

Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, Luis Arraez has played well despite questions about his defense.

Lowe may be in the midst of a career year, but Arraez has been one of the league's best hitters for several seasons now.

It seems likely the Yankees would target him, since Jon Heyman reported they already showed interest in him at the trade deadline.

With positional fit no longer an issue, bringing in Arraez could revamp a Yankees lineup that currently ranks in the bottom five in batting average.

Sonny Gray Re-Signs With the Red Sox

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Did anyone see this coming from Sonny Gray at 36 years old?

The right-hander is tied for the most wins (18) in MLB this season and owns the eighth-best ERA (2.72) in the league.

Gray is arguably having the best season of his career. Plus, with the Red Sox sending Connelly Early to the Nationals at the deadline, they'll need to hold on to their starting pitching.

According to Mass Live's Chris Cotillo, Gray could be looking at a contract in the three-year, $75 million range. There's just one slight concern: as Gray told The Boston Globe, he would retire "in a heartbeat" if that's what his family wanted.

After a career-best year, though, retirement seems unlikely, with a reunion seemingly making sense for both sides.

Tarik Skubal Re-Signs with the Dodgers

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No matter how you look at it, this offseason feels like it all revolves around Skubal landing a monster record-breaking deal.

Jeff Passan summed it up: the numbers for Skubal's next contract will be massive. He's about to turn 30, and there's really no precedent for the kind of payday he could command. With teams willing to spend big and no salary cap holding anyone back, the bidding could get wild.

Skubal's track record speaks for itself. Sure, he's dealt with some injuries this season, but he still resembles the two-time reigning AL Cy Young winner he is.

Given the high price tag, only a few teams will have a chance. The Mets are always looking to make a splash; the Padres and Yankees might throw their hats in the ring.

But one thing is certain: letting Skubal walk seems almost unthinkable for the Dodgers.