With the 2026 MLB offseason approaching amid a potential lockout, Yahoo Sports has projected landing spots for the top ten free-agent pitchers. The predictions feature several surprise destinations, including two-time AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal signing with the St. Louis Cardinals rather than the favored Chicago Cubs or Los Angeles Dodgers.
Freddy Peralta is forecast to remain with the Tampa Bay Rays, citing a possible salary floor and new stadium incentives, while Trevor Rogers could join the Washington Nationals as a number two starter behind Cade Cavalli. The Chicago White Sox are predicted to sign 31-year-old Michael King to anchor a rotation that ranked 28th in quality starts last season.
Sonny Gray, nearing the end of his career, is tipped to join the Atlanta Braves for proximity to his Nashville home. Kevin Gausman, turning 36, may take a short-term deal with the New York Mets. Japanese starter Kaima Taira, who posted a 1.36 ERA in Japan, is projected to sign with the Toronto Blue Jays over the New York Yankees.
Cost-effective options include Foster Griffin, a 31-year-old first-time All-Star with a 3.60 ERA, joining the San Francisco Giants, and left-handed reliever Adrian Morejon (2.58 ERA, 248-66 K-BB ratio) moving to the Chicago Cubs. Finally, Clay Holmes, a two-time All-Star with a 3.44 ERA over the past two seasons, is predicted to bolster the Baltimore Orioles' rotation on a two-year deal.
