Wright At Bat 2025–2026 Free Agency Predictions
Catcher
JT Realmuto
2/30/Phillies
Realmuto finally turned in a below average season with the bat (.700 OPS), and while his defense and athleticism are declining more slowly, his days as an everyday, no questions asked starter are likely coming to a close. With the Phillies still firmly in contention mode, and no better backstops on the free agent market or the farm, a reunion makes sense here.
First Base
Pete Alonso
6/140/Nationals or Reds
Pete can’t field, can’t run the bases, but he’s a threat to do massive damage every at bat. When Alonso plays like he did in the first half of 2025, he can anchor any lineup in the league with a .900 .OPS, 40+ bombs, and a league leading RBI number. When he plays like he did in the second half, he’s still an effective everyday middle of the order hitter who will hit 30 home runs and drive in 90+ runs.
That consistency and his leadership will allow him to land a big deal after his frosty market in 2024, and a team with a young core, a gaping hole at first base, and lack of impact hitters could be a perfect fit.
Josh Naylor
5/90/Padres
Josh Naylor traded in some over the fence pop for a more well rounded approach at the plate, resulting in a slightly better WRC+ (118 vs 128). He somehow stole 30 bases as one of the slowest players in the league, and his low K rate, especially as a first baseman, shows a smart player who can adjust his game on a year to year basis.
Naylor signing with the Padres would match their team philosophy of putting the ball in play, and if he can marry his bat to ball skills with the previous home run pop he’s shown, he’d be a powerful and logical addition to their lineup.
Ryan O’Hearn (32, 4.6)
2/32/Guardians
Ryan O’Hearn has been an above average hitter the past two seasons, settling in as a 120ish WRC+guy who has showed more pop in the past, but the walk rate has instead spiked recently.
A lefty who can marry those two approaches would be a consistent All Star — he probably wont’ do that, but would be the second best hitter in a mostly hapless Cleveland offense. His defensive versatility would allow him to fill in at two weak spots for the club (outfield, first base).
Luis Arraez
1/20/Yankees
Wunderkind contact wizard Luis Arraez will be a fascinating free agent. He seems like a one year pillow contract kind of guy to me, and any contender with an opening at first base and a park that favors lefties might want to get on in this. Getting away from the cavernous NL West outfield parks may see a jump in home runs; his special 2023 season is the only one he’s hit double digit home runs (10).
Yankees may see an opportunity, especially if Ben Rice can play behind the plate more often.
Second Base
Gleyber Torres
3/72/Tigers
His overall season numbers were middling, but Torres was a legit all star starter in the first half. An .800 OPS, still young middle infielder is a bargain — he was slowed in the second half with an injury he immediately had surgery for once the season ended. When he’s right, he can provide a steady, dangerous presence at the top of a lineup. Even a hobbled Torres will show an OBP 100 points higher than his AVG — this is a professional hitter. The Tigers have a big time shortstop prospect in Kevin McGonigle; he and Gleyber will create a formidable up the middle tandem.
Jorge Polanco (or whatever position he plays)
3/54/Reds
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Jorge Polanco, if healthy, is a bet to hit. His big bounceback season completed off an injury riddled 2024, Polanco’s left handed bat fits in any lineup — but not so much his glove. He didn’t play many infield innings at all in 2025, mostly DHing. I believe in a former shortstop’s ability to field though, so I can see him playing any position on the dirt besides his aforementioned shortstop. Polanco can be a big piece of the puzzle for any team that has struggled to develop hitters.
Shortstop
Bo Bichette
10/280/Royals
Bo was a consistent 4–5 WAR player until his befuddling 2024 season, where he struggled from the first pitch of Opening Day until a season ending injury 80 games in. Bo’s power still didn’t return until the summer this year, but his .311/.357/.483 line should quell any concerns. Bo even looked like mostly himself at the plate on one leg in the World Series, a herculean feat for somebody who couldn’t run or field.
A middle infielder who can anchor a lineup is a special player — imagine two of them on the same team, in a weak AL Central. Bichette has proven he can play an excellent Robin — put him at second (I bet he looks good there) and watch him knock in Bobby Witt Jr for years to come. They’d form the most dynamic infield duo with the bat, as their extraordinary hit tools will torment pitchers.
Ha Seong Kim
1/15/Braves
After missing out on Bo Bichette, Braves pivot to Kim. He auditioned with the team at the end of the season and looked good until the last week of games, which saw him go 0–17. An offseason of rest will hopefully return some zip to his throwing arm, and a typical season could see him paid.
I think a long term fit is there with the Braves, especially if Kim plays a healthy season. For a team who has been running Orlando Arcia and Nick Allen (who plays extraordinary defense, but that bat!), this would be a big addition.
Third Base
Alex Bregman
7/185/Red Sox
Bregman looked like an MVP candidate in the first half (.927 OPS!?), and a clearly compromised calf dulled those numbers upon his return in the second half. His bat looked special at Fenway, and to play positive defense with a lower half injury takes a serious glove.
A Bregman resigning, and a return to his first half numbers, will go a long way to filling a franchise hitter sized hole in the lineup. I expect him back in Boston for the long haul.
Munetaka Murakami
7/150/Mets
Murakami authored one of the greatest seasons in NPB history at 22 (56 pumps and a 1.168 OPS!)— but that was four years ago. He’s settled in as a high strikeout rate, 30 homer bat; which is an asset in the pitching dominated NPB. It also doesn’t hurt that Murakami played his best baseball in 2025 since his record breaking season. In 56 games, his 23 home runs ranked fifth in the league (everyone above him played 130+ games). He has a potentially game changing bat, and may be peaking right now. I see a fit for both mid market teams and big time contenders who are chasing raw juice while wanting to continue their youth movement.
If Alonso is gone, a massive power vacuum exists in that lineup. Murakami and Schwarber are the only free agents with the potential to match that, with the latter much more certain than the former. I think the Mets will take that chance.
Outfield
Cody Bellinger
8/215/Yankees
Bellinger’s ability to play plus defense at multiple spots, while credibly hitting 3rd in a contender’s batting order, is a special blend of talent. Belli’s revitalization as a hit over power, lefty fielding Ben Zobrist reboot is worth watching (still cranked 29 HRs!). His ability to find a radically different, yet still all star quality player, and reinvent his game in the middle of his career would make me excited to bet on his IQ and ability to adapt as he ages.
The Yankees need his particular skills more than anybody; his athleticism and production are too important for this iteration of the Yankees to let walk.
Kyle Tucker
11/360/Cubs or Rays
Kyle Tucker is an animal — once he stays healthy again, its obvious. Or is his health a problem now? I wouldn’t buy that yet, but I’d be all over his bat and youth. From the beginning of 2024 until July 1st of 2025 (162 games), Tucker hit *deep breath* .290/.400/.557 with 40 bombs and 31 steals. Two injuries has sandwiched that 162 game stretch — this is a superstar who is peaking right now.
Tucker’s defense goes up and down year to year, but his bat still seemingly has untapped potential despite an excellent start to his career. His youth will also help him get paid either by his former employer, the Chicago Cubs, or his home town Tampa Bay Rays; with an ownership group ready to make a statement.
Designated Hitter
Kyle Schwarber
6/140/Phillies
Schwarber unloaded on 56 bombs this year, batted over .250, and finished 2nd in the MVP voting. Yeah, he’s that type of impact player, as a DH only. His titanic power hitting ways will be certain to attract teams all over the league. His importance to the Phillies lineup and the presence he carries as that lineup’s best hitter the past few seasons will see signing the contract he hopes to finish his career with.
