The free-agent market for starting pitchers is heating up, and with the Winter Meetings just around the corner, teams are scrambling to secure their top choices. Let's dive into the top five available pitchers and explore their potential futures.
A Lefty with Postseason Prowess
Meet Suárez, a left-handed pitcher with an impressive postseason record. Despite not having the longest track record, Suárez has proven his mettle in the playoffs. In the past four seasons, he's posted an outstanding 4-1 record and a minuscule 1.48 ERA in 11 appearances, including eight starts.
Several teams are vying for Suárez's services, with the Astros, Cubs, and Orioles leading the pack. The Phillies, who have a history with Suárez, haven't ruled out a reunion, but with uncertainty surrounding Zack Wheeler's health and other priorities, it's likely Suárez will find a new home.
The Japanese Sensation
Tatsuya Imai, a 27-year-old right-hander, has caught the eye of many with his dominant performances. In 2025, Imai boasted a stellar 1.92 ERA across 163 2/3 innings, striking out an impressive 178 batters. His three-year ERA stands at a remarkable 2.18, and his fastball can reach speeds of up to 99 mph.
Unlike some of his Japanese counterparts, Imai isn't subject to international bonus pool restrictions due to his age and professional experience. He recently expressed a desire to beat the Dodgers rather than join fellow Japanese stars, indicating a competitive spirit.
The Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, Phillies, and Cubs are among the most interested clubs, with the Orioles potentially joining the mix if they decide to go after bigger targets. Both the Red Sox and Yankees have a history of signing Japanese pitching talent, so Imai could be the next big name to join the MLB's international roster.
A Workhorse with Postseason Struggles
Valdez, a 32-year-old lefty, has been a reliable workhorse during the regular season. He boasts a solid 73-44 record and a 3.23 ERA in 154 games since becoming a full-time starter in 2020. However, his postseason performances have been a different story, with a 7-6 record and a 4.34 ERA in 17 games. Despite excelling in 2020 and 2022, Valdez has struggled to complete five innings in three out of four postseasons.
There have also been character concerns after a highly publicized incident where Valdez hit his catcher with a fastball after giving up a grand slam. Nonetheless, Valdez's overall talent and regular-season success have attracted interest from pitching-needy teams, with the Mets and Orioles leading the way.
The Injured Ace
King, a talented starter, has been plagued by injuries in 2025. Limited to just 73 1/3 innings over 15 starts, King posted a respectable 3.44 ERA while striking out over a batter per inning. In 2024, he had a breakout season, going 13-9 with a 2.95 ERA and leading the league in exit velocity and hard-hit rate.
Despite his injury-riddled season, King is drawing interest from several clubs, including the Yankees, Cubs, Mets, and Tigers. Other teams, such as the Orioles, Angels, Padres, and Marlins, are also in the mix for his services.
A Cy Young Contender's Down Year
Zac Gallen, a consistent starter from 2020 to 2024, had a disappointing 2025 season. His ERA rose to a career-high 4.83, and his ERA+ dropped to a career-low 89. However, Gallen's overall track record suggests that 2025 might have been an anomaly rather than the new norm.
Gallen's Statcast numbers show a dip in most categories, but his final two months of the season saw him return to form, posting a 3.32 ERA in his last 11 starts. Teams like the Angels, Giants, and Tigers are interested in Gallen, with the Orioles, Cubs, and Braves also keeping an eye on him. For clubs hesitant to commit to the higher-priced starters, Gallen could be an attractive alternative.
