Four MLB Stars Accept Qualifying Offers
In a move that shook the baseball world, four prominent MLB players have decided to accept qualifying offers from their respective teams. This decision ensures their continued presence in their current organizations for the 2026 season, with salaries amounting to $22.025 million.
Among the players who chose to accept these offers are 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.
Acceptance of these offers means that these players will continue to wear the colors of their current teams, providing stability and experience to their squads.
On the other hand, nine players rejected qualifying offers, which will allow them to explore the free agency market. This could result in draft pick compensation for the teams that lose them.
Among the players who rejected the offers are Kyle Schwarber, Ranger Suarez, Kyle Tucker, Framber Valdez, Bo Bichette, Dylan Cease, Michael King, Edwin Diaz, and Zac Gallen.
Since the implementation of the qualifying offer in 2012, only 14 of 144 players had accepted it. With recent decisions, the figure rises to 18 of 157.
The decision of Grisham, Torres, Woodruff, and Imanaga to accept the offers could be influenced by the possibility of obtaining a higher salary for one season, considering the current labor situation and the expiration of the collective bargaining agreement after next season.
Grisham, who had an outstanding season with the Yankees, where he hit 34 home runs, will see a significant increase in his salary upon accepting the offer.
Imanaga will also receive a raise after earning $13.25 million last season.
Woodruff, returned from a shoulder injury in 2025.
Torres, who earned $15 million last season with the Tigers, had a notable performance.
