7 MLB Teams Emerge as 2026-27 Free-Agency Spenders, With Dodgers and Yankees Left Off
Updated
Updated · Bleacher Report · Nov 6
7 MLB Teams Emerge as 2026-27 Free-Agency Spenders, With Dodgers and Yankees Left Off
3 articles · Updated · Bleacher Report · Nov 6
Summary
San Diego, Toronto, the Cubs, Detroit, Cincinnati, the White Sox and the Mets are projected as the seven most aggressive teams in the 2026-27 MLB free-agent market.
Toronto and San Diego stand out because both face major roster holes: the Blue Jays could lose 11 of their 22 highest-paid 2026 Opening Day players, while the Padres already project near $180 million in 2027 payroll for 15 players.
Chicago's two clubs also look busy, with the Cubs needing multiple starters, bullpen help and outfield answers, and the White Sox expected to add rotation and late-inning pitching after an overachieving 2026.
Detroit is framed as a contender after a historically unlucky season, while Cincinnati is seen less as a splash buyer than a team that could spread under $50 million across several buy-low additions.
The list notably excludes the Dodgers and Yankees, reflecting a thinner class beyond Tarik Skubal and uncertainty over a future salary cap and the 2027 season length that could suppress overall spending.