"Every Major League Baseball offseason comes with its own unique brand of intrigue, and this year it is concern that the fear of a lockout and potentially prolonged labor stoppage in 2026-27 could bleed into the free agent market a year early. In the winter of 2020-21, the last offseason that preceded a collective bargaining agreement expiration, free agent spending plunged precipitously, alarming players."
"The class of 2025-26 is perfectly OK. It has a no-doubt multi-hundred-million-dollar anchor in Kyle Tucker, an MVP-caliber slugger in Kyle Schwarber, a do-everything infielder in Alex Bregman (if he opts out), a number of interesting starting pitchers (without an obvious headliner), solid relief arms and plenty of depth. Does the group have enough to reach the $3 billion spending threshold that has been exceeded in each of the past four winters, though?"
Fear of a 2026-27 lockout may depress 2025-26 free-agent spending as teams and players recall the spending plunge in 2020-21. The 2025-26 free-agent class remains solid, anchored by Kyle Tucker and featuring Kyle Schwarber, Alex Bregman (if he opts out), several starting pitchers, reliable relievers and depth. Whether winter spending surpasses the four-winter $3 billion threshold could hinge on international talent from Nippon Professional Baseball. Right-hander Tatsuya Imai and third basemen Munetaka Murakami and Kazuma Okamoto are expected to pursue MLB in 2026 if their NPB teams post them. Scouts find Imai intriguing; his fastball sits at 95 mph.
Read at ESPN.com
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