Four MLB Stars Accept Qualifying Offers
In a move that shakes up the MLB market, four prominent players have accepted the qualifying offers from their respective teams. 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 chosen to secure their immediate future with a $22.025 million contract for the 2026 season.
The decision of these players contrasts with that of nine others, who rejected the offers, opening the door to free agency and the possibility that 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)
Since the implementation of the qualifying offer in 2012, only 14 of 144 players had accepted it. With the recent decisions, the figure rises to 18 of 157.
Grisham, Torres, Woodruff, and Imanaga likely wouldn’t have gotten a higher annual value on the open market. They opted for a higher salary for one season, considering the potential labor negotiation looming after the expiration of the collective bargaining agreement after next season.
Grisham, who had an outstanding season with the Yankees, hit .235 with 34 home runs, earning him an offer that represents a significant salary increase.
Imanaga will also experience a salary increase after earning $13.25 million last season. Woodruff, after recovering from a shoulder injury, participated in 12 games before missing the postseason.
Torres, who earned $15 million last season with the Tigers, recorded a .256 average with 16 home runs and 74 RBIs.
