MLB: Grisham, Torres, Woodruff, and Imanaga Accept Qualifying Offers

Four MLB Stars Accept Qualifying Offers

In a key day for the 2026 MLB season, several important players have made crucial decisions about their future. Trent Grisham, outfielder for the New York Yankees, Gleyber Torres, infielder for the Detroit Tigers, Brandon Woodruff, pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers, and Shota Imanaga, pitcher for the Chicago Cubs, have accepted their qualifying offers. This means that these athletes will return to their respective teams with salaries of $22.025 million. The acceptance of these offers is a strategic decision that ensures a considerable income for the next season.

On the other hand, nine players rejected qualifying offers, allowing them to explore the free agency market. If these players sign with new teams, the original organizations will receive compensation in the form of draft picks.

• Kyle Schwarber (DH, Phillies)
• Ranger Suarez (pitcher, Phillies)
• Kyle Tucker (outfielder, Cubs)
• Framber Valdez (pitcher, Astros)
• Bo Bichette (infielder, Blue Jays)
• Dylan Cease (pitcher, Padres)
• Michael King (pitcher, Padres)
• Edwin Diaz (closer, Mets)
• Zac Gallen (pitcher, Diamondbacks)

Acceptance of the qualifying offer ensures a higher salary for a season, in a context of possible changes in working conditions. Trent Grisham had an outstanding season with the Yankees, with a batting average of .235 and a personal record of 34 home runs, earning him an offer of $17 million more than in 2024. Imanaga, 32, will also receive a raise after earning $13.25 million last season. He had a 9-8 record with a 3.73 ERA in 2024, although he struggled in September and October. Woodruff, 32, returned from a shoulder injury in 2024, appearing in 12 games before missing the postseason due to a lat strain. Torres, 28 years old, earned $15 million last season, his first with the Tigers. He batted .256 with 16 home runs and drove in 74 runs. The remaining players can sign with other teams, but this will entail compensation in the form of a draft pick for their former teams.