Latest MLB Free Agents 2026 Rumors and Predictions Before ALDS, NLDS Bracket Games

Tarik Skubal and Jazz Chisholm Jr. will play in the divisional round for the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees, but it is very possible neither man will play for those teams next season.

Find out the latest on those two superstar players, as well as what the future holds for Randy Arozarena, in this collection of insider reports.

Latest on Tarik Skubal

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Jeff Passan of ESPN reported on two-time Cy Young Award-winner Tarik Skubal:

"The 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."

And with good reason.

Skubal has been the best pitcher in baseball over the last three seasons, emerging with the lowest ERA in two of those seasons and capturing the top prize available to pitchers in Major League Baseball.

According to StatMuse, Skubal has fanned the second-most batters since October 2, 2023, just behind Toronto ace Dylan Cease. His .717 win percentage is the highest during that period.

His 2026 was not as great as his previous two seasons, but there is little reason to believe the big lefty is going to fall off.

Considering the value of starting pitchers, particularly lefties, he is going to be the top target on the market this offseason. Whether the Dodgers can make a reunion work, or another team goes all-in on him, remains to be seen. Regardless of who lands Skubal, they will pay a pretty penny and for their sake, hopefully find themselves in the playoffs and competing for a World Series.

Prediction: The Dodgers have an uncanny way of getting what they want. If they want Skubal back, they get him.

Where Will Randy Arozarena Play in 2027?

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Do not expect it to be Seattle.

Randy Divish of The Seattle Times reported, "It's long been assumed that the 2026 season would be Arozarena's last with the Mariners. He will be a free agent once the World Series ends, and he plans to test the market."

Arozarena was the best offensive player for a Mariners team that failed miserably to replicate last year's performance, which saw the team advance to the ALCS before being bounced by eventual World Series runner-up, Toronto.

The 31-year-old hit .281 in 2026, with 26 home runs, 79 RBIs, and 26 stolen bases.

There should be a significant market out there for a proven offensive commodity whose numbers speak for themselves.

The Atlanta Braves are an intriguing possibility and adding the left fielder to the squad would conceivably improve the the teams chances of being NL favorites entering next season.

Ditto the Diamondbacks, who are missing another bat to really push them over the top as a legitimate World Series contender.

Prediction: Arozarena signs with a high-profile, big-money contender, with agent Scott Boras telling the media, "Randy has made himself a lot of money this season."

Jazz Chisholm Prediction

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The New York Yankees' second baseman has all of the natural talent in the world to produce at the plate and defensively, making him one of the more intriguing free agent options this offseason.

The 28-year-old delivered 109 hits, 19 homes runs, and 55 RBI this season for the Yankees, helping the offense produce in the absence of Aaron Judge through a large portion of the year.

There is reason for the Yankees would want Chisholm back, but Ryan Dunleavy of The New York Post reported that it is "common knowledge" that the team will not attempt to retain him this offseason.

The Seattle Mariners, who struggled with consistent production of offense in 2026, are a team that could utilize the flashy player. Ditto the Detroit Tigers, though one would have to question whether Chisholm and straight-forward skipper AJ Hinch would see eye to eye based on their clear personality differences.

Prediction: Chisholm signs with a contender, with Seattle being an attractive situation.