Digging Through a Weak Free Agent Market

Dan Szymborski analyzes potential targets in what he characterizes as a weak MLB free agent market, focusing on nine teams that missed the 2026 postseason by eight or fewer games. Szymborski pairs each near-contender with a lower-key free agent fit supported by preliminary ZiPS projections. His suggested fits include the Pittsburgh Pirates targeting Seiya Suzuki and the Texas Rangers signing catcher Tyler Stephenson.

Szymborski also suggests the Arizona Diamondbacks sign Gregory Soto, while the Baltimore Orioles target Daulton Varsho and the Seattle Mariners re-sign Randy Arozarena. Additional suggested fits include Taylor Ward for the Toronto Blue Jays, Bryan Abreu for the Minnesota Twins, Luis Arraez for the Detroit Tigers, and Kevin Gausman for the Miami Marlins.