The MLB free agency frenzy has begun, and it's already a rollercoaster! With the World Series wrapped up, players are making big moves, and some are taking a leap of faith.
Multiple sources confirm that renowned players are shaking up the market. Slugger Pete Alonso and closer Edwin Diaz of the New York Mets are leading the charge, opting out of their contracts and diving into free agency. But they're not alone; several other stars are following suit, creating a buzz in the baseball world.
The Chicago Cubs and Shoto Imanaga, a seasoned left-handed pitcher, find themselves at a crossroads. The Cubs declined their option on Imanaga, but they can still make a qualifying offer—a one-year deal worth over $22 million. Will he accept and stay, or will he join the free agency pool?
The clock is ticking! Teams have until November 6 to present impending free agents with qualifying offers for the 2026 season. Players then have a week to decide: accept the offer and stay put, or venture into free agency?
Here's a breakdown of the players who have made their moves:
Players Opting Out of 2026 Contracts:
- 1B Pete Alonso (New York Mets) - A powerhouse at the plate, Alonso is now a free agent.
- RP Edwin Diaz (New York Mets) - Diaz's decision to opt out could impact the Mets' bullpen significantly.
- 1B/OF Cody Bellinger (New York Yankees) - A versatile player, Bellinger is testing the market.
- 3B Alex Bregman (Boston Red Sox) - The Red Sox will need to fill a big hole if they can't re-sign Bregman.
- SP Michael King (San Diego Padres) - Starting pitchers are always in demand, and King is no exception.
- RP Robert Suarez (San Diego Padres) - Another Padres reliever hitting the market.
- SS Ha-Seong Kim (Atlanta Braves) - Kim's defensive skills will be sought after.
- SP Lucas Giolito (Boston Red Sox) - Giolito's departure could leave a void in the Red Sox rotation.
- SS Jorge Mateo (Baltimore Orioles) - Speedster Mateo is now a free agent.
- SP Shota Imanaga (Chicago Cubs) - With both player and club options declined, Imanaga's future is uncertain.
- SP Brandon Woodruff (Milwaukee Brewers) - Woodruff's decision adds a top starter to the market.
- OF Randal Grichuk (Kansas City Royals) - Grichuk's power-hitting ability will attract attention.
Players Opting Into 2026 Contracts:
- OF Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (Arizona Diamondbacks) - Gurriel secures a $13 million deal.
- RP A.J. Minter (New York Mets) - Minter stays with the Mets for $11 million.
- OF Tyler O'Neill (Baltimore Orioles) - O'Neill agrees to a two-year, $33 million contract.
- RP Wandy Peralta (San Diego Padres) - Peralta remains a Padre with a $4.45 million deal.
Players with Declined 2026 Club Options:
- SP Shota Imanaga (Chicago Cubs) - Both sides declined options, leaving his future open.
- C Tom Murphy (San Francisco Giants) - The Giants will need to find a new catcher.
- 2B Thairo Estrada (Colorado Rockies) - Estrada is now a free agent.
- SP Michael Lorenzen (Kansas City Royals) - Lorenzen's option was declined, adding to the Royals' pitching decisions.
Players with Exercised 2026 Club Options:
- Freddy Peralta (Milwaukee Brewers) - The Brewers lock in Peralta for $8 million.
- Luis Robert Jr. (Chicago White Sox) - Robert Jr. stays put with a $20 million deal.
And there you have it! The MLB free agency period is off to a thrilling start. Who will sign where? Will teams make blockbuster trades? Stay tuned, as the Hot Stove season promises to be full of surprises. But here's the question: Are these players making the right moves? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
