The 2026-27 MLB free agent class remains the weakest in recent memory, but Tarik Skubal sits at the top of the rankings after undergoing elbow surgery. The Tigers’ ace is on a fast track to recovery following a minimally invasive procedure to remove a loose body in his pitching elbow. Skubal posted a 2.70 ERA and 27.1% strikeout rate in 43 1/3 innings before the surgery, showing he is still one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball.
Freddy Peralta moves up to No. 2 after a strong May stretch. The Mets right-hander has a 2.98 ERA and 23.4% strikeout rate over his past eight starts. Peralta has been a consistent starter since 2021, posting ERAs between 2.70 and 3.86 each season. At 30 years old, he remains a strong candidate for a contract north of $100 million.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. climbs to No. 3 after turning his season around in May. The Yankees second baseman hit .265/.331/.460 with five home runs and seven steals since May 1. Chisholm's 120 wRC+ in that span is right in line with his 2025 production. His speed and power combination make him one of the few top-tier position players in this weak free agent class.
Michael King, who can opt out of his contract at the end of the season, checks in at No. 4. The Padres right-hander has posted a 3.41 ERA in 74 innings this season. King has averaged 5 2/3 innings per start and maintains a 94.1 mph average fastball. His 9.8% walk rate is a career-worst but remains close to average.
Randy Arozarena debuts on the list at No. 5. The Mariners outfielder has hit between 20 and 27 home runs each season since 2021. Arozarena brings a consistent power bat to the free agent market and is expected to attract interest from teams looking to add a right-handed hitter with pop.
Skubal's return timeline remains the key storyline to watch. If he comes back strong, he could set a new record for the largest pitcher contract in MLB history. Peralta and Chisholm both have the potential to move up or down the rankings over the next four months, depending on how their seasons finish. Teams will continue to monitor this thin free agent class closely as the 2026 season enters its final stretch.
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