As the calendar flips to 2026, the MLB offseason finds itself in an unusual position. While several marquee players have already come off the board, a surprising number of high-impact MLB free agents remain unsigned, leaving the door open for plenty more activity before Spring Training begins.

Rather than a market that has dried up, this winter is shaping up as one where patience may be the key for several teams.

The remaining pool of MLB free agents is headlined by talent that would typically be signed early in the offseason. Position players with proven track records, along with frontline pitching options, are still waiting for the right fit, the right contract structure, or a competitive vision.

Tatsuya Imai’s last three seasons for the Seibu Lions in Japan:

2025: 163.2 IP | 101 H | 35 ER | 45 BB |
178 K | 1.92 ERA

2024: 173.1 IP | 132 H | 45 ER | 70 BB |
187 K | 2.34 ERA

2023: 133.0 IP | 87 H | 34 ER | 61 BB |
130 K | 2.30 ERA pic.twitter.com/svYY9B9aUS

— Phillies Tailgate (@PhilsTailgate) December 29, 2025

More on the remaining MLB Free Agents

That lingering uncertainty has created a holding pattern across the league—and one that teams like the San Francisco Giants can still exploit.

On the pitching side, the biggest intrigue comes from the starting rotation market. Free agent ace and former Houston Astros left-hander Framber Valdez remains one of the most impactful arms still available. A proven workhorse with postseason experience, Valdez offers durability, ground-ball dominance, and the ability to anchor a staff.

In a market where reliable starters are increasingly scarce, his presence alone elevates the remaining group of MLB free agents.

Adding an international wrinkle to the mix is Tatsuya Imai, whose availability has drawn interest from clubs looking to supplement their rotations with upside and depth. Imai’s power arsenal and strikeout potential make him an appealing option for teams willing to bet on transition and development.

Imai’s posting window will close on Friday, January 2nd, at 2 pm PT, meaning a deal could come together this week for the Japanese talent.

Beyond Valdez and Imai, there are still notable position players on the board. Corner bats, versatile defenders, and experienced clubhouse leaders remain unsigned, forming a second wave of MLB free agents that often ends up defining the offseason. These players may not dominate headlines individually, but collectively they shape rosters and playoff races.

What makes this moment especially interesting is the timing. Entering the new year with so many MLB free agents still available suggests a market that hasn’t fully settled. Contract demands, luxury tax considerations, and competitive windows are all colliding, slowing the pace of signings. Historically, this is when value begins to surface—when teams willing to strike decisively can make the most impactful moves.

For the Giants, the situation remains fluid rather than urgent. With payroll flexibility and rotation questions still unanswered, San Francisco is positioned to engage if the right opportunity emerges. A starting pitcher like Valdez would immediately elevate the staff, while an addition like Imai could deepen it in a meaningful way. Even one well-timed signing among the remaining MLB free agents could shift expectations heading into spring training.

As the offseason moves forward, the story isn’t about what’s already happened—it’s about what hasn’t. The board is still crowded, the options are still real, and the Giants are still very much in the conversation.

With so many MLB free agents available as the new year approaches, the next wave of signings could be the one that truly reshapes the landscape.

Here is a list of the remaining MLB Free Agents as we enter 2026:

Spotrac

Upcoming San Francisco Giants & MLB Offseason Schedule

Early-January – MLB Arbitration Negotiations
Mid-February – Pitchers & Catchers report for Spring Training
Saturday, February 21st – @ Seattle Mariners (Spring Training Opener)

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