Latest MLB Free Agents 2026 Rumors and Predictions Amid World Series Bracket

The MLB postseason is currently underway, with teams from the NL and AL seeking to reach the pinnacle of professional baseball, but for the rest of the league, their attention is on the upcoming off-season and free agency.

Tarik Skubal, the two-time Cy Young-winning lefty figures to be the most coveted piece. What is the latest on him and a pair of Cubs likely to find new teams?

Find out in this collection of rumors from the game's most trusted insiders and predictions for each player's landing spot.

Tarik Skubal's Potential Top Suitors

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ESPN's Kiley McDaniel reported:

"Most insiders project the Dodgers and Mets to be serious bidders, but there is some hesitation surrounding the Dodgers given the controversy around the team's ownership. Some thought the Mets might be looking to do a shorter-term deal such as they did with Bo Bichette, which might not work if Skubal is looking to set a record for guaranteed money."

Record money is likely in play for Skubal, too, given his production on the mound.

The two-time All-Star and Cy Young winner led the Majors in ERA the last two seasons and in 2025, recorded 7.30 strikeouts per walk, best in the sport. His 2026 was not as dynamic from a stat perspective, but it did see him join Los Angeles at the deadline and give that dynastic squad an opportunity to make a run at a third, consecutive World Series win.

It makes sense that the Dodgers would be in contention to retain his services, and the Mets are big spenders lacking an ace on the mound to pair with young thrower Nolan McLean.

Their ability to put together big-money deals, on the heels of others to Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto, respectively, could be the difference between those two teams signing him, and an outside competitor, such as the Yankees or Braves, popping in and acquiring his services.

Prediction: Skubal ultimate re-signs with the Dodgers, especially if they win a championship this year

Cubs Unlikely to Retain Seiya Suzuki

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Following the Cubs' brief appearance and rapid departure from the 2026 playoffs, Patrick Mooney and Shahadev Sharma of The Athletic reported, "Considering their pitching deficit, it's unlikely that the Cubs will get into a bidding war for (Seiya) Suzuki's services, let alone win one."

Suzuki has long been one of the more reliable hitters for Chicago, with a career 16.2 WAR, 113 home runs and a .269 batting average, all with the Cubs.

This past season, he delivered 26 homers and 86 RBI.

Unfortunately for Chicago, they have bats, including the likely NL MVP, Pete Crow-Armstrong and prized free agent addition, Alex Bregman.

They need pitching, especially with Cade Horton, Justin Steele, Ben Brown, and Edward Cabrera all missing significant time this past season. The team needs to bolster their starting rotation and probably could use an arm or two in the bullpen, too.

The amount of money needed to make that happen makes a reunion with Suzuki nearly impossible, yet understandable.

Toronto, Philadelphia, the New York Yankees, and Los Angeles Dodgers are all teams with money to spend who could use an upgrade both at the plate and in the outfield.

The Blue Jays have already been linked to Suzuki by Mitch Bannon of The Athletic and with their desire to get back to World Series contention after a last-place finish this season, Suzuki is one way to kick things off with a bang.

Prediction: Suzuki leaves Chicago for Toronto and continues his consistent play for another contender

Latest on Ian Happ

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Ian Happ has been with the Cubs for the last decade but his time in the Windy City may be coming to an end, particularly after he saw his playing time decreased amid the arrival of Tyrone Taylor in a trade with the Mets.

As much as it may seem as though Happ is on his way out, and the veteran player has even discussed as much, a new report suggests that is not necessarily the case.

Mooney and Sharma reported, "As polarizing as Happ is among the fanbase, bringing him back on a team-friendly deal isn't entirely out of the question. He's an above-average performer at the plate, a four-time Gold Glove winner and a valuable presence in the clubhouse."

A player who saw his stats diminished exponentially in 2026 (.218/.326/.412), it will be interesting to see which teams take a shot on him assuming they are getting the Happ of two seasons ago, with the defensive skill set they are missing in the outfield.

If the Phillies fail to land someone like Suzuki, they would be a solid landing spot for Happ.

Prediction: Happ leaves Chicago, signs with a contender like Philly