MLB: Four Players Accept Qualifying Offers for the 2026 Season
In a key move for the upcoming season, several important MLB players have made significant decisions regarding their futures. Trent Grisham of the New York Yankees, Gleyber Torres of the Detroit Tigers, Brandon Woodruff of the Milwaukee Brewers, and Shota Imanaga of the Chicago Cubs have accepted their qualifying offers.
This means that these players will return to their respective teams in 2026 with salaries of $22.025 million.
Accepting these offers is a strategic decision that could secure a stable income for the players, especially in a context of economic uncertainty in the sport.
On the other hand, nine players rejected qualifying offers, which means that if they sign with other teams in free agency, their former teams will receive compensation in the form of draft picks.
- Kyle Schwarber (Phillies)
- Ranger Suarez (Phillies)
- Kyle Tucker (Cubs)
- Framber Valdez (Astros)
- Bo Bichette (Blue Jays)
- Dylan Cease (Padres)
- Michael King (Padres)
- Edwin Diaz (Mets)
- Zac Gallen (Diamondbacks)
Acceptance of qualifying offers is an uncommon trend in MLB. Since its implementation in 2012, only 18 of 157 players have accepted these offers.
Grisham, Torres, Woodruff, and Imanaga likely wouldn’t have fetched a higher annual value on the open market, opting for a higher salary for one season, understanding the potential labor battle looming due to the expiration of the collective bargaining agreement after next season.
Grisham batted .235 with a career-high 34 home runs last season, his second with the Yankees. Those home runs contributed to an .811 OPS and New York’s subsequent qualifying offer. By accepting it, he receives a $17 million raise.
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, but struggled in September and October.
Woodruff, 32, returned from a shoulder injury in 2025, 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.
