All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker remains the top free agent of this year’s class, a status that seemed inevitable after Toronto Blue Jays’ Vladimir Guerrero Jr. committed to a 14-year, $500 million extension in April. Tucker’s value isn’t solely based on his 2025 season with the Chicago Cubs, despite a solid year; he’s maintained a consistent 4-6 WAR over the past five seasons.
Several other free agents stood out in 2025 by significantly increasing their value through improved performance. Here are the 11 top players who boosted their worth this season:
1. Bo Bichette, Toronto Blue Jays: After a tough 2024 marked by injuries and defensive struggles, Bichette bounced back as one of the best offensive shortstops with a .311 average and top hits count, although durability and defense remain concerns.
2. Trent Grisham, New York Yankees: Grisham had his best offensive year with career highs in home runs and RBIs, though his batting average remains modest, and his defensive skills have declined.
3. Kyle Schwarber, Philadelphia Phillies: Schwarber led the market in hitting, posting career highs with 56 home runs and 132 RBIs while excelling in power and patience at the plate, though age and limited playing time could reduce future interest.
4. Cody Bellinger, New York Yankees: Bellinger produced his best numbers since 2019, showing versatility and a more contact-oriented approach, yet his home ballpark boosts his stats, and reverse splits remain a question.
5. Harrison Bader, Philadelphia Phillies: Bader improved offensively with career bests after mid-season trade, though his overall batting has lagged, and his age might affect future consistency.
6. Jorge Polanco, Seattle Mariners: Polanco enjoyed a breakout season, slashing strikeouts and increasing power and contact while battling injury concerns that may necessitate a designated hitter role.
7. Pete Alonso, New York Mets: Alonso put together a strong year with power numbers leading first basemen, despite defensive liabilities and running limitations.
8. Ranger Suarez, Philadelphia Phillies: Suarez had his finest season as a starter with a solid ERA and deep game performances, though velocity and durability concerns remain.
9. Brandon Woodruff, Milwaukee Brewers: Returning from shoulder surgery, Woodruff posted quality starts and improved stats, though health and velocity threats linger.
10. Edwin Diaz, New York Mets: Diaz bounced back from knee injury to be a dominant reliever, maintaining a high strikeout rate despite slightly decreased fastball velocity.
11. Gleyber Torres, Detroit Tigers: Torres saw a resurgence with improved plate discipline and power before a hernia injury slowed him late in the season, raising questions about his future form and defense.
Honorable mentions include Alex Bregman, Eugenio Suarez, Merrill Kelly, and Ryan O’Hearn.
Fan Take: This roundup highlights how pivotal performance rebounds and health are for players in free agency, influencing team strategies and payroll decisions in a highly competitive market. Baseball fans should watch closely as these returning stars could shape the league’s future power dynamics and fan excitement in coming seasons.
