CLEVELAND — Major League Baseball's free-agent market opens to all 30 teams Monday at 5 p.m. ET, ending the five-day period during which clubs had exclusive negotiating rights with their own departing players. Eligible players officially became free agents October 29, but Monday marks the first opportunity for them to sign with a new club. Both the Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds have important roster needs to address heading into 2027.
For Cleveland, improving the offense remains the biggest priority. The Guardians reached the American League Championship Series but finished 24th in the majors with 678 runs scored during the regular season. Adding another dependable hitter would help a lineup that struggled with consistency. First base is also unsettled, with Nathaniel Lowe and Rhys Hoskins entering free agency and top prospect Ralphy Velazquez approaching the majors.
The Guardians also have decisions to make with their pitching staff. Foster Griffin is entering free agency, leaving Cleveland to determine whether to bring him back or pursue another veteran starter. The club has several internal rotation options, including Gavin Williams, Tanner Bibee, Parker Messick, Joey Cantillo, and Slade Cecconi, but additional depth could help a team hoping to make another postseason run.
Cincinnati faces a longer list of needs after finishing 75-87 and last in the National League Central. The Reds need more consistent hitting after ranking last in the majors in batting average and on-base percentage. Catcher is another priority with Tyler Stephenson entering free agency, while the club could pursue upgrades at third base, second base, and in the outfield.
The Reds also have significant pitching concerns. Emilio Pagán declined his $10 million player option, creating an opening at closer, while the team must evaluate its starting pitching depth with Hunter Greene recovering from elbow surgery. Starting pitcher Brady Singer and reliever Brock Burke are also free agents, along with Eugenio Suárez and Pierce Johnson, giving Cincinnati several major roster decisions.
Both teams face an unusual offseason because Major League Baseball's current collective bargaining agreement expires December 1. A potential lockout could interrupt transactions beginning December 2, giving clubs additional incentive to address their needs early. For Cleveland and Cincinnati, Monday marks the beginning of an important period of roster building.
