MLB

MLB Free Agency: Top 5 Starting Pitchers

Daniel AlecNovember 11, 2026

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) pitches during the first inning of their National League Championship Series game against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on Oct 11, 2026

With the Major League Baseball free agency underway, the top five pitchers available are top-end starters who can make a franchise much better once plugged into any rotation. These names are well known around MLB and have performed in the regular season or postseason. Here are the top free-agent starting pitchers who will be in demand for this free agency.

1. Tarik Skubal

Tarik Skubal leads this free-agent class as the elite ace. This year, Skubal had a 2.71 ERA wth 171 strikeouts and was a key arm in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ pitching staff during some of the regular season and the playoffs, as Skubal was traded from the Detroit Tigers. There are some teams that could sign Skubal for his services; however, it is possible the Dodgers could be interested in re-signing him.

Skubal will definitely have a lot of teams wanting his services because he’s one of the best pitchers in baseball.

2. Freddy Peralta

Freddy Peralta had a solid year for the World Series runner-up Tampa Bay Rays after he was traded from the New York Mets. Peralta had a 4.43 ERA and 156 strikeouts as a starter for the regular season and had some dominant performances during the American League playoffs. Peralta can also be used in some bullpen situations because of his arsenal and how he can get out of bases-loaded situations.

There will definitely be a demand for Peralta’s services for any franchise looking for a pitcher that can be slotted behind a certain franchise’s ace.

3. Michael King

Michael King was able to be a reliable starter for the San Diego Padres and helped the team advance into the playoffs, pitching key innings to get big outs. For this season, King had 3.21 ERA and also had 158 strikeouts for this season as well. King is an underrated pitcher for this free agency class because of his off-speed pitches and has a four-seam fastball that touches in the mid-90s. He also has a nasty sinker that throws off batters.

Again, his services will be wanted by any team that needs a top rotation arm.

Michael Kings throws a pitch — Oct 6, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres pitcher Michael King (34) pitches during the ninth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers in game three of the NLDS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images

4. Kevin Gausman

Kevin Gausman was a strong starter for the Chicago Cubs and was acquired through a trade from the Toronto Blue Jays. This season, Gausman had a 4.51 ERA with 184 strikeouts. He has a nasty splitter that throws off hitters at the plate. There is the possibility that the Blue Jays could be in line to re-sign Gausman for his services this offseason.

Gausman definitely brings a lot to the table for franchises needing a veteran starter.

5. Trevor Rogers

Trevor Rogers is currently a free agent from the Baltimore Orioles and is an interesting name for teams that may need a left-handed starter. Rogers is regarded as a mid-rotation starter overall but can slot into the upper rotation for teams looking for a pitcher with a unique release and a high-velocity sinker. This season, Rogers had a 4.03 ERA with 157 strikeouts.

Rogers could re-sign with the Orioles, but teams may be in need of his services.

The Last Word

These starting pitchers could be the next franchise’s next best thing to their team. Starting pitching is very difficult to find overall, and there seems to be a lot of quality for this free agency class. The GM Meetings are underway, and there should be some fireworks with the signings of some of these pitchers that are listed.

Main Image: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect