Just Baseball
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2026-27 Free Agent Watch: Top Starting Pitchers On the Open Market
The 2026‑27 free‑agent market offers a rare elite starter in left‑hander Tarik Skubal, the back‑to‑back AL Cy Young winner now with the Dodgers, who posted a 2.72 ERA and sub‑1.00 WHIP in 2026. Behind him, front‑line options include Michael King, who declined a $58 million option after a 3.21 ERA over 185 innings for the Padres, and veteran Sonny Gray, who logged a 2.72 ERA for Boston at age 36. Mid‑rotation names such as Freddy Peralta (Rays, 4.42 ERA) and Trevor Rogers also hit the market. The article breaks the free‑agent pitchers into tiers, providing ages and 2026 stats to help teams gauge value ahead of the winter sprint.
Tampa Bay Rays Post-Mortem: What Made This Group Different
The Rays’ 2026 campaign ends with a Game 5 loss to the Brewers, but the season was historic. After surpassing a 77.5‑win preseason projection to finish with 98 victories and the AL East crown, Tampa Bay saw the rise of third‑baseman Junior Caminero—who played all 162 games, improved his OPS, batting average and WAR, and delivered a clutch home run in Game 6 of the ALCS—and the emergence of ace Drew Rasmussen, who overcame early‑career injuries to lead a staff that topped the league in runs allowed and issued the fewest walks. The piece examines how these super‑stars and the franchise’s fundamentally sound approach set this Rays team apart from its predecessors.
Top 10 Free Agent Relievers for the 2026-27 MLB Offseason
Just Baseball’s November 1, 2026 roundup spotlights the ten most enticing free‑agent relievers heading into the 2026‑27 offseason. The list features elite closers like Adrian Morejon, David Bednar and Raisel Iglesias, but also versatile swingmen such as Sean Newcomb (34, LHP, 3.09 ERA, 4 saves, 12 holds in 60 appearances for Chicago), Steven Okert (LHP, 2.13 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, career‑best season with Houston), and JoJo Romero (LHP, 3.36 ERA, 56.1 innings, helped Milwaukee win the World Series). Each candidate is evaluated on performance metrics, durability and contract expectations, giving clubs a clear view of bullpen upgrades for 2027.
Top 10 Free Agent Pitchers for the 2026-27 MLB Offseason
Just Baseball breaks down the top ten free‑agent pitchers ahead of the 2026‑27 MLB offseason. The list opens with Tampa Bay’s former starter Nick Martinez, who posted a 3.10 ERA over 180 innings and could command around $20 million in AAV despite his mutual option being declined. Veteran Kevin Gausman (36) still offers a high strikeout rate (9.3 K/9) despite a 4.51 ERA, while reliever‑turned‑starter Clay Holmes rebounds from a fractured fibula with a 1.75 ERA in early 2026 and may earn more than his opted‑out $12 million option. The article also highlights dominant reliever David Bednar (2.47 ERA, 9.9 K/9) and ranks the rest of the market, giving teams a clear view of value and upside for the upcoming free‑agency period.
Top 10 Free Agent Hitters for the 2026-27 MLB Offseason
Just Baseball’s November 1, 2026 piece ranks the top ten free‑agent hitters heading into the 2026‑27 MLB offseason. While the class lacks a generational star like Ohtani or Soto, it features solid contributors who can extend lineups. Leading the list is 31‑year‑old first baseman Ty France, who posted a .295/.363/.502 line with 21 homers and a career‑high 141 wRC+ for the Padres. Close behind is catcher C Ryan Jeffers (Minnesota) – .256/.353/.461, 14 HR, 128 wRC+, and strong zone discipline despite limited health. The rundown also covers versatile second baseman Luis Arraez (Giants/Phillies), who hit .310 with a .345 OBP and a defensive upgrade. The article previews each player’s 2026 stats and discusses market value prospects for teams seeking cost‑effective power and contact.
Looking at 3 Yankees’ Prospects With Momentum Going Into 2027
Just Baseball highlights three Yankees prospects riding momentum into 2027. Shortstop Dax Kilby (19, Single‑A) rebounds from lower‑body injuries with a 105.1 mph exit velocity and an 88.1% in‑zone contact rate, earning a #80 spot on the top‑100 list and a potential impact bat by 2028. Pitcher Rory Fox (22, Double‑A) shows a 92‑94 mph fastball, sharp slider and cutter, and could evolve into a reliable back‑end starter if his changeup and sinker improve. Lastly, second‑baseman Luis Escudero (20, Single‑A) boasts elite pitch recognition, a 22% walk rate, 17.2% strikeout rate and 11 homers in 58 games, making him a hidden offensive gem for New York.
In 58th Season, Brewers Finally Make Fans’ Dreams Come True
In their 58th season, the Milwaukee Brewers finally clinch the World Series, fulfilling decades‑long fan devotion. After the franchise’s 1969 debut as the Seattle Pilots and a 1982 Game 7 loss to the Cardinals, Milwaukee endured long playoff droughts, only returning in 2008, 2011, 2018 and 2026. The 2026 championship, secured in Tampa, sees 31,000 fans gathering at American Family Field for watch parties, with lifelong supporters like Josie, Nick, Dan and others sharing emotional tributes to departed loved ones. The victory ends a 44‑year title drought and cements the Brewers’ place in the city’s heart.
Can the Dodgers Afford to Sign Skubal Before the Lockout?
After a 3-2 loss to the Red Sox on August 1, 2026, the Dodgers stunned fans when MLB insider Jeff Passan announced a trade for Detroit ace Tarik Skubal. Skubal posted a 2.61 ERA with 70 strikeouts in 10 starts, including a perfect seven‑scoreless‑frame outing against the Giants, but the Dodgers still fell to the Brewers in the NLCS and lost the World Series to Tampa Bay. Now, with a looming offseason lockout and a payroll already near the ceiling, Los Angeles must weigh Skubal’s projected $350‑$500 million contract—potentially a new record—against the value of the prospects they gave up, outfielder Zyhir Hope and pitcher River Ryan. The article examines the financial and strategic hurdles Friedman faces in pursuing the pitcher for 2027.
How the Milwaukee Brewers Pitched Their Way to a World Series Title
The Milwaukee Brewers capture the 2026 World Series thanks to a historic postseason pitching staff that posted a sub‑2.00 ERA—the only team since 2000 to do so with over 100 innings. Anchored by co‑MVPs Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling and a record‑setting 18 straight scoreless innings from reliever Aaron Ashby, the bullpen allowed just four homers while posting a 0.82 ERA over 54 2/3 innings. Rookie starters like Robert Gasser delivered shutout gems in the NLCS and World Series, making the Brewers the team with the most rookie starts in a championship run. Coach Chris Hook credits the unit’s chemistry and consistency for the title.
How a Weak Free Agent Market Can Impact Trades
The article argues that a weak free‑agent market—exemplified by the 2025‑26 classes featuring role players like Jake Bauers and Trevor Rogers—is reshaping trade strategies. Citing Spotrac data, the author notes a rise in pre‑arbitration extensions (39 players) and arbitration extensions (25 players), as well as more contracts with player options (up from 53 in 2022 to 72 in 2026). These trends, combined with lingering COVID‑related financial impacts and lockout fears, reduce headline‑ready free agents, pushing clubs to rely more on trades to fill roster gaps. The piece suggests we may see an unusually active trade season as teams adapt to the limited talent pool.
Who Will Get the Qualifying Offer This Offseason?
After the World Series, MLB teams have a five‑day window to extend a qualifying offer (QO) worth $23.15 million—the average of the 125 highest salaries. To be eligible, a player must have spent the entire season with one club and can receive a QO only once. The article evaluates who should get a QO this offseason, highlighting candidates like Mariners outfielder Randy Arozarena, who posted a 5.7 bWAR and .865 OPS, and Orioles pitcher Trevor Rogers, a 2.2 bWAR, 10‑win arm. It also references last year’s accepted offers (Imanaga, Torres, Grisham, Woodruff) and rejected ones (Valdez, Tucker, Suárez, Bichette). The piece breaks prospects into three groups—definite QO receivers, possible ones, and players to avoid—offering a roadmap for teams and fans alike.
2026 MLB Free Agents: Top 10 Rankings and Position Breakdown
The 2026‑27 MLB free‑agent market launches early amid an upcoming lockout, forcing players to secure deals before December 1. Just Baseball breaks down the entire class, ranking the top 10 pitchers and hitters by 2025‑26 WAR and listing every free agent by position with age and WAR values. Highlights include catchers Ryan Jeffers (30) and Carson Kelly (32, 4.3 WAR), second‑baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. (29, 7.8 WAR), third‑baseman Bo Bichette (29, 5.7 WAR), outfielder Randy Arozarena (32, 8.4 WAR), designated hitter George Springer (37, 6.1 WAR), and starting pitchers Tarik Skubal (30, 11.9 WAR) and Kevin Gausman (36, 7.2 WAR). The piece also notes the split between pre‑ and post‑lockout signings, offering a full position‑by‑position cheat sheet for teams and fans.
2026-27 Free Agent Watch: Top Outfielders On the Open Market
The 2026‑27 free‑agent outfield market lacks a megastar like Soto or Tucker, but several proven bats could boost a lineup for $20‑30 million. Corner outfielders Randy Arozarena (.281/.381/.484, 26 HR, 79 RBI) and Seiya Suzuki (.270/.368/.473, 26 HR, 86 RBI) top the list, offering consistent production and true outfield experience. More affordable options include Ian Happ and Taylor Ward, while Japanese slugger Teruaki Sato (.306/.383/.609, 39 HR) and former breakout Jake Bauers are listed as backup corner‑outfield candidates despite being infield primaries. Center‑field focus lands on Daulton Varsho, who seeks a one‑year prove‑it deal after a down season. The article breaks down each position’s top free agents and provides stat cards for quick evaluation.
2026-27 Free Agent Watch: Top Infielders On the Open Market
As the 2026‑27 offseason approaches amid lockout talks, the free‑agent market for infielders looks thin. While first base offers Jake Bauers—NLCS MVP and World Series champ—with a .266/.389/.484 line, 26 homers and 3.7 fWAR, and solid backup Ty France, only a handful of elite bats remain. Second base is the brightest spot, featuring power‑hitting Brandon Lowe (35 HR, 4.9 fWAR), on‑base specialist Luis Arraez (.310/.345/.419), and versatile Jazz Chisholm Jr. (19 HR, 3.5 fWAR), plus veteran Gleyber Torres. At third, the standout is Japan’s Teruaki Sato, a pop‑ready prospect, followed by inconsistent Alec Bohm. Teams must act quickly to lock in these limited impact players for 2027.
Mets Report Cards: Grading Every Player After the 2026 Season
The Just Baseball piece grades every New York Mets player after a disastrous 2026 campaign that landed the club in last place in the NL East. Catcher Francisco Alvarez receives a C‑, noting flashes of power but defensive inconsistency, while backup Luis Torrens earns a B for strong defense and a late‑season offensive surge. First baseman Jared Young surprises with a B grade, posting a .266 slash line and stellar right‑handed splits. In contrast, Mark Vientos (F) and Marcus Semien (F) flop, with Vientos seeing minimal production and Semien delivering subpar offense and defense. Shortstop Francisco Lindor lands a C+ after a slow start and calf injury, despite 21 homers. The grades highlight key underperformers and a few bright spots, setting the stage for the Mets’ offseason moves.
Free Agency Preview By Team: Contract Options, QO Decisions
With the Brewers clinching their first World Series and the Rays finishing a third runner‑up spot since 2000, MLB’s offseason kicks into gear. Starting today, 28 teams must decide on contract options, tender qualifying offers, and negotiate exclusive free‑agent windows before the November 2 free‑agency flood. The article breaks down every team’s pending moves, listing each free agent, their 2025‑26 FanGraphs WAR, 2027 age, and any club or mutual options (e.g., Ronald Acuña Jr.’s $17 M club option, Ryan Robert Jr.’s $20 M option, and Sean McVerry’s $30 M mutual option for Sonny Gray). Qualifying‑offer candidates like Trevor Rogers (Orioles) and Seiya Suzuki (Cubs) are highlighted, giving fans a clear roadmap of the upcoming market.
Milwaukee Reaches the Mountaintop: Brewers Are World Series Champions
The Milwaukee Brewers clinch their first ever World Series title on October 29, 2026, capping a "magical" season that saw them breeze past the San Diego Padres 3‑1 in the NLDS, sweep the two‑time defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS (with NLCS MVP Jake Bauers and a clutch hit by Garrett Mitchell), and dominate the Tampa Bay Rays in the Fall Classic. Key moments include Christian Yelich’s RBI triple and William Contreras’s RBI single in Game 1, and a historic bullpen performance that set the tone for the series. The victory ends decades of postseason heartbreak and crowns Milwaukee as the 2026 champions, fulfilling a franchise‑long dream.
Cincinnati Reds Offseason Wish List
The Reds’ 2026 campaign proved another playoff‑empty year, prompting a realistic offseason wish list focused on budget‑friendly fixes. The author argues the Reds must re‑sign catcher Tyler Stephenson and left‑handed reliever Brock Burke to shore up a weak catching corps and thin bullpen. Arbitration raises will push salaries for core players like Elly De La Cruz, Nick Lodolo and Andrew Abbott higher, while Spencer Steer may be a trade candidate. With payroll stuck in the $100‑$140 million range, the piece reviews free‑agent costs (Suárez $15 M, Singer $12.75 M) and highlights potential contract moves for Chase Burns, Ke’Bryan Hayes and Hunter Greene. Realistic trade and signing targets are suggested to keep the Reds competitive without breaking their mid‑tier payroll ceiling.
Live Look Overview: 2026 WWBA World Championship
The 2026 Perfect Game WWBA World Championship in Jupiter, Florida featured over 100 teams, with East Cobb/SD Padres Scout Team pulling an 8-7 walk‑off balk win over SBA/Marlins Scout Team 2028 after erasing a six‑run deficit. Scout writer highlights six 2027 MLB Draft prospects: Samir Mohammed (RHP, LSU commit) struck out 11, posting 95‑100 mph fastballs and a mid‑80s changeup; Deuce Jenkins (OF/1B, Mississippi State commit) logged five extra‑base hits, including a 438‑ft home run and a 6.5‑second 60‑yard dash; Demarcus Lowery (OF, Louisville commit) delivered 404‑ft blasts at 102‑103 mph and runs a 6.62‑second 60‑yard; Max Hemenway (SS, Tennessee commit) went 4‑for‑11 with solid barrel feel and defensive range; Sebastian “Sushi” Wilson (OF, Tennessee commit) showed 100 mph exit velocity and a quick left‑handed swing. The article also notes other standout performers from the tournament.
Alec Bohm Is About To Be a Very Confusing Free Agent
Alec Bohm heads into free agency as a puzzling option for teams hunting corner‑infield help. The 30‑year‑old Phillies veteran finished 2026 with his worst season since 2021, posting a first‑half slash of .215/.278/.354 before rebounding to .298/.371/.794 after the All‑Star break, yet he never surpassed 20 home runs in a year. Defensively, Bohm’s value fluctuates—he posted solid OAA numbers in 2024 but regressed to -13 DRS at third base in the last two seasons. With Philadelphia likely reshuffling the lineup and possibly moving Bryce Harper back to first, Bohm could fetch a projected three‑year, $38 million contract, though his inconsistency may curb demand.
The Detroit Tigers Need a Plan With Kerry Carpenter
The Detroit Tigers face a pivotal offseason as they assess whether power bat Kerry Carpenter fits their 2027 roster. Once a middle‑order threat with a 114 wRC+ in 2025, Carpenter’s production slipped to a .208/.276/.416 line, 90 wRC+ and a 29% strikeout rate in 2026, while his walk rate fell to 4% and injuries limited him to 81 games. Coupled with subpar defense and a growing platoon dilemma with Colt Keith, the Tigers must decide if Carpenter’s power outweighs his health and defensive liabilities. The article weighs his upside against the need for more well‑rounded players as Detroit charts its next move.
How the Sinker Unlocked Everything for Brewers’ DL Hall
Brewers reliever DL Hall credits a revamped sinker for his resurgence after years of injuries that stole his velocity. After battling a back problem in 2022, a knee injury in 2024 and a lat strain in 2025, Hall’s fastball slipped into the low 90s. Once he embraced the sinker—once a liability in the minors—his command improved, letting him move more fluidly on the mound. In 2026 he limited hitters to a .153 average on the pitch, surrendered no extra‑base hits and threw it 36% of the time, sparking his comeback in Milwaukee’s bullpen.
Cubs Free Agents: Who Stays and Who Goes?
The Cubs face a pivotal free‑agent market as they shape the 2027 roster. The centerpiece is outfielder Seiya Suzuki, who posted a .270/.368/.473 line, 26 homers, 86 RBI, 4.5 fWAR and a career‑best +7 Fielding Run Value in 2026, making him one of the hardest players to replace. Yet The Athletic’s Patrick Mooney warns Chicago may balk at a bidding war. Pitcher Clay Holmes, with a $12 million player option, is expected to test free agency after a 3.29 ERA and a 57.6% ground‑ball rate that suits the Cubs’ elite infield. Reliever David Peterson rebounded late in the season, posting a 2.66 ERA over his last 14 starts. The article weighs which reunions are worth the cost and which players are likely to depart.
The Rangers Could Win the Offseason if They Decide To Trade Assets
After a 2026 season that left the Texas Rangers out of the playoffs for the third straight year, the article argues the club must abandon its “win‑now” habit and consider trading high‑priced veterans. It highlights aging, high‑salary arms like Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi (combined $67 million, 35‑plus years old) and middle‑order bats Corey Seager and Brandon Nimmo as potential trade chips, noting their contract lengths and looming free‑agency value. The piece suggests a rejuvenation‑focused offseason could better position Texas for future contention than another round of incremental upgrades.
Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s Complicated Free Agency Market
Jazz Chisholm Jr. enters free agency as a 3.5 fWAR talent who hit 19 homers and stole 41 bases in 2026, yet his off‑field reputation may limit suitors. The article argues that despite his on‑field value, his history of media clashes, coaching disputes, and odd on‑field behavior (e.g., eating a lollipop during a slump) could scare away teams, especially larger markets like the Yankees. Analysts expect a shorter, flexible contract—perhaps a three‑year deal with opt‑outs—rather than a long‑term, high‑value pact, noting that second basemen rarely command big money. With a weak free‑agent pool, Chisholm may land with a smaller‑market club willing to take the "baggage" for a discount.
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