Category: Baseball

Two-time AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal asked for a record $32 million in salary arbitration on Thursday while the Detroit Tigers offered the left-hander $19 million.

Skubal was the most prominent of the 166 players eligible for arbitration at the start of the day and was among 18 who swapped figures with their teams. Those without agreements face hearings before three-person panels from Jan. 26 to Feb. 13 in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Toronto first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has the highest salary in an arbitration case decided by a panel, winning at $19.9 million in 2024. Colorado third baseman Nolan Arenado submitted a record request of $30 million in 2019, then agreed to a $260 million, eight-year contract.

Juan Soto’s $31 million contract with the New York Yankees in 2024 is the largest one-year deal for an arbitration-eligible player. David Price has the highest negotiated salary in a one-year contract for an arbitration-eligible pitcher, a $19.75 million agreement with Detroit in 2015.

A two-time All-Star, the 29-year-old Skubal will be eligible for free agency after the World Series. He is 54-37 with a 3.08 ERA in six major league seasons.

Skubal was 13-6 with an AL-best 2.21 ERA in 31 starts last year, striking out 241 and walking 33 in 195 1/3 innings while earning $10.5 million. His 0.891 WHIP topped qualified pitchers.

Catcher William Contreras exchanged with Milwaukee, asking for $9.9 million as the Brewers offered $8.55 million.

Washington right-hander Cade Cavalli has the smallest gap: $900,000 vs. $825,000.

Among the 148 striking deals were Seattle outfielder Randy Arozarena ($15.65 million), Cincinnati right-hander Brady Singer ($12.75 million), Baltimore outfielder Taylor Ward ($12,175,000), Philadelphia left-hander Jesus Luzardo ($11 million), Seattle right-hander Logan Gilbert ($10,927,000), Toronto outfielder Daulton Varsho ($10.75 million), and New York Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Philadelphia third baseman Alec Bohm (both $10.2 million).

Teams went 5-4 in hearings last winter, leaving clubs with a 358-270 advantage since arbitration started in 1974.

All agreements for arbitration-eligible players are guaranteed but deals that go to panel decisions are not.

Reporting by The Associated Press. 

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It took some time for John Schneider to decompress after the end of a 2025 season that came two outs, one Will Smith cleat and one bulldozing Andy Pages catch from Toronto celebrating its first World Series title in 32 years. 

The Blue Jays manager isn’t sure he’ll ever fully process or digest what unfolded in the final moments of a Fall Classic for the ages that ended with the Dodgers emptying onto the field at Rogers Centre after a stunning finish.  

“I think I’ll think about it until the day I leave this earth, you know what I mean?” Schneider said at the MLB Winter Meetings in December. “Unless you get another opportunity to kind of squash that one.” 

So far this offseason, the Blue Jays are operating like a team intent on making that a possibility for their manager in 2026. 

Coming off their first division title since 2015 and their first trip to the World Series since 1993, the Blue Jays have responded to last season’s crushing conclusion by spending more on free agency than any team thus far. 

At a time when most of the top arms on the market remain unsigned, Toronto daringly made the first major move of free agency when they committed seven years and $210 million to starting pitcher Dylan Cease at the start of December. One month later, that contract remains the largest free-agent deal handed out by any team this winter. No other starting pitcher has signed for even nine figures yet. 

It was also only the beginning. 

The Blue Jays continued on, further bolstering their rotation by adding Cody Ponce – who won MVP last season in South Korea’s KBO league – for three years and $30 million, and strengthening their bullpen by signing Tyler Rogers for three years and $37 million. 

And then came their latest move over the weekend, perhaps the most surprising of all. 

After failed pursuits of some of Japan’s most talented baseball exports in recent years, and with posting windows for NPB’s top talents reaching their endpoints, Toronto emerged as the unexpected destination for corner infielder Kazuma Okamoto, who signed for four years and $60 million. 

Okamoto doesn’t possess the power potential or ceiling of fellow NPB standout Munetaka Murakami, who is four years younger. But Okamoto has a higher floor, carries less risk and could end up being the better all-around MLB player, which is why he got nearly twice as much money as Murakami did from the White Sox. It was the latest example of how far the Blue Jays have come as one of MLB’s premier destinations since inking Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to a $500 million extension early last season. 

“I feel like in years past with some high-profile players, it’s kind of been us selling us to them,” Schneider said, “whereas [now] I think the players know what they’re getting into as soon as they start talking to us.”

Read more: How the Blue Jays Logo Sealed Okamoto’s $60M Deal

The reasons for that are multiple. 

The Blue Jays have strong financial backing from their ownership group, state-of-the-art facilities, a clubhouse culture touted by players, one of the league’s budding stars in Guerrero now signed through 2039 and proof of concept that the pieces they have in place are championship caliber. 

“You can definitely feel a difference this offseason going back to last year and the year before,” Schneider said. 

And they might not be done as they try to turn the page from last year’s gut-wrenching finish. 

Okamoto is among a handful of Toronto players capable of playing in multiple spots. Where he ends up will ultimately depend on how much further the Blue Jays go this winter in adding more star talent to their position player group. They could still bring back Bo Bichette, and they’re considered among the top suitors for four-time All-Star slugger Kyle Tucker. 

Every marquee signing is another step toward healing the wounds that opened on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 at Rogers Centre. Game 6 of the World Series ended with Toronto’s tying run getting doubled off at second base on a soft liner into left field. Game 7 ended more agonizingly, with a plethora of opportunities squandered late. 

A month after the World Series ended, Schneider still hadn’t watched the final game back in its entirety. He couldn’t get himself to do it. Every time he went down one rabbit hole thinking back to what transpired, he found himself going down another. 

Read more: MLB’s Top Moments from 2025

“There’s so many things that happened, I try not to just pin it down on one thing,” Schneider said. 

Still, there’s one play in particular that continues to be scrutinized and lingers as a burning image of the Blue Jays’ defeat.  

With one out, the bases loaded and the winning run at third base in the ninth, Daulton Varsho pulled a grounder to second baseman Miguel Rojas, who stumbled before throwing home. The throw, even after catcher Will Smith’s cleat lifted briefly off the ground before retreating to the plate just in time, beat a sliding Isiah Kiner-Falefa by mere inches. 

“It stings. It hurts,” Schneider said. “I’ve seen that video 3,000 times, and 1,500 of them it looks like Will’s off the plate. In the other half, it looks like he’s on. That’s how close it was. That’s why details matter.” 

In the wake of Toronto’s loss, everything about that play was dissected and debated, from Kiner-Falefa’s short lead at third — the Blue Jays expressed concern about the potential for Smith to back-pick or getting doubled off on a line drive — to his decision to slide feet-first instead of headfirst or running through the base. 

Read more: MLB Way-Too-Early Power Rankings

“I feel so bad for Izzy getting all the blame,” Schneider said. “Izzy is an unbelievable baseball player. I think peeling back a couple layers, now that I have the platform to talk about it, could we have done a better job of getting him off a little bit? Yeah, another step or two.” 

Now, though, there’s nothing the Blue Jays can do but move forward. 

Each new signing helps quell the pain, demonstrates Toronto’s staying power and moves the Blue Jays one step closer to getting another shot to squash last season’s bitter ending. 

“I think I’m finally at the point where you can kind of peel back and reflect on the good and not just the ‘Wow, what just happened’ of Game 7,” Schneider said. “It took a little bit of time.”

Rowan Kavner is an MLB writer for FOX Sports. He previously covered the L.A. Dodgers, LA Clippers and Dallas Cowboys. An LSU grad, Rowan was born in California, grew up in Texas, then moved back to the West Coast in 2014. Follow him on Twitter at @RowanKavner.

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The mask came off of the red monster with googly eyes, and the Hall of Fame slugger revealed himself. The crowd roared, the judges clapped, and David “Big Papi” Ortiz cracked a smile from ear to ear.

“No way!” Ortiz said. 

Ortiz performed a rendition of “Turn Down for What” by DJ Snake and Lil Jon, under the guise of a big red costume on Wednesday’s episode of The Masked Singer on FOX. 

After his performance, while still in character, Ortiz’s voice was altered to a high pitch as the fans got a hint of who he was. 

“I got eyes everywhere,” the high-pitch voice said. “I can see everything. I love it.

“It’s giving Puerto Rican Papi,” Jenny McCarthy said. She was onto something. 

Later, when it was revealed the googly-eyed performer was indeed Ortiz, he stepped out form underneath his disguise and relived his song and dance.

“That was a straight-up work out there,” Ortiz said. “I don’t need to go to the gym for about a month.”

Ortiz wasn’t exaggerating as host Nick Cannon described his costume as the “biggest we’ve ever had.” Ortiz played 20 seasons in MLB, 14 with the Boston Red Sox and six with the Minnesota Twins. He hit 541 home runs, good for 17th on the all-time list, and slashed .286/.380/.552 for his career. He made 10 All-Star appearances, and won three World Series rings with the Red Sox, in 2004, 2007 and 2013. 

Ten years after he played for the Red Sox, he still represents the team, and did so on Wednesday. 

“The Yankees lose,” he said. Judge Ken Jeong loved it. 

Ortiz knows how to make his presence felt. He did so throughout his illustrious MLB career, continues to as an MLB studio analyst on FOX, and provided that spark with his performance on The Masked Singer on Wednesday. 

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The Cubs‘ pitching rotation got a boost, even if it came at a high cost.

Starting pitcher Edward Cabrera will reportedly head to Chicago from the Marlins in exchange for a package that includes three prospects, headlined by outfielder Owen Caissie. 

The Northsiders entered the offseason with the stated goal of adding at least two established arms to the rotation. After left-hander Shota Imanaga somewhat surprisingly accepted the one-year, $22 million qualifying offer to stay with the Cubs, that could have disrupted the team’s plans and pushed president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer to prioritize the trade market. That’s a good thing, because the addition of Cabrera makes for a deep Cubs rotation that, when fully healthy, features a stack of quality arms. 

ESPN reported that the two other prospects in the deal are infielders Cristian Hernandez and Edgardo De Leon. The Marlins have reportedly targeted Caissie, the Cubs’ No. 1 overall prospect, for a while now. Cabrera was expected to be green-lit at a hefty price, given his age and remaining years of team control, and it couldn’t have been an easy decision for the Cubs to part ways with Caissie. The 23-year-old slugger, who made his major-league debut in 2025 but is still rookie-eligible, figures to immediately slot into the Marlins lineup, adding another high-powered bat to complement breakout slugger Kyle Stowers. Caissie is a huge get for Miami, who will have him under team control for the next six full seasons. 

Here’s what’s next for the Cubs, other top contenders trying to improve their rotations this offseason, and how this deal impacts the rest of the starting-pitching market. 

What’s next for the Cubs

The Cubs’ pursuit for a top-flight starter dates back to last offseason. In the winter of 2024, Chicago almost struck a deal with former Marlins southpaw Jesus Luzardo before hesitating due to his medical report. Ahead of the 2025 season, Luzardo was traded to the Phillies, where he excelled across 32 starts, pitched to a 3.92 ERA and received down-ballot National League Cy Young votes. So, this time around, the Cubs didn’t want to miss their opportunity to trade for an impact starter, even if they held similar concerns about his medical history. 

Cabrera was placed on the injured list multiple times last season, with two of those stints related to right elbow issues. As much as the words “MRI” and “elbow” in the same sentence were worrisome for interested teams, Cabrera did rebound from his time on the IL to deliver his best season for the Marlins. The right-hander finished the year with a 3.53 ERA and career-highs in strikeouts (150), innings (137.2) and starts (26). Notably, his walk rate dipped to a career-low 8.3%, which was the eighth-best mark among all NL starters. 

The Cubs are getting a 27-year-old starter with three remaining years of team control. It’s a valuable deal that could end up looking even better than their push for Luzardo, who becomes a free agent after this season. Cabrera figures to jump right to the top of the Cubs rotation, which will feature some combination of Cade Horton, Matthew Boyd, Jameson Taillon, Shota Imanaga, Colin Rea, Javier Assad and Justin Steele throughout the 2026 season. As far as what’s left on the team’s offseason to-do list, Chicago is still aiming to add a top-tier impact bat (Alex Bregman? Bo Bichette?) before Opening Day.

What’s next for teams eyeing an impact starter

The Cubs winning the Cabrera sweepstakes, which picked up in earnest earlier this week, escalates the pressure for other top contenders looking to upgrade their rotations without spending in free agency. 

The Yankees were among the teams interested in trading for Cabrera, according to a recent report from The Athletic. Multiple reports indicated that New York wasn’t close to acquiring the Marlins right-hander, and Yankees general manager Brian Cashman’s seat is only getting hotter to do something this offseason. While a lot of the team’s focus has centered on re-signing Cody Bellinger, the rotation also needs legitimate help to begin the year.

Gerrit Cole (rehab from Tommy John surgery), Carlos Rodon (left elbow surgery to remove bone spur), and Clarke Schmidt (rehab from Tommy John) will all begin the season on the IL. The timelines for each starter to return are varied, and recovery from elbow surgery is tricky. The Yankees need rotation depth to help starting pitchers Max Fried, Will Warren, Luis Gil and Cam Schlittler at the onset of the season, at least. The club has had a lethargic offseason thus far, with its only moves including re-signing infielder Amed Rosario and bringing back outfielder Trent Grisham on a one-year, $22 million qualifying offer.

Other teams under heightened stress to add an impact starter, either through trade or free agency, include the Mets, Orioles, Padres, Braves, and the Athletics. 

What’s next for the starting-pitching market

There are a number of teams that are more likely to bolster their rotations through the trade market, and the club with 2025’s second-highest payroll appears to be one of them.

Read more: Top 5 Free Agent Starting Pitchers

While the Mets have the financial might to land one of the top free-agent arms, including Framber Valdez and Ranger Suarez, their president of baseball operations, David Stearns, is said to prefer trading for a lower-cost starter. The top pitchers who could be traded this offseason include Brewers right-hander Freddy Peralta (who’s owed a paltry $8 million in 2026) and reigning Cy Young award winner Tarik Skubal, who is in his walk year and unlikely to be dealt by the Tigers without receiving a ridiculous haul.

Other arms who could be on the trade block, either this offseason or ahead of July’s trade deadline, include Reds right-hander Hunter Greene (free agent in 2029), Twins right-handers Joe Ryan and Pablo Lopez (both FA in 2028), and Nationals left-hander MacKenzie Gore (FA in 2028). There are still quality options out there, but they are thinning with spring training just around the corner. 

Deesha Thosar covers Major League Baseball as a reporter and columnist for FOX Sports. She previously covered the Mets as a beat reporter for the New York Daily News. The daughter of Indian immigrants, Deesha grew up on Long Island and now lives in Queens. Follow her on Twitter at @DeeshaThosar.

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Before he moved from Japan to the big leagues, Kazuma Okamoto put the logos of all 30 MLB teams in front of his daughter and asked which one she liked most.

Her choice, just like his, was the Toronto Blue Jays.

The defending AL champion Blue Jays introduced their newest signing at a press conference Tuesday, two days after finalizing a four-year, $60 million contract with the 29-year-old corner infielder.

“The acquisition of Kazuma Okamoto is another significant step for this organization,” Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins said. “We definitely got better today.”

After coming within two outs of their first World Series title since 1993, the Blue Jays have made significant additions this offseason. Before adding Okamoto, Toronto signed three pitchers, starting with a $210 million, seven-year contract for right-hander Dylan Cease. The Blue Jays also signed right-hander Cody Ponce to a $30 million, three-year contract and reached a $37 million, three-year deal with reliever Tyler Rogers.

Okamoto spoke mostly in Japanese Tuesday but opened with a few lines in English.

“Thank you very much for this opportunity,” he said. “I am very happy to join the Blue Jays. I will work hard every day and do my best for the team. Thank you for your support. Nice to meet you. Go Blue Jays.”

Okamoto hit .327 with 15 homers and 49 RBIs in 69 games last year for the Central League’s Yomiuri Giants. He injured his left elbow while trying to catch a throw at first base on May 6 when he collided with the Hanshin Tigers’ Takumu Nakano, an injury that sidelined Okamoto until Aug. 16.

Okamoto had a .277 average with 248 homers and 717 RBIs in 11 Japanese big league seasons. The six-time All-Star led the Central League in home runs in 2020, 2021 and 2023.

“It’s been exciting to watch him over the years,” Atkins said. “He’s had an incredible career thus far. The impact on both sides of the ball, the offensive abilities (are) as dynamic as it comes. It fits us very well.”

Atkins didn’t commit to a defensive position for Okamoto, saying the Blue Jays value his versatility to play both corner spots and the outfield.

“He could impact our organization from a defensive standpoint in several ways,” Atkins said. “We’ll continue to have that dialogue with him.”

Atkins didn’t rule out further moves but said there’d be roster implications with any new additions.

“We do feel good about our team,” he said. “The one thing that I would add is additions at this point will start to cut away at playing time from players that we feel are very good major league pieces, so we have to factor that in.”

Among the remaining free agents is two-time All-Star shortstop Bo Bichette, who hit .311 with 18 home runs and 94 RBIs for the Blue Jays in 2025. Bichette also homered off Shohei Ohtani in Game 7 of the World Series.

Okamoto connected off Colorado’s Kyle Freeland to help Japan beat the U.S. 3-2 in the 2023 World Baseball Classic final. Now a big leaguer, he said he hopes to represent his country again in the 2026 tournament this March.

While the Blue Jays logo was appealing to Okamoto’s daughter, the infielder acknowledged having a different reaction to seeing his new manager, John Schneider, on TV during last year’s World Series.

“His face is scary but he seems like a really nice guy,” Okamoto said through a translator, adding that he’d since met Schneider on a video call.

Reporting by The Associated Press. 

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 The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has for now denied the A’s request to trademark the names “Las Vegas Athletics” and “Vegas Athletics.”

The club, which intends to move to Nevada in 2028, has three months from when the refusals were issued Dec. 29 to ask for an extension to file a new application within a six-month period.

The A’s were told the nickname “Athletics” was too generic and could be confused with other activities even if associated with Las Vegas.

That, however, has been the club’s nickname since the Philadelphia Athletics began playing in 1901. The A’s kept the nickname when they moved to Kansas City in 1955 and Oakland in 1968.

The Patent and Trademark Office denied the NHL’s Utah team to use the nickname “Yetis” on Jan. 9 because of potential confusion with companies such as Yeti Coolers. Utah, which moved from the Phoenix area in 2024, now uses the nickname “Mammoth.”

The A’s relocated to West Sacramento, California, last year to play the first of three planned seasons in the city’s Triple-A ballpark. The team is going solely by “Athletics” while playing in the Northern California city.

A $2 billion, 33,000-capacity stadium on the Las Vegas Strip is under construction. Club officials told the Las Vegas Stadium Authority on Dec. 4 that the ballpark is on schedule to open in time for the 2028 season.

Nevada and Clark County have approved up to $380 million in public funds for the ballpark, and the A’s have said they will cover the remaining expenses. Owner John Fisher has been seeking investors to assist in the funding.

In preparing for the move to Las Vegas, the A’s have signed some notable contracts. The most recent was an $86 million, seven-year deal for left fielder Tyler Soderstrom, the richest in team history. Soderstrom signed his contract Dec. 30 at the A’s Experience Center in Las Vegas.

The A’s acquired second baseman Jeff McNeil from the New York Mets on Dec. 22.

Going back to last offseason, the A’s also reached agreements on a $60 million, five-year contract with designated hitter/outfielder Brent Rooker and a $65.5 million, seven-year deal with outfielder Lawrence Butler. Manager Mark Kotsay signed an extension that takes him through 2028 with a club option for 2029.

Reporting by The Associated Press. 

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Tatsuya Imai made his intentions clear with his first few words during an introductory news conference with the Houston Astros on Monday.

The Japanese right-hander smiled and before reading a prepared message in English from his phone.

“What’s up H-town?” he said. “I am Tatsuya Imai and I’m ready to chase a world championship. Let’s go, Houston.”

The Astros and Imai agreed to a $54 million, three-year contract last week, bolstering a rotation searching for reinforcements after ace Framber Valdez became a free agent and appears unlikely to return.

“We needed to beef up our rotation,” general manager Dana Brown said. “And so, we felt like he was a fit. He’s got the good stuff, really good delivery and we thought his stuff would play here at the major league level.”

The 27-year-old Imai joins the Astros after going 10-5 with a 1.92 ERA last season for the Pacific League’s Seibu Lions, striking out 178 in 163 2/3 innings. The three-time All-Star in Japan was 58-45 with a 3.15 ERA in eight seasons with Seibu. He has 907 career strikeouts in 963 2/3 innings.

Manager Joe Espada raved about the signing and said his brief chats with Imai so far had centered on one subject.

“You guys well know the importance of starting pitching,” Espada said. “You can never have enough pitching. One thing about my conversations with Imai has been … how much he says the word champion. And I love that about him because he’s a competitor. You could hear the grit and the toughness, and I’m just excited to have him on board and give him the ball and see him compete for us here.”

Astros owner Jim Crane hopes the addition of Imai will be the first of many signings from Asia as the team makes a concerted effort to bring in more players from continent. He said the Astros recently added people to in Tokyo, Taiwan and Seoul to facilitate that plan.

“We’ve got scouts over there and people assisting to identify talent over there now,” he said. “We just made that adjustment in the summer. Probably didn’t have much to do with this one, but it’ll have a lot to do moving forward as we work on those markets and try to bring the great players here to Houston.”

The signing of Imai is a boost to a team that missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016 in a season decimated by injuries.

Imai said he first thought about a move to the U.S. after meeting agent Scott Boras about five years ago.

“That’s when I really began to seriously consider making my way over to the MLB,” he said in Japanese through a translator. “It was definitely a moment where I told myself: ‘hey, if I put in the work and if I trust myself, I really do have a chance at this.’”

Known as a fierce competitor, Imai was asked where he developed that mindset. He said that as long as he can remember, he’s always hated to lose.

“So ever since I started playing baseball back in elementary school, I always felt like I was a competitor and wanted to always come out on top, throw the ball the furthest, the fastest,” he said. “That mentality stuck with me through throughout my career with the Seibu Lions, that mentality of must win and compete and do my best.”

But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have a lighter side.

“I like to have fun whether it’s baseball or non-baseball,” he said. “That includes interacting with fans and just having a good time with them as well and I have that feeling of wanting to give back to all those who have supported me. I’m here today because of all the support that I’ve received.”

He showed off his playful side when asked if he’d connected with any of his new teammates yet. He said he received a direct message on Instagram on Monday morning from Josh Hader, Houston’s closer,known for his 100 mph-plus fastball.

“Just basically welcoming me to the Houston Astros, and he also sent me his phone number saying: ‘Hey, let me know if you ever need anything,’” Imai said. “And his messaging was very fast — 100 miles per hour it felt like — and I definitely wanted to reply back with a 100 mile per hour reply.”

Reporting by The Associated Press.

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With pitchers and catchers set to report to spring training in just over a month, it’s surprising that a handful of high-profile free agents are still seeking long-term homes. All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker, the No. 1 player in this year’s class, continues to explore deals and, as a result, is likely holding up the market. But things can change fast. 

After looking at the five best available starting pitchers, here are the best landing spots for five of the most intriguing position players still on the board in free agency. 

1. Kyle Tucker, OF

Best fit: New York Yankees

With the Yankees hibernating through the winter so far, there are only a couple of moves that could realistically save their offseason from being viewed as a failure. Signing Tucker makes too much sense on a Yankees team that one year ago whiffed on Juan Soto being their long-term left-handed offensive threat. Now, they have the opportunity to lock in one of the best all-around players in baseball. Tucker’s pull-heavy swing is essentially custom-built for Yankee Stadium’s right-field short porch. Plus, the Yankees have an advantage that no other team can offer: batting behind Aaron Judge. 

But general manager Brian Cashman should avoid dangling Judge’s elite presence in the middle of the lineup as one of the reasons Tucker should accept a lower offer. Tucker is widely projected to sign a long-term contract worth at least $400 million, seeking to land a $40 million-plus average annual value that puts him in the stratosphere of Shohei Ohtani, Soto, and Judge. In the here and now, the Yankees might prefer to re-sign free-agent Cody Bellinger, who will demand fewer years and less money than Tucker on a shorter-term deal. But being aggressive with a 10-year offer for Tucker would safeguard the Yankees’ future. Judge turns 34 this April, and New York’s window to win a championship with him is getting narrower. With Tucker, who turns 29 this month, the Yankees can maximize their window around Judge and beyond. 

Other possible fits: Blue Jays, Mets, Dodgers

2. Alex Bregman, 3B

Best fit: Boston Red Sox

Even beyond Bregman’s clubhouse leadership and veteran presence in Boston, he continues to fit into that roster like a glove. Bregman got off to the hottest start of his career last year with the Red Sox, batting .299 with a .938 OPS, 11 home runs and 17 doubles through May 23. He was playing like a legitimate MVP candidate before injuring his quad and sitting out until the All-Star break. He wasn’t quite as productive after returning from the injured list, with the Red Sox admitting that could’ve been due to rushing him back into the lineup too soon. But Bregman playing at Fenway Park for a year, after reportedly turning down a six-year offer from the Tigers, was an excellent bet on himself. 

Entering his age-32 season, Bregman figures to command at least a $160-million contract that spans over six years. And Boston, for its part, appears ready to pay up. The Red Sox added their first position player this offseason in first baseman Willson Contreras, and right away, head of baseball operations Craig Breslow said he was still prioritizing another big bat and a need for more offense. The Red Sox could be in the mix for free-agent shortstop/second baseman Bo Bichette, but Bregman would be the more economical and proven option, particularly given his success in Boston, prosperous relationship with manager Alex Cora, and mentorship for a young roster with high expectations. 

Other possible fits: Tigers, Cubs, Diamondbacks

3. Cody Bellinger, OF/1B

Best fit: New York Mets

As much as this would reinforce the recent pattern of the Mets signing former Yankees, Bellinger going to Queens seemed like the perfect fit from the moment they traded outfielder Brandon Nimmo to the Texas Rangers. That surprising trade, which was the first of four moves that broke up the Mets core, opened up a hole in left field that the Mets still have not addressed. Then, once slugger Pete Alonso moved on to Baltimore, another vacancy popped up at first base. Bellinger is the obvious fit for the Mets, where he could spend the majority of his playing time in left field, while also taking reps at first base. As things stand, new infield addition Jorge Polanco is slated to play first base for the Mets, even though Polanco has only appeared at the corner-infield position for one game in his career. 

Bellinger proved he can handle and play in New York, and his versatility on the field is a desired skillset for rosters built by Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns. Plus, New York created another need for a player like Bellinger when it traded Jeff McNeil to the Athletics. McNeil primarily played second base for the Mets, but he also spent ample time patrolling the outfield. If Bellinger’s sweepstakes come down to the Yankees and Mets, it’s unlikely the former will outbid the latter. Billionaire Mets owner Steve Cohen has not yet spent lavishly in free agency this winter as he has previously done. If Bellinger is one of the final pieces of the puzzle to the team’s mysterious offseason plans, he just might outspend all the outfielder’s other suitors. And if the Mets fail to land Bellinger, they should be in the market for Tucker. 

Other possible fits: Yankees, Dodgers, Giants

4. Bo Bichette, SS/2B

Best fit: Toronto Blue Jays

Toronto is enjoying the best and busiest offseason in baseball, fresh off another big signing in Japanese star third baseman Kazuma Okamoto. Already, the Blue Jays have signed the top starter on the market in Dylan Cease, convinced right-hander Shane Bieber to opt-in for 2026 instead of hitting free agency, added starter Cody Ponce and reliever Tyler Rogers, and now they have made a splash on the position-player front with Okamoto. After years of striking out on big names, including Japanese phenom Shohei Ohtani, Toronto is officially an attractive destination for free agents. 

Now, there are those who believe inking Okamoto to a reported four-year, $60-million deal takes the Jays out of the running for their homegrown free-agent star in Bichette. But there’s still reason to believe Toronto can reunite with Bichette, since Okamoto primarily plays third base, while also being versatile at first base and in the outfield. Bichette can play second, where he excelled in the World Series, even with an injured knee. And though the Blue Jays have shown interest in signing Tucker, Bichette will be cheaper and, at 27 years old, younger. For now, the Jays should continue to be viewed as the favorites to land Bichette. The only reason that could change is if they sign Tucker.  

Other possible fits: Yankees, Red Sox, Dodgers

5. Eugenio Suarez, 3B

Best fit: Detroit Tigers

At 34 years old, Suarez is no longer the MVP-caliber hitter he once was in his prime for the Cincinnati Reds. But he’s still coming off an All-Star season in 2025, when he slugged 49 home runs (matching his career high) and posted a 126 OPS+ in 159 games for the Diamondbacks and Mariners. While Suarez’s rising strikeout totals are a concern, his continued durability is unheard of. Since 2016, only first baseman Paul Goldschmidt has played more games than Suarez. The veteran’s 27.5 fWAR in that span is ranked 26th in MLB. Suarez’s free agency is unique in that he represents one of the higher-profile bats available this offseason at what should be a very reasonable price tag. 

He’s expected to command a $20–25 million AAV on a three-year deal, which opens up his market to middle- and smaller-market teams. The Tigers were interested in trading for Suarez at last year’s deadline before opting to prioritize their farm system and hang onto prospects. But they could still use him at third base while moving Zach McKinstry to a utility role. Now, Detroit can afford to pay for Suarez’s power bat and reload for another playoff run in ace Tarik Skubal’s final year of team control. That being said, Suarez’s consistent production should be attractive to many contenders looking for offensive thump on a short-term contract. His market is expected to take shape once Bregman is off the board. 

Other possible fits: Diamondbacks, Mariners, Red Sox

Deesha Thosar covers Major League Baseball as a reporter and columnist for FOX Sports. She previously covered the Mets as a beat reporter for the New York Daily News. The daughter of Indian immigrants, Deesha grew up on Long Island and now lives in Queens. Follow her on Twitter at @DeeshaThosar.

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Dylan Cease’s massive $210 million commitment with the Blue Jays didn’t ignite the pitching market, but deadlines tend to spur action.

One day ahead of Tatsuya Imai’s posting window closing, the Japanese standout is now off the board after reportedly signing a three-year deal with the Astros that includes opt-outs after each season and can max out at $63 million. 

Imai was one of the most intriguing arms available in free agency coming off his best year in Nippon Professional Baseball, a season in which he recorded career bests in ERA (1.92), WHIP (0.89), strikeout rate (27.8%) and walk rate (7%), among other categories. Standing a tick under 6-feet tall, Imai does not possess the typical build of a frontline starter, but it certainly didn’t hurt his market that teams just saw 5-foot-10-inch Dodgers starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto dominate the MLB postseason en route to winning World Series MVP honors.

[Astros sign Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai]

The total value of Imai’s deal is lower than projected, but his average annual value (AAV) trails only Yamamoto’s ($27 million AAV on a 12-year, $325 million deal with the Dodgers) and Masahiro Tanaka’s ($22 million AAV on a seven-year, $155 million deal with the Yankees) for the highest for a Japanese-born pitcher. If Imai recognizes his upside in Houston and looks like one of the best pitchers in MLB, he can opt out while still in his 20s and seek a longer-term pact. 

Will his signing finally catalyze the slow-moving starting pitching market in free agency? That remains to be seen. The top arms in this year’s free-agent crop don’t pack the same punch as last year’s class, but there are still a handful of available starters who can slot into a contending rotation and potentially start games in October. 

With Cease, Michael King and now Imai off the board, here are the top remaining starting pitchers on the market and a logical landing spot for each of them. 

1. Framber Valdez, LHP
Logical landing spot: Chicago Cubs 

Bringing back Shota Imanaga on the qualifying offer helps stabilize the group. If the Cubs have dreams of doing anything of significance in 2026 — especially if they lose Kyle Tucker — they need more than that. Adding a frontline arm, whether by spending or via trade, is one route to take. 

The Cubs’ rotation was fine last year, amassing a 3.83 ERA that ranked eighth in MLB. The group was 23rd in strikeout rate and 27th in ground-ball rate, though. That means with an infield as stout as the one the Cubs boast with Nico Hoerner and Dansby Swanson up the middle, targeting a pitcher with Valdez’s profile makes a lot of sense, even if it means spending beyond their level of comfort. 

Over the last five years, Valdez has boasted the highest ground-ball percentage of any qualified starter in MLB. Even in a down year by his standards last season, the left-hander continued to induce soft contact and force opponents to put the ball on the ground as well as almost any pitcher in the league. Valdez won’t dazzle with his swing-and-miss stuff, but he would represent a significant upgrade for a Cubs team that could use more reliable arms in October. 

Other possible fits: Mets, Orioles, Giants 

2. Ranger Suarez, LHP
Logical landing spot: New York Mets

It was easy for Suárez to get overlooked in a rotation that featured Zack Wheeler, Cristopher Sanchez and Aaron Nola. But among all pitchers who’ve thrown at least 600 innings over the last five years, Suárez ranks 10th in ERA. The 2024 All-Star just produced an even better season in 2025 with a 3.20 ERA that ranked 11th among all starters (min. 150 innings pitched). 

A master of command, Suárez has thrived despite a low-90s fastball with a vast arsenal that has helped him consistently induce soft contact and keep the ball on the ground. And even without the swing-and-miss stuff of a typical ace, he has thrived when given the opportunity in October with a 1.48 career postseason ERA over 11 appearances (including eight starts). 

Those qualities would help a volatile Mats rotation that had the sixth-highest hard-hit rate and ranked 18th in ERA last season. Considering the mass exodus out of Queens to begin the offseason, it’s hard to envision a world in which the Mets don’t grab one of the top remaining starting pitchers on the market. 

Other possible fits: Orioles, Phillies, Tigers

3. Zac Gallen, RHP
Logical landing spot: Los Angeles Angels 

Given Gallen’s career success — he finished third in Cy Young voting in 2023 — this is a tough time for him to be entering free agency. The right-hander, who amassed a 3.20 ERA from 2022-24, recorded a career-worst 4.83 ERA in 2025 while seeing his strikeout rate plummet and allowing a career-high 31 home runs. Only three pitchers surrendered more. However, he did go out on an intriguing note, registering a 3.32 ERA over his final 11 starts. 

Initially, I had Gallen matched with the Giants, considering the pitcher-friendly environment and the club’s need for more stability behind Logan Webb and Robbie Ray. But after signing right-handers Tyler Mahle and Adrian Houser, and with Gallen having a qualifying offer attached to potentially signing him, there may be more likely suitors. 

Angel Stadium is far from a haven for pitchers prone to the long ball, but the Angels need rotation help, could use a right-handed workhorse to pair with southpaw Yusei Kikuchi, are well below their 2025 payroll, and could see this as their best opportunity to extract the upside of a pitcher with Gallen’s history. 

Other possible fits: Giants, Braves, Cubs

4. Lucas Giolito, RHP
Logical landing spot: Detroit Tigers

Giolito might end up signing later in the offseason after the market for starting pitching becomes clearer, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see him rejoin his old Harvard-Westlake high school teammate, Jack Flaherty, in Detroit. As rumors swirl about the Tigers potentially trading ace Tarik Skubal, they could still use more arms behind him as they attempt to rebound from last year’s late-season stumble and emerge beyond the division series.  

Coming off elbow surgery that wiped out his 2024 season, the start to Giolito’s lone season in Boston was rocky. But he settled in nicely, recording a 2.51 ERA over his final 19 starts to finish the year 10-4 with a 3.41 ERA. He was unable to pitch in the postseason due to another elbow issue and the underlying numbers weren’t particularly flashy, but he could represent a bargain for a team willing to take on the injury risk. He is, after all, a former All-Star still in his early 30s. 

Other possible fits: Athletics, Diamondbacks, Padres 

5. Chris Bassitt, RHP
Logical landing spot: Atlanta Braves

With Dylan Cease, Michael King and now Imai off the board, there seems to be a relatively clear top three before a drop-off to the next tier, which includes Bassitt. The veteran right-hander will turn 37 before the start of the 2026 season, but he’s coming off an interesting year in which he registered a 3.96 ERA before emerging as a relief weapon in October for a Blue Jays team that nearly won the World Series. 

Bassitt doesn’t generate much chase or whiff, but he limits hard contact and, most notably, consistently posts. He has made at least 30 starts in each of the last four seasons, and he has recorded an ERA under 4.00 in seven of his last eight seasons. For a Braves team that was decimated by injury last year — Bryce Elder was the only Atlanta pitcher who made more than 25 starts — that reliability could be intriguing. 

Other possible fits: Rangers, Tigers, Red Sox

Rowan Kavner is an MLB writer for FOX Sports. He previously covered the L.A. Dodgers, LA Clippers and Dallas Cowboys. An LSU grad, Rowan was born in California, grew up in Texas, then moved back to the West Coast in 2014. Follow him on X at @RowanKavner.

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The Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Orioles breaking through to capture elusive championships?! The United States men’s national team making noise at the World Cup?! Fernando Mendoza serving as the savior of the New York Jets?!

We asked our FOX Sports writers to look into their crystal balls to see what 2026 will bring in the sports world.

Here are their 26 boldest predictions for the upcoming year:

Smith has been the best player in the country for two consecutive years, according to everyone except voters for major college football awards. He singlehandedly flipped Ohio State into a national title team in just four games in 2024, and he did it as a true freshman. In 2025, he finished sixth in the Heisman voting, the only wideout to receive enough votes to make the top 10, and voters of the Biletnikoff didn’t pick him. Well, 2026 is the year for all arguments for age and lasting impact on the sport laid to rest and to crown Smith for the player he has been since he entered the sport. – RJ Young

[Read more: Inside Jeremiah Smith’s rise to stardom]

A mere 31 years after they lost the last of their four straight Super Bowls in the early 1990s, the Bills bring a title to Title-less Town, and defeat the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LX. Forced to play three straight playoff games on the road after losing the AFC East to the Patriots, the Bills will actually cruise through the AFC playoff field with the Kansas City Chiefs mercifully out of the way. Bills fans will then not only flock to Santa Clara, Califronia, for the big game, but they’ll pack their soon-to-be demolished stadium in Orchard Park, New York for an outdoor viewing party (in a blizzard, of course). It’ll still be snowing two days later when more than a million Bills fans line Delaware Avenue in downtown Buffalo to watch snow plows carry their conquering heroes in a parade they’ve been waiting for all their lives. – Ralph Vacchiano

3. USA Makes 2026 World Cup Semis

With all due respect to FOX Sports colleagues Landon Donovan, Brad Guzan, Stu Holden, Cobi Jones and Alexi Lalas, I was shocked that none of those greats has the U.S. surviving the quarterfinals. Sure, reaching the Round of 16 like they did at the 2022, 2014 and 2010 World Cups will now require winning a knockout game because of the expanded field — something the USMNT has done once in 10 World Cup appearances all-time. 

But as a seeded team with a wholly manageable draw, the co-hosts are the favorites to win Group D, ensuring they face a third-place finisher in the new round of 32. Playing at home, with the entire country on the bandwagon, the U.S. can’t settle for more of the same. Momentum builds at World Cups. When a team gets hot, they can ride the wave far longer than pure talent says they should. 

It costs nothing to dream. Under a coach who once led perennial underachievers Tottenham to a Champions League final, the bar must be set higher. Mauricio Pochettino already has. He’s telling anyone who’ll listen that the World Cup trophy itself is within reach. Everything would have to go perfectly to reach even the semis. They’d need some luck to make it that far. But to paraphrase Pochettino: Why can’t they? – Doug McIntyre

[Read more: USA Can Dream the ‘Impossible’]

4. College Football Playoff Expands to 24 Teams

It simply has to just to keep stakeholders and fans happy. Acrimony engulfed the sport following Lane Kiffin’s decision to leave Ole Miss to become head coach at LSU just as he’d finished leading the Rebels to their best-ever season (11-1) and their first berth in the College Football Playoff. His decision meant that leading a team four games away from playing for the national championship wasn’t as important as his $13.28-million contract in Baton Rouge.

Disbelief and anger filtered throughout the sport when Notre Dame decided to forgo playing in the postseason altogether after the Fighting Irish learned they were not selected for the CFP. This can’t go on. But it will unless the CFP board of managers fix it, and the best way to do that is to double the field. – RJ Young

5. Baltimore Orioles Win World Series

Baltimore owns the sixth-longest championship drought in Major League Baseball, but that’s all about to change in 2026 when the Orioles win the World Series. It would be their first title since 1983, when they defeated the Philadelphia Phillies and eventual Hall-of-Famer Cal Ripken Jr. was a 23-year-old putting the finishing touches on his first career MVP Award. The O’s are long overdue for a trip back to the Fall Classic, and now they finally look primed to reach baseball utopia. Their aggressive offseason really took flight this winter when they signed first baseman Pete Alonso and his 264 career home runs to a monster deal: $155 million for five years. Now, they have one of the filthiest lineups in baseball, and who knows, it just might be good enough to dethrone the mighty Los Angeles Dodgers. Maybe the blockbuster move that brought Alonso to the Birds was their missing piece. – Deesha Thosar

6. New York Jets Go All-In on Fernando Mendoza

Packaging their two first-round picks in 2026 (and quite possibly much more), the Jets will trade into the top three of the NFL Draft to select Indiana’s Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza. He isn’t the no-brainer franchise quarterback that sometimes leads off a draft class, but Mendoza’s prototypical size, mobility, lightning-quick release and leadership make him this year’s surest thing at the game’s most important position.  – Rob Rang

[Read more: Is Mendoza a ‘Game Manager’ or a ‘Game Changer’?]

7. Ryan Day Leaves Ohio State for the NFL After Another National Title

From pitchforks and profanity following a fourth consecutive loss to Michigan in 2024 to an indomitable legacy that will be remembered favorably by fans for generations to come. That’s what awaits Ohio State head coach Ryan Day in the not-so-distant future when he rides the stellar tandem of quarterback Julian Sayin and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith to another national championship next season. It will be, at a minimum, his second title in a three-year span and could potentially complete a three-peat depending on what happens in the coming weeks with his current squad. At that point, with a résumé only a handful of coaches can match, Day will be ready to leave college football behind for the chance to chase an even bigger prize in the NFL. He might even bring a few of his former players with him. – Michael Cohen

8. Philip Rivers Plays One More Season … With the Chiefs

If you thought the unretirement of the 44-year-old Rivers was a short-term thing, you underestimate the competitiveness of a professional athlete. And now that Rivers is getting another taste of NFL life, he’s going to find it tough to give it right back up. So after falling short of helping the Daniel Jones-less Colts to the playoffs, Rivers will send out feelers to let teams know he wants to keep playing at least one more season. And that’s when he’ll get a surprising offer: Come to Kansas City and be a placeholder until Patrick Mahomes returns from his torn ACL. The chance to potentially play for Andy Reid and maybe even ride along on a Super Bowl quest will be too much to pass up. Plus, he’ll get to extend his NFL health insurance for his gigantic family for another year. – Ralph Vacchiano

9. Young Red Sox Star Roman Anthony Wins AL MVP honors

Sure, if we were going to pick the likeliest candidate from this year’s crop of Rookie of the Year finalists to contend for an MVP trophy in 2026, it would make sense to start in Sacramento, where Nick Kurtz just produced one of the greatest rookie seasons ever for the Athletics. But that’s not thinking bold enough. Instead, Anthony’s elite combination of all-around skills will come together so quickly that he vaults past the likes of Yankees star Aaron Judge and Royals slugger Bobby Witt Jr. to take home AL MVP honors in his second MLB season. Anthony slashed .329/.419/.512 over his final 56 games with the Red Sox, showcased elite plate discipline and absolutely obliterated the ball with a 60.3 percent hard-hit rate that would have led MLB had he qualified. If he can get the ball in the air more often to tap into his tremendous power potential, the rise to superstardom could happen fast. – Rowan Kavner 

10. Will Power Captures 2026 INDYCAR Title

Jettisoned by Team Penske, Will Power wins the 2026 INDYCAR title in his first season at Andretti. Power wins three races and finishes on the podium in seven others to capture the championship as he goes on a revenge tour for Penske not keeping him after 17 years of dedication to the organization. Power will be gracious in winning his third title but admits that the third one was the sweetest because it proved any doubters wrong. –Bob Pockrass

11. Messi, Argentina Repeat as World Cup Champs

Winning the World Cup is hard: just eight nations have done it in the men’s tournament’s almost 100-year history. Doing it twice in a row? That’s almost unheard of. Just three teams, men’s or women’s, have done it in 31 World Cups all time: the Carli Lloyd/Alex Morgan/Megan Rapinoe-led U.S. women in 2015 and 2019, Italy’s men way back in 1934 and 1938, and Pele’s Brazil in 1958 and 1962. 

Lionel Messi cemented his legacy as soccer’s GOAT when he willed Argentina to his first World Cup title in Qatar in 2022. And while the 38-year-old still hasn’t confirmed that he’ll help the Albiceleste defend their crown in 2026 in the U.S., his home since joining Inter Miami three years ago, only injury will prevent Messi from captaining his country once again next summer. Surely the chance to make more history with his compatriots will be irresistible: Argentina, which also won the Copa América in 2021 and 2024, has a chance to claim four consecutive major trophies — something no nation or player — not even Pele, still the only man to win three World Cups — has ever accomplished. – Doug McIntyre

The Chargers are 11-5, and they’ve done it without both starting offensive tackles and other key injuries. They also have just over $100 million in 2026 cap space, third-most of any team, and likely a second-place schedule that includes home games against the Jets and Raiders. Head coach Jim Harbaugh should have everything in place to truly contend with Justin Herbert, and with the Chiefs down a peg, Denver’s the main obstacle to to a potential deep run in the AFC playoffs. The Super Bowl is at SoFi Stadium in Feb. 2027, so that’s the biggest home-field advantage of all. – Greg Auman

I think Michigan is the best team that I’ve watched on both ends of the floor. Its slow start was understandable, given all the new transfers, but it showed its potential at the Players Era Tournament in wins over San Diego State, Auburn and Gonzaga by an average of 36.6 points. The Wolverines have the best frontcourt trio in the country with forward Yaxel Lendeborg’s versatility, center Aday Mara’s length and forward Morez Johnson Jr.’s rugged scoring and rebounding. They surround their big men with a nice pass-first point guard in Elliot Cadeau and shooters like guard Nimari Burnett and forward Will Tschetter. Guard Roddy Gayle Jr. is an explosive slasher, and even freshman guard Trey McKinney has carved out a role among the veterans. This team has no weaknesses. – Casey Jacobsen

14. USWNT’s ‘Triple Espresso’ Reunites

Since winning a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the U.S. women’s national team has been in a state of development and growth when it comes to its player pool and what the squad will look like at the next World Cup. It’s been especially helpful to get to know new and younger players with the likes of the famed Triple Espresso — Trinity Rodman, Mallory Swanson and Sophia Wilson — unavailable. Rodman has been called up a couple of times this year but has mostly been dealing with injuries (there was back pain as well as an MCL sprain), while Swanson and Wilson were out on maternity leave and recently welcomed baby girls. The USWNT will have to qualify for the 2027 World Cup, so I predict at some point in this next year that we will see coach Emma Hayes start to solidify her core World Cup group, which will mean the return of this talented trio. – Laken Litman

15. Tennessee Titans Hire Mike McCarthy as Head Coach 

Tennessee needs a seasoned head coach that is, ideally, offensive minded, giving No. 1 pick Cam Ward continuity with scheme and playcalling as a young quarterback. With 18 seasons of NFL head coaching experience, McCarthy checks both boxes. His experience coaching Aaron Rodgers and working under Jerry Jones also indicates an ability to collaborate with big personalities, which should be appealing to a floundering Titans’ franchise. McCarthy and Titans president of football operations Chad Brinker — Tennessee’s top football executive — spent a decade together in Green Bay (2009-18), so there’s a strong connection there too. At the very least, McCarthy is a high-floor, moderate-ceiling coach that can stabilize Tennessee. – Ben Arthur

16. Indiana Runs It Back, Wins Back-to-Back Big Ten titles

It’s crazy to think of the success head coach Curt Cignetti has already had in just two seasons at Indiana. In Year 1, the Hoosiers went 11-1 in the regular season and made the College Football Playoff. In Year 2, he led his team to a 13-0 regular season record and a Big Ten championship. Transfer quarterback Fernando Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy and IU secured the No. 1 overall seed in the CFP. This is a team that is certainly a favorite to win the national championship and while some of the talent will head to the NFL, Cignetti has proven he can work the transfer portal to his advantage. There are already tons of quality quarterbacks in the portal and there’s no reason not to think Cignetti will build a strong, national title-contending team again next season. – Laken Litman

Coach Kevin O’Connell admitted he and Rodgers spoke last offseason when the veteran QB ultimately landed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. At the time, the Vikings were committed to J.J. McCarthy, a former top 10 draft pick. But after a year of action (and two years in the league), McCarthy still looks a ways away from leading the organization to a playoff berth. And so O’Connell will go after Rodgers for real this time. The Vikings will sell it as a chance for McCarthy to develop off the field for another year while Rodgers runs the show. And maybe that’ll work out for everyone involved. But O’Connell’s reputation is built upon QB play. He can’t risk it with another year of what McCarthy did in 2024. That might just get the coach fired. –Henry McKenna

18. Pete Alonso Leads MLB in Home Runs in First Season in Baltimore 

If this prediction comes to fruition, it would be an even tougher pill to swallow for a Mets fanbase already reeling after watching a trio of fan favorites (Alonso, center fielder Brandon Nimmo, closer Edwin Díaz) depart this winter. But Alonso’s coming off a year in which he recorded career highs in both hard-hit rate and average exit velocity, and “Walltimore” in left field at Camden Yards is a thing of the past. The Orioles’ decision to move in the left-field fence last season transformed the ballpark back into one of the more favorable venues for righty mashers. Alonso hit 38 home runs last season; based on his expected home run total, he would have hit 45 if he played all of his games in Baltimore. Now, that total won’t likely be enough to surpass the likes of Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani and Cal Raleigh in 2026, but it doesn’t take much to envision the possibility of a home-run surge in Alonso’s first season with his new club. – Rowan Kavner 

19. Chiefs Reach Playoffs Despite Mahomes’ Injury, Kelce’s Retirement

If you think Mahomes is down and out, you’re sorely mistaken. We saw the Chiefs thrive in tight games in 2023 — only to fall short in them in 2024. The 2026 campaign should be a steadier year, even with the quarterback likely missing the first month due to an ACL injury. Coach Andy Reid will make sure they have a QB who can handle the offense (maybe Philip Rivers, as Ralph suggested above). And the Chiefs should get back into the playoff mix with a roster that should see major turnover this offseason, including the departure of Kelce. Could he play another year? Sure. But he had a hard time committing to a return this year. It’ll only get harder next year. His retirement will bring about the end of an era for the Chiefs. But it shouldn’t be the end of their dynasty. – Henry McKenna

20. Only One QB Goes in the First Round of the NFL Draft

Despite several teams needing a franchise quarterback amid a weak free agent class, Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza will be the only quarterback selected in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. That statement might raise eyebrows due to the number of teams in search of a QB1, but the 2026 class lacks the blue-chip quarterback prospects to warrant first-round consideration. While Alabama’s Ty Simpson and Oregon’s Dante Moore could enter the conversation, their lack of inexperience as collegiate starters could prompt them to wait until 2027 to make the jump to the NFL. The preseason hype led us to believe the 2026 quarterback class had the potential to be epic, but it looks like a “one-man” show at this point. – Bucky Brooks

[Read more: Ranking the 18 Best QB Prospects Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft]

21. Quarterback Kyler Murray Joins Mike McDaniel in Miami

After stuffing him on the injured reserve list with a foot injury for the second half of the season, the Arizona Cardinals appear ready to grant the shifty quarterback Murray his release, allowing him to move on to greener pastures. The possibility of joining an offensive guru like McDaniel, with legit offensive weapons like De’Von Achane, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle as potential teammates would be appealing to the Oklahoma product. Playing for the Dolphins keeps Murray in a warm-weather climate, and Murray would be a good fit for McDaniel’s system, giving him the most talented signal-caller he’s had in Miami.  – Eric D. Williams

22. Michael Jordan Named NASCAR Brand Ambassador

Basketball Hall-of-Famer and 23XI Racing co-owner Michael Jordan, in an attempt to unify NASCAR after the contentious lawsuit that consumed the sport in 2025, accepts a role as NASCAR Brand Ambassador. He agrees to make five appearances on behalf of NASCAR on what is considered a national stage or media platform. He can’t talk about whether his team is making money or not. – Bob Pockrass

23. New York Mets Righty Nolan McLean Wins Cy Young Award

Not only will the New York Mets’ breakout starting pitcher win his first career Cy Young Award in 2026, but that means he’ll also be in line to win National League Rookie of the Year honors. Yes, that’s just how high his projections are for next season. The 24-year-old righthander is coming off a strong debut in the big leagues, with his 2.06 ERA and 57 strikeouts in eight starts and 48 innings pitched drawing comparisons to legendary former Mets rookies like Jacob deGrom… and even Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan. Though it’s way too early in McLean’s career to go that bold, it’s not so far-fetched to prognosticate how dominant he will be in his first full season in the majors next year. So, watch out, Paul Skenes. There’s another elite righty in the league coming for your trophy. – Deesha Thosar

24. Robert Saleh Takes Over as Coach for the Cleveland Browns

Saleh would provide Cleveland with some much-needed leadership and stability if given the opportunity to serve as a head coach again, should the Browns decide to move on from Kevin Stefanski. Saleh finished 20-36 during his time with the Jets after a midseason firing in 2024, which doesn’t look so bad given the state of that franchise now. Saleh would have to bring in a legit offensive coordinator with a background in Kyle Shanahan’s offensive system to work with whoever the Browns choose to go with at quarterback. Saleh had positive things to say about Shedeur Sanders earlier this year, but the Browns have two first-round picks and will likely try to find their franchise quarterback in the draft. And with an already strong defense, Saleh could have an opportunity to turn things around quickly in Cleveland. – Eric D. Williams

25. Rick Pitino Wins Title With St. John’s in ’26-27 Season, Retires on Top

A stunning loss in last year’s Round of 32 cut short what many believed could have been a fairytale season for St. John’s, which won both the Big East regular season and Big East Tournament titles under second-year head coach Rick Pitino. The Red Storm retooled their roster via the transfer portal but seem a player or two short of competing for a national championship during the 2025-26 campaign. Fueled by back-to-back shortcomings, Pitino and billionaire donor Mike Repole compile a super team for the 2026-27 season that brings St. John’s its first national championship in program history. It will be Pitino’s third national title overall — he won previously at Kentucky in 1996 and Louisville in 2013 — and the capstone achievement that finally ushers him into retirement, where he’ll be remembered as one of the greatest coaches in college basketball history. – Michael Cohen

26. Chiefs Land Ohio State Defensive Standout Caleb Downs 

The Chiefs need to prioritize bolstering the offensive skill positions this offseason, but I don’t see them hesitating if Downs falls in their lap this spring. The best defensive back in college football, the Buckeyes star would give Steve Spagnuolo a versatile chess piece at safety that is already well-versed in NFL concepts, having played under Matt Patricia at Ohio State. As fearsome pass-rusher Chris Jones continues to get older, pairing Downs with Trent McDuffie in the back end would supercharge a Kansas City defense built around strong secondary play. –Ben Arthur

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