Four MLB Stars Accept Qualifying Offers
In a key day for the 2026 MLB season, several important players made crucial decisions that will impact their careers and the future of their teams. Four outstanding players chose to accept the qualifying offers from their respective clubs, ensuring their permanence and a guaranteed salary. 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, were the players who accepted the offers. This means they will continue playing for their teams in 2026, with a salary of $22.025 million. The decision of these players offers stability to their teams and allows them to focus on the coming season.On the other hand, nine players rejected qualifying offers. This implies that, if they sign with other teams in free agency, their former clubs will receive compensation in the form of draft picks.
- Kyle Schwarber, Phillies DH
- Ranger Suarez, Phillies pitcher
- Kyle Tucker, Cubs outfielder
- Framber Valdez, Astros pitcher
- Bo Bichette, Blue Jays infielder
- Dylan Cease, Padres pitcher
- Michael King, Padres pitcher
- Edwin Diaz, Mets closer
- Zac Gallen, Diamondbacks pitcher
Before this year, only 14 of 144 players had accepted the qualifying offer since its implementation in 2012. With the recent acceptances, the total rises to 18 of 157.
Grisham, Torres, Woodruff, and Imanaga probably wouldn’t have gotten a higher annual value on the open market. They opted for a higher salary for one season, understanding the possibility of future labor negotiations. Grisham had an outstanding season with the Yankees, batting .235 with 34 home runs, which earned him an offer of $17 million more. 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 2025, although he struggled in September and October. Woodruff, 32, returned from a shoulder injury in 2025, participating in 12 games before missing the postseason. Torres, 28 years old, earned $15 million last season with the Tigers, batting .256 with 16 home runs and 74 RBIs. The rest of the group is free to sign with other teams, but this will entail compensation in the draft for their new teams.
