2026 Free Agent Power Rankings, 1.0

The 2026 RDBL Free Agent Pool is one of the deepest and most star-studded in recent memory, featuring a remarkable blend of elite hitters, frontline arms, and versatile contributors that could reshape the league’s competitive landscape on Draft Day. Headlining the pool is Tarik Skubal, who leads all free agents by a wide margin after posting over 1,200 points across the last two seasons — a testament to his sustained dominance from the mound. Behind him, perennial MVP-caliber bats such as Juan Soto, Corbin Carroll, Francisco Lindor, and Julio Rodríguez give general managers multiple high-impact offensive options at the top of their draft boards. This concentration of star power underscores how free agency has emerged as one of the most pivotal roster-building avenues in RDBL history.

Across the infield, the free agent class offers a dynamic mix of proven performers and offensive catalysts. First base boasts elite sluggers like Rafael Devers, Bryce Harper, and Freddie Freeman, all of whom finish near the top of the overall rankings and promise elite production in both traditional and fantasy scoring formats. Middle infield is highlighted by the likes of Lindor and Gunnar Henderson — a rising force at shortstop — while second base features established names such as José Altuve and Ketel Marte. Notably, several high-profile players are marked with current contracts set to be released, adding a layer of roster uncertainty that could influence draft strategy.

On the offensive frontier, the outfield group is especially deep, with Juan Soto and Corbin Carroll anchoring a class that extends into the teens with impactful bats like Kyle Schwarber, Riley Greene, and Oneil Cruz. The depth here allows teams to address multiple offensive needs without sacrificing production; even fringe outfield options such as Matt Wallner and Zach Cole boast upside if they can secure regular playing time. This depth is a departure from some past seasons where teams were forced to pivot to pitching early, illustrating how the balance of power has shifted toward offensive talent in the 2026 cycle.

Pitching, as ever, remains the backbone of championship runs, and the free agent pool delivers premium arms at multiple tiers. Beyond Skubal, standout starters like Hunter Greene, Logan Webb, and Framber Valdez give teams a chance to anchor their rotation with established performers. Mid-rotation options such as Ryan Pepiot, Tanner Bibee, and Bryce Miller provide cost-controlled upside for teams looking to mix reliability with breakout potential. The reliever group, led by Edwin Diaz and Andrés Muñoz, offers elite late-inning talent capable of locking down series — a critical consideration in leagues where saves and holds carry significant value.

From a strategic standpoint, the breadth of talent in this free agent class creates compelling decisions for GMs. Teams with strong offensive cores might prioritize pitching early, knowing that the free agent class can still yield premium bats later in the draft. Conversely, clubs looking to flip the narrative after a disappointing season could leverage top hitters like Soto or Devers to build around a new identity. This depth also enhances trade leverage during the draft, as clubs with surplus picks can target strategic upgrades in both hitting and pitching.