"This year also features a clear No. 1 free agent, but it's a pitcher for the first time in years. Pitchers occupy the top two spots, in fact, and Jesús Luzardo would have made three of the top four if not for his recent extension with Philadelphia."
"A player's walk year performance is the biggest factor in what they make, but their play over one week of the '26 season doesn't have much of an impact on their initial ranking."
The 2026 MLB free agent class is being analyzed as the season begins. Predictions are based on players' market value, with age and career performance being key factors. The top five players are expected to secure nine-figure contracts, despite a weak overall class. Historically, identifying top free agents has been easier, but this year features a pitcher as the clear No. 1. Jesús Luzardo's recent extension limits the number of top pitchers, highlighting the risk associated with pitcher contracts compared to elite hitters.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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