MLB Free Agency Buzz: Brewers To Run It Back With Contreras; Dodgers, Cubs Eye Skubal

Skubal draws major interest

Tarik Skubal is the top free agent available this offseason, according to the report. The recent Dodgers ace has won the American League Cy Young award in each of the past two seasons.

He is expected to sign before Dec. 1, with a deal potentially worth $400 million or more, ESPN reported. The Dodgers and Mets are expected to pursue him, while the Cubs and Padres are also viewed as significant suitors. Both the Cubs and Padres need starting pitching and can spend on a top-level free agent.

Options shape offseason moves

Sonny Gray will receive a $10 million buyout and become a free agent. At age 37, he has thrown more than 160 innings and made at least 28 starts in each of the last four seasons.

The Mets said Friday that Bo Bichette exercised his player option, keeping him under contract for a $42 million salary in 2027. The two-time All-Star shortstop played mainly third base in New York, with Francisco Lindor at shortstop. Bichette hit .260 with 18 home runs and 78 RBIs for the Mets, compared with .311, 18 home runs and 94 RBIs during Toronto’s 2025 American League pennant season.

Braves retain two players

Atlanta exercised outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr.’s $17 million option on Thursday. The Braves also picked up a $7 million option for second baseman Ozzie Albies. Albies signed a seven-year, $35 million contract in 2019. It included $7 million options for both 2026 and 2027.