The 2026–27 MLB offseason is underway, and Tarik Skubal headlines a free-agent class loaded with frontline pitching and impact position players. The Dodgers left-hander is the top name on MLB.com’s list after another dominant season, while Michael King, Freddy Peralta, Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Randy Arozarena are among the other major names drawing attention.
Tarik Skubal leads the 2026–27 MLB free-agent class
Skubal enters free agency as the clear No. 1 player on MLB.com’s offseason ranking. The left-hander has won the previous two American League Cy Young Awards and recorded a 2.72 ERA over 26 starts with the Tigers and Dodgers in 2026. He missed six weeks early in the season because of left-elbow surgery, but returned to produce another strong campaign.
His combination of swing-and-miss stuff, command and recent Cy Young-level performance makes him the most attractive starting pitcher available. Teams looking for a true top-of-the-rotation arm will have to weigh the long-term value of a major contract against the premium cost of signing an established ace.
Skubal was acquired by the Dodgers from Detroit at the Trade Deadline, so Los Angeles is part of the conversation as the market develops. MLB.com’s offseason coverage identifies him as the top free agent and notes that multiple clubs are expected to show interest.
Top MLB free agents to watch
| Player | Position | Why the market is watching |
|---|---|---|
| Tarik Skubal | Starting pitcher | Two-time AL Cy Young winner; 2.72 ERA in 26 starts in 2026. |
| Michael King | Starting pitcher | Posted a 3.21 ERA across 32 starts and opted out of the remainder of his Padres deal. |
| Freddy Peralta | Starting pitcher | One of the most prominent available rotation arms in the tracker. |
| Jazz Chisholm Jr. | Second baseman | An impact middle infielder with power and athleticism. |
| Randy Arozarena | Outfielder | A proven postseason performer and established everyday outfielder. |
| Seiya Suzuki | Outfielder | A high-profile bat included among the notable players to monitor. |
| Sonny Gray | Starting pitcher | An experienced veteran starter who adds rotation depth and postseason experience. |
| David Bednar | Relief pitcher | A late-inning bullpen option with closing experience. |
Michael King is another major pitching option
King is ranked second in MLB.com’s free-agent list. After missing time in 2025 with shoulder and knee injuries, he signed a three-year, $75 million contract with San Diego that included opt-out opportunities. His 2026 season was strong: a 3.21 ERA in 32 starts. He opted out and took the buyout, giving himself a chance to pursue a longer-term contract.
For clubs that miss on Skubal or prefer a different contract profile, King offers a high-end alternative. His health and workload will be central to negotiations, but the quality of his 2026 performance gives him a strong position in the market.
Qualifying offers and key offseason dates
Eight players received qualifying offers worth $23.15 million for the 2027 season. Players who receive an offer have until 4 p.m. ET on November 17 to accept or reject it. A player who declines the offer can sign with another team, while draft-pick compensation rules may apply depending on the club and player involved.
The December 1 expiration of the current collective bargaining agreement is another important factor. MLB.com notes that a looming CBA deadline could influence how teams approach negotiations, although the pace of signings and any broader labor developments remain uncertain.
What teams need to consider
- Starting pitching: Skubal and King lead a market where several clubs need reliable top-of-the-rotation innings.
- Position-player balance: Chisholm and Arozarena offer different skill sets for teams seeking athleticism, power or defensive flexibility.
- Qualifying-offer cost: Clubs must factor draft-pick compensation into decisions on eligible free agents.
- Labor calendar: The December 1 CBA expiration could add urgency to negotiations, but no outcome should be assumed.
Follow the MLB offseason
MLB’s official transaction tracker records signings, acquisitions and subtractions by team. It should be checked regularly as the market changes. This article is a snapshot of the early offseason and will need updates when players sign, qualifying-offer decisions are made or new transactions are announced.
- MLB.com: 2026–27 free-agent and transaction tracker
- MLB.com: Top 30 free agents for the 2026–27 offseason
- MLB.com: 2026 awards finalists and announcement dates
More Sportimatic coverage
Free-agent information reviewed November 7, 2026. Rankings and transaction status can change as players sign and qualifying-offer decisions are made.
