The Major League Baseball postseason has officially shifted gears, with the Divisional Series now underway and four hopeful contenders—San Diego Padres, Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Guardians, and Cincinnati Reds—watching from home. For these teams, the abrupt end to their October dreams brings on a new kind of tension: the looming possibility of losing key free agents, some of whom could reshape the very balance of power in 2026.
It’s a tough pill to swallow, especially for clubs like the Padres, who went all-in at the trade deadline only to get bounced in Chicago. The Red Sox, too, had moments this season when Fenway Park buzzed with the hope that this could be The Year. Meanwhile, the Guardians and Reds—both with rosters brimming with youth—treated this postseason as a vital learning experience, a stepping stone for what’s to come. Still, no matter the expectations, the offseason now looms large for all four. The big question: can these teams replace what they’re about to lose? Or will their departing stars turn into the missing pieces for a different club’s championship puzzle?
Let’s take a look at five players whose October exits might just be the beginning of something big somewhere else in 2026.
Emilio Pagán: From Cincinnati to Oakland?
Emilio Pagán’s 2025 campaign with the Cincinnati Reds was nothing short of impressive. He notched a career-high 32 saves, posted a stingy 2.88 ERA, and finished with a 0.92 WHIP over 68.2 innings. Not bad for a reliever who’s bounced around the league and, back in 2018, even spent a season in Oakland. Now, with the Athletics showing signs of life—thanks to MVP-caliber rookie Nick Kurtz and a slugging supporting cast—Pagán could be the veteran anchor their bullpen desperately needs.
Oakland’s offense is already ahead of schedule, with Brent Rooker, Tyler Soderstrom, and Shea Langeliers all providing serious pop. But the pitching staff? That’s where things get dicey. The A’s have promising arms in the pipeline, but experience is thin. Pagán, with his proven late-inning poise, could offer stability and mentorship to a young, hungry group. If the front office is willing to open the checkbook, Pagán’s return to the Bay Area might just be the move that helps the A’s host postseason games at Sutter Health Park next fall.
Rob Refsnyder: A New Chapter in San Francisco?
Rob Refsnyder enters free agency after putting up his best numbers yet: nine home runs, 30 RBI, a .838 OPS, and a 131 OPS+ in 209 plate appearances for the Red Sox in 2025. He’s a specialist against left-handed pitching—one of the best in the game, really—and brings a strong arm to right field, along with some utility in the infield.
Refsnyder’s not an everyday player, but his ability to mash lefties and step in as a pinch-hitter in tight spots gives him immense value. The San Francisco Giants, who have built a reputation on defense and versatility, could use exactly that kind of bat. With the NL West as competitive as ever, the Giants need every edge they can get. Refsnyder might not be the franchise cornerstone, but he’s a piece that could help push San Francisco over the top, especially as they look to keep pace with the division’s heavyweights.
Steven Kwan: Mets’ Solution in the Outfield?
Steven Kwan’s name has been swirling in trade rumors, and for good reason. While his 2025 season at the plate wasn’t his best—he finished with a .705 OPS and a 96 OPS+—his defense in left field and durability remain top-notch. Cleveland’s farm system is bursting with young talent, and the Guardians may be tempted to sell high on Kwan before he enters a walk year.
The New York Mets, on the other hand, are desperate for outfield stability. With Brandon Nimmo and Juan Soto locked in as everyday players, the third spot has been a revolving door. Starling Marte’s defensive struggles and underwhelming returns from recent trades have left the Mets searching for answers. Kwan’s smart at-bats, aggressive base-running, and clubhouse leadership could be just what New York needs to turn the page on a disappointing campaign. As one insider put it, "Kwan is a tremendous leader in the clubhouse, too. He brings it every night and knows how to weather a stormy month in the regular season, as evidenced by Cleveland's resilience this year."
Alex Bregman: Arizona’s Next Big Move?
Alex Bregman faces a pivotal offseason decision. He’s expected to opt out of the two years and $80 million left on his Red Sox contract, seeking a longer-term, more lucrative deal. Bregman, who started the season on fire but cooled off down the stretch, is now 32—so there are valid questions about how his game will age. Still, with two World Series rings and plenty of postseason experience, he’s bound to attract plenty of suitors.
The Arizona Diamondbacks, who traded away Eugenio Suárez and lack a clear answer at third base, could be an ideal landing spot. Bregman’s flexibility—he can play both third and second base—would allow Arizona to shuffle young infielders like Blaze Alexander and Jordan Lawlar creatively. With a core of Corbin Carroll, Ketel Marte, and Geraldo Perdomo, the D-backs are poised for a deep run if they can stay healthy and add a bit more firepower. As one league observer noted, "Few non-postseason teams are set up better for a deep run in 2026 than Arizona. All the Snakes need is better injury luck, a few pitching upgrades and maybe one more big bopper to hit behind Corbin Carroll, Ketel Marte and Geraldo Perdomo. Bregman could certainly do the trick."
Dylan Cease: Orioles Eye an Ace?
Dylan Cease’s 2025 season with the Padres was a rollercoaster. After a top-five Cy Young finish the year prior, his ERA ballooned to 4.55, but the underlying numbers—like a 3.47 expected ERA and 215 strikeouts over 168 innings—suggest he’s still got ace-level stuff. Durability is his calling card; Cease has thrown at least 165 innings for five straight years.
The Baltimore Orioles, whose young offense and solid defense have them knocking on the door of contention, are in dire need of a top-tier starter. While the O’s have typically been cautious in free agency, a new ownership group might be ready to make a splash. Cease’s strikeout ability and workhorse mentality could provide the anchor Baltimore’s rotation needs, especially with Kyle Bradish and Trevor Rogers performing well down the stretch and Grayson Rodriguez set to return. As the Orioles look to keep pace in the always-tough AL East, adding Cease could be a game-changer.
As the dust settles on the Wild Card round, these five players stand at the center of a busy offseason—one that could see the balance of power in Major League Baseball shift dramatically. Whether they stick with their current clubs or find new homes, their next moves will be watched closely by fans and front offices alike. One thing’s for sure: the road to 2026 is already heating up, and the stakes have never been higher.
