Kyle Schwarber is officially off the MLB free agent market. After weeks of rumors that linked the MVP candidate to the New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, and even the Pittsburgh Pirates, the three-time All-Star is returning to the Philadelphia Phillies. What is the 32-year-old receiving from his current team? He is reportedly getting a five-year pact worth $150 million.
Schwarber agreeing to a new contract is the first huge piece off the free agent board. His deal is now expected to create a domino effect as teams pivot to other players and agents lock in agreements for their clients after the slugger set the market for 2025. With that in mind, here are five big signings that will now happen after Schwarber and the Phillies agreed to a new contract.
Kyle Tucker signs with Toronto Blue Jays
Kyle Tucker is viewed as the best player in 2025 MLB free agency and is expected to land a deal worth close to $400 million. The Toronto Blue Jays are believed to be the top contender, and a recent report suggested the star outfielder has a good reason to make a deal sooner rather than later. Don’t be surprised if the reigning AL champs make the next big splash in the open market.
Pete Alonso re-signs with New York Mets
The Mets’ interest in the Phillies’ star was believed to be legitimate. However, they were not seen as a favorite to land his services. With Schwarber off the board, you can guarantee New York is now making a hard pivot back to homegrown All-Star Pete Alonso.
The team has a dynamite combo with Alonso and Juan Soto in the middle of the batting order. There is no other slugger left that can fill Alonso’s spot and is a sure thing to handle the New York pressure. Expect the Mets to give their first baseman a new four-year deal soon.
Alex Bregman signs with Detroit Tigers
Re-signing third baseman Alex Bregman is reportedly the Red Sox’s top priority this offseason. Yet, the two-time World Series champion will have a lot of suitors on the open market. So, a return is far from a guarantee. While the Detroit Tigers have been linked to various Tarik Skubal trade rumors, they are not far off from being a serious title contender.
The Houston Astros legend is an elite postseason player and could be the final piece the Tigers need to get back to the World Series for the first time since 2012. They could soon make the most unexpected move of the offseason.
Eugenio Suarez signs with Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox will be in a very tough spot if they fail to sign Schwarber and then lose Bregman in free agency. They clearly need a third baseman and could really use a legit power bat for 2026. Well, one player who could address both issues is two-time All-Star Eugenio Suarez.
While he is not nearly as good as Schwarber or Bregman, the 12-year veteran is one of the best sluggers in the game after smashing 49 homers in 2025. Furthermore, he would come at a far more affordable rate than Schwarber and Bregman.
Bo Bichette signs with the Atlanta Braves
Two-time All-Star Bo Bichette is one of the best players available in free agency. However, he has seemingly gotten lost in the shuffle because of all the attention other older stars have gotten. But it is just a matter of time before the 27-year-old puts pen to paper on the first big contract of his career.
While the Atlanta Braves have never been known for handing out big free agent deals, now is the time for them to make a move to improve the team following a step back in 2025. ATL still has some big-time pieces on the roster. Adding Bichette to the mix would go a long way in helping them better compete in a tough AL East in 2026 and beyond.
