7 Cubs Players Listed On Fox’s Top-50 Free Agent List
Oct 29, 2026 5:30 PM

From elite sluggers to high-leverage arms, several North Side stars face uncertain futures as national rankings highlight the high market value of Chicago’s departing talent this winter.

It’s no secret that the Chicago Cubs have a surplus of free agents this offseason. 

The Cubs face a busy offseason as they look to revamp their roster for next season. Players like Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki, Shota Imanaga, Kevin Gausman, Carson Kelly, and Clay Holmes could all depart in free agency this offseason. 

Where do those players rank among this free-agent class? Let’s take a look at where Fox Sports has ranked all the Cubs free agents in its recent article. 

Tyrone Taylor

Rank: No. 49

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Fox Sports actually gives some love to Tyrone Taylor, listing him as the 49th-best free agent in this year’s class. Taylor posted solid all-around numbers with the Cubs in the second half, slashing .351/.390/.500 with nine extra-base hits across 30 games. 

It’s unlikely that Taylor will be back unless the Cubs give him a starting spot. The veteran outfielder will probably seek out a starting spot after a solid end-of-season stretch. 

Carson Kelly 

Rank: No. 34

Kelly is one of the best free-agent catchers available this offseason. Losing him would be a big blow for the Cubs. The 32-year-old hit .254 with 27 home runs and 108 RBI across 231 games over the past two seasons. 

Chicago would obviously love nothing more than to bring back Kelly. But he could have a strong market this offseason, with several teams needing a catcher.  

Shota Imanaga 

Rank: No. 22

It remains to be seen whether the front office will bring back Imanaga. Jim Bowden listed Chicago as one of the best fits for the southpaw in free agency, but insider Patrick Mooney believes that the writing may be on the wall for him with the Cubs. 

While Imanaga has posted solid numbers in each of his three MLB seasons, his home run woes have been a major concern over the years.  

Ian Happ

Rank: No. 17

The Cubs are the only organization Happ has known in his professional career. The switch-hitting outfielder was selected ninth overall in the 2015 MLB Draft and has spent 10 seasons on the North Side. 

But his time with the Cubs could end after a poor season. His 2.9 WAR was his lowest in a season since 2021.  

Kevin Gausman

Rank: No. 12

The North Siders acquired Gausman at the August trade deadline. His numbers with the Cubs weren’t anything spectacular, as he posted a 4.83 ERA and 1.232 WHIP over 50 ⅓ innings pitched. 

Gausman will now head to free agency following another big workload season. The veteran right-hander has thrown at least 174 innings pitched in six consecutive years. 

Clay Holmes

Rank: No. 10

The Cubs and Holmes are really a match made in heaven. Holmes is an extreme groundball pitcher who thrives on getting outs that way. The Cubs have an infield that features three former Gold Glove winners (Alex Bregman, Dansby Swanson, and Nico Hoerner). 

Is that enough to keep him in Chicago? Time will tell. 

Seiya Suzuki 

Rank: No. 4

The Cubs’ best free agent this offseason is easily Suzuki. In a weak free-agent class, the Japanese slugger is expected to draw heavy interest on the open market. He is coming off the best all-around season of his career, finishing with a 5.1 WAR. 

Chicago can’t afford to lose him. 

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