After the World Series comes to an end, 13 MLBbros can file for free agency in hopes of finding work in 2026. Here are the players who are free to look elsewhere.
1B Josh Bell, Nationals: His second stint with Washington wasn’t as productive as it was in 2022. The first half of ‘25 was a disaster. Bell had a slash line of .219/.307/.372, but the switch-hitter was much better after the All-Star break, hitting .272 with 11 homers and 27 RBIs in 56 games.
CF Trent Grisham, Yankees: Besides playing great defense, Grisham had a slash line of .235/.348/.464 with a career-high 34 homers. It will be interesting to see market value. There are a lot of strikeouts in his game and he is off to a slow start in the postseason, going 3-for-20 with eight strikeouts.
OF Andrew McCutchen, Pirates: He will be 37 on Friday and one has to wonder how much he has left in the tank. His leadership alone could mean another year in Pittsburgh. However, after the All-Star Break, McCutchen had a slash line of .211/.330/.343 with five homers and 26 RBIs.
CF Cedric Mullins, Mets: The Orioles traded him to the Mets before the MLB Trade Deadline and it was a disaster for Mullins. In 42 games with New York, Mullins had a slash line of .182/.284/.281. Known for his defensive prowess, Mullins looked timid in center field. Tyrone Taylor is a much better defender out there.
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1B Josh Naylor, Mariners: Seattle made a great deadline trade by acquiring his services from the D-Backs. His bat is one of the reasons the Mariners won their first division title since 2001. In 54 games, Naylor hit .299 with nine homers and 33 RBIs.
OF Tommy Pham, Pirates: It was almost a given that he would be traded by the MLB Trade Deadline, but eye issues caused him to have a bad April. He was productive during the next three months, going a combined 51-for-151 [.338] with four homers and 23 RBIs. But it wasn’t enough to be traded to a contending team.
RHP Joe Ross, Cubs: Was inconsistent with Phillies before he was given his unconditional release on Aug. 26 of this year. A few days later, he signed a Minor League deal with the Cubs, but never saw any action with the big-league club.
1B Dominic Smith, Giants: He was productive in the batter’s box for the first time since 2020 when he was with the Mets. He played most of his games at first base, but that position belongs to Rafael Devers next year.
RHP Marcus Stroman: If he wants a job, Stroman most likely would have to sign a Minor League deal to prove that he belongs in The Show. He was inconsistent during his year-plus with the Yankees before they gave him his unconditional release on Aug. 1.
OF Michael A. Taylor, White Sox: Announced his retirement on the last day of the season, Taylor was one of the best defensive outfielders in the last decade, winning a Gold Glove in 2021 with the Royals.
1B LaMonte Wade Jr.: Couldn’t find his groove at the plate with the Giants, so he was dealt to the Angels before they gave him his unconditional release in early August.
RHP Devin Williams, Yankees: It was a rough first year in pinstripes and will likely be his last in the Bronx. He ended up losing the closer’s role twice and is now a setup man for David Bednar. Williams’ only good month was in June when he allowed one run in 9 ⅔ innings. Remember, this is the same guy who gave up Pete Alonso’s game-winning homer in last year’s National League Wild Card Game.
