April Showers Bring Updates to May Free Agency Rankings
As the month of April fades and May blooms, baseball contracts become a hot topic. Just as spring rains indicate a seasonal shift, they similarly herald changes in free agency rankings, giving fans and teams alike much to contemplate. This month’s update is pivotal for assessing which players may soon hit the open market.
(Keep in mind that any format displaying a number followed by a slash, then another number, represents contract years and total earnings. For example, Bryce Harper’s monumental contract is noted as “11/330” for his 11-year, $330 million deal. Ages noted refer to the 2026 season.)
Top Player: Kyle Tucker, Cubs OF, Age 29 (April Rank: 1)
Kyle Tucker has demonstrated remarkable potential since joining the Cubs, though recent weeks reveal a cooling period in his performance. Analytics suggest that this minor slump is just a transient phase, firmly establishing Tucker as the standout free agent for the upcoming class. With no new extension discussions materializing between him and the Cubs, the likelihood of his entering free agency later this year remains exceptionally high.
2. Alex Bregman, Red Sox 3B, Age 32 (April Rank: 2)
In a season where Bregman is soaring with impressive statistics, he finds himself at an optimal moment in his career. Currently holding the sixth-highest OPS across Major League Baseball, Bregman’s contributions shine brightly amid a Boston team just treading around the .500 mark. His decision to choose Boston’s lucrative opt-out contract over a long-term offer from Detroit is paying dividends, even if it’s not well-remembered by Tigers fans. Booed during his recent visit to Detroit, Bregman’s strategic move appears poised to yield a profitable opt-out this winter.
3. Pete Alonso, Mets 1B, Age 31 (April Rank: 3)
Pete Alonso has seen a noticeable rise in his strikeout rate; moving from 14.6% in the early season to a troubling 33.7% in May, which stands as the sixth-highest strikeout percentage this month. Despite these struggles, his strength remains evident, yet concerns will linger as to whether he’s among the elite offensive producers in the league. Given the prominence of his performance metrics, Alonso’s current trajectory could widely influence his market value in upcoming negotiations.
4. Kyle Schwarber, Phillies DH, Age 33 (April Rank: 4)
Kyle Schwarber continues to maintain his reputation as a power hitter with 17 home runs, tying him with baseball’s superstar Shohei Ohtani for the league lead. His .963 OPS ranks him fourth among batters, and remarkably, he’s doing this while experiencing a career-low strikeout rate. The prevailing sentiment is a return to Philadelphia remains likely, yet each homer only inflates his potential asking price.
5. Framber Valdez, Astros SP, Age 32 (April Rank: 7)
6. Michael King, Padres SP, Age 31 (April Rank: 8, 2026 Mutual Option)
7. Dylan Cease, Padres SP, Age 30 (April Rank: 6)
Framber Valdez has rebounded effectively after a rocky April. As he consistently generates a significant number of ground balls, he manages to stay relevant at the top of free agency discussions. Michael King, known for his steady performance, hasn’t allowed more than three runs in any of his outings this season. Dylan Cease’s early struggles can be linked to poor fortune rather than a decline in skill; his underlying statistics remain solid.
8. Marcell Ozuna, Braves DH, Age 35 (April Rank: 5)
Marcell Ozuna has shown slight declines this month, yet still sustains status as a top offensive player. Unfortunately for him, entering free agency alongside more dynamic hitters like Schwarber and Alonso may pose challenges, especially considering he hasn’t played in the outfield since April. Teams may hesitate to commit to him given the limited positional flexibility.
9. Cody Bellinger, Yankees OF, Age 30 (April Rank: NR)
After an underwhelming start, Cody Bellinger has recently turned his performance around, showcasing an impressive .983 OPS over his last 25 games. His standout defense across two outfield spots only adds to his attractiveness. Though last winter he opted not to activate his previous opt-out, the current contract scenario, now reduced to $25 million next season, may encourage him to seek a more lucrative deal.
10. Bo Bichette, Blue Jays SS, Age 28 (April Rank: 14)
11. Gleyber Torres, Tigers 2B, Age 29 (April Rank: 25)
Bo Bichette is on track to regain his composure after a subpar season in 2024, showing promising signs in his performance this year. Gleyber Torres has remarkably halved his strikeout rate, marking a solid start to his tenure in Detroit. His increased discipline at the plate indicates an ongoing evolution that could see his earning potential rise considerably.
12. Munetaka Murakami, Yakult Swallows 3B, Age 26 (April Rank: 9)
Regrettably, Munetaka Murakami has faced setbacks with injuries that have hampered his anticipated MLB transition this winter. There remains speculation as to whether his growing track record in Japan will allow him to step up to the major leagues or delay his ascent for another season.
13. Cedric Mullins, Orioles CF, Age 31 (April Rank: 12)
14. Josh Naylor, D-backs 1B, Age 29 (April Rank: 13)
Both Mullins and Naylor experienced diminished performances in May. However, the belief that they will rebound to their career averages sustains their positions on the rankings. Mullins could soon find himself on the trading block, raising the stakes and potential returns for his free agency. His departure from Baltimore would free up room for other players and open a path for more lucrative offers, particularly if the team opts not to issue a qualifying offer post-trade.
15. Luis Arraez, Padres 1B, Age 28 (April Rank: 15)
Arraez is navigating through a modest rebound after a rough start. His ability to produce consistent hits places him in a curious position as a free agent. Though his defensive capabilities may raise questions, his reputation as a batting average specialist is solidifying his value.
16. Zac Gallen, D-backs SP, Age 29 (April Rank: 10)
17. Tyler Mahle, Rangers SP, Age 32 (April Rank: 16)
18. Chris Bassitt, Blue Jays SP, Age 37 (April Rank: 18)
Concerns about Gallen’s decline linger, with some statistics suggesting he may be losing his effectiveness on the mound. Conversely, Mahle is thriving, currently hailed for not allowing more than two runs in any of his starts. Bassitt, while not spectacular, maintains dependable presence that many contenders may seek to reinforce their rotation.
19. Trent Grisham, Yankees OF, Age 29 (April Rank: 36)
The most improved player on this list, Grisham is capitalizing on his potential with an impressive batting average this season. Nearing free agency as he enjoys a career year, Grisham’s strong discipline and power may earn him an unexpected deal when teams evaluate their lineup needs.
20. Griffin Canning, Mets SP, Age 29 (April Rank: 24)
With his performance improving, Canning’s prospects look increasingly positive as he aims to prove consistency over a full season in the Mets’ rotation.
21. Ryan Helsley, Cardinals RP, Age 31 (April Rank: 20)
22. Luke Weaver, Yankees RP, Age 32 (April Rank: 27)
23. Devin Williams, Yankees RP, Age 31 (April Rank: 21)
Despite Helsley’s increasing walk rate, his power remains a concern as his performance fluctuates. Williams has seen a resurgence as a reliever, which may bode well for both him and Weaver, who is currently thriving in the Yankees’ bullpen.
24. Jack Flaherty, Tigers SP, Age 29 (April Rank: 11)
Flaherty’s decline in fastball velocity and a general lackluster performance pose potential threats to his future contract negotiations, especially given the looming opt-out clause of $20 million.
25. J.T. Realmuto, Phillies C, Age 35 (April Rank: 19)
Realmuto’s offensive production has seen a downturn; despite his defensive acclaim, his current OPS ranks him low among catchers. Still, his unique status as one of the few catchers available in free agency could yield a decent two-year offer, despite the evident offensive imbalance.
The Next 25 Players to Watch
Zach Eflin, Orioles SP, Age 31 (April Rank: 17)
Robert Suarez, Padres RP, Age 35 (April Rank: 22)
Ranger Suarez, Phillies SP, Age 30 (April Rank: 25)
Dustin May, Dodgers SP, Age 28 (April Rank: 26)
Brandon Woodruff, Brewers SP, Age 33 (Mutual Option, April Rank: 30)
Walker Buehler, Red Sox SP, Age 31 (April Rank: 31)
Austin Hays, Reds OF, Age 30 (April Rank: 37)
Rhys Hoskins, Brewers 1B, Age 33 (April Rank: 42)
Paul Goldschmidt, Yankees 1B, Age 38 (April Rank: 39)
Mike Yastrzemski, Giants OF, Age 35 (April Rank: 34)
Jorge Polanco, Mariners IF, Age 32 (April Rank: 35)
Eugenio Suarez, D-backs 3B, Age 34 (April Rank: 40)
Ryan O’Hearn, Orioles 1B, Age 32 (April Rank: 41)
Erick Fedde, Cardinals SP, Age 33 (April Rank: 33)
Nick Martinez, Reds SP, Age 35 (April Rank: NR)
Raisel Iglesias, Braves RP, Age 36 (April Rank: 28)
Kirby Yates, Dodgers RP, Age 38 (April Rank: 29)
Jordan Romano, Phillies RP, Age 33 (April Rank: NR)
Kyle Finnegan, Nationals RP, Age 34 (April Rank: 44)
Ramón Laureano, Orioles OF, Age 31 (April Rank: NR)
Harrison Bader, Twins OF, Age 32 (April Rank: NR)
Willi Castro, Twins UTIL, Age 29 (April Rank: 45)
Dylan Moore, Mariners UTIL, Age 33 (April Rank: 46)
Kenley Jansen, Angels RP, Age 38 (April Rank: 43)
Miles Mikolas, Cardinals SP, Age 36 (April Rank: 49)