Free Agent Power Rankings: Gausman and the Next Tier

MLBTR has released its latest Free Agent Power Rankings, spotlighting a class that is shaping up as one of the weakest in recent years. While Tarik Skubal and Freddy Peralta remain at the top, the drop-off is steep. Players like Kevin Gausman, Max Scherzer, and Nathan Eovaldi are now in the running for contracts worth up to $30 million annually, but the uncertainty in the market has left teams cautious.

Kevin Gausman, SP, Blue Jays

Gausman is the consensus number 11 on the latest rankings. The two-time All-Star is coming off a strong 2026 season, posting a 3.60 ERA over 80 innings. He averaged nearly six innings per start and secured a quality start in half of his outings. With a 24.3% strikeout rate and a 9.7% walk rate, Gausman offers both durability and control. At 36 years old, his market is limited by age, but his performance suggests a contract in the $25-30 million range per year.

Max Scherzer, SP, Mets

Scherzer is still a name that commands attention, though his age and recent performance have tempered expectations. The three-time Cy Young winner is 38 and coming off a 4.45 ERA season. However, his track record and 2027 eligibility give teams pause. Scherzer’s last major deal was a $130 million, three-year contract with the Mets at age 37. His presence in the market could drive up prices for others.

Nathan Eovaldi, SP, Rangers

Eovaldi is a familiar name in the free agent rotation. Entering his age-35 season, he signed for $75 million over three years with the Rangers in 2024. He posted a 4.20 ERA with 188 strikeouts over 176 innings in 2026. His durability and ability to eat innings make him a valuable commodity, especially for teams looking for a mid-rotation starter.

Merrill Kelly, SP, Giants

Kelly signed for two years and $40 million in 2025 at age 37. He followed that with a 4.52 ERA and 123 strikeouts over 115 innings in 2026. While not a top-tier starter, Kelly offers consistency and experience. His market is likely limited to one- or two-year deals, but his ability to pitch deep into games remains a selling point.

Chris Bassitt, SP, Free Agent

Bassitt is a veteran with a 4.38 ERA over 165 innings in 2026. He offers a solid floor and has experience in the postseason. At 34, he’s in his prime, but his peripherals suggest a mid-rotation role at best. Teams looking for a reliable back-end starter could target Bassitt, but his ceiling is limited compared to the other names in this tier.

With the free agency window closing in, teams must decide quickly. The market remains thin, but with the right fit, names like Gausman and Eovaldi could still land top-tier deals. The next few weeks will determine how this peculiar class shakes out.