As the 2026-27 MLB free agency period approaches, attention turns to which players might sign quickly. According to NBC Sports, starting pitcher Sonny Gray and utility player Jake Bauers could be among the first to ink new deals when the market opens.
The free agent class for the 2026-27 offseason features several notable names, but Gray and Bauers stand out as candidates for early agreements. Gray, a veteran right-hander with All-Star experience, brings a track record of consistency to any rotation. Bauers offers positional versatility and left-handed power, making him an attractive bench or platoon option for clubs seeking depth.
Teams typically move swiftly on certain free agent profiles — reliable starters and versatile position players often attract early interest as organizations look to solidify rosters before spring training. The November 7 report suggests both players fit the mold of those who could reach agreements relatively quickly once negotiations begin in earnest.
