MLB: Four Players Accept Qualifying Offer
The Major League Baseball (MLB) has confirmed that four of the thirteen players who received a qualifying offer, valued at $22.025 million for one year, decided to accept it before the deadline.
The players who accepted the offer are: Brandon Woodruff (Brewers), Shota Imanaga (Cubs), Gleyber Torres (Tigers), and Trent Grisham (Yankees).
With this decision, these players are signed for the 2026 season with their respective teams under the established terms.
The other nine players rejected the offer, allowing them to remain as free agents.
If any of these players are signed by a new club, the team that loses them will receive a compensatory pick in the next Draft.
Details of the Players Who Accepted the Offer
- Trent Grisham, OF – Yankees (fWAR 2025: 3.2): He stood out with 34 home runs, 74 RBIs, and a .811 OPS, surpassing his previous performance.
- Gleyber Torres, 2B – Tigers (fWAR 2025: 2.6): Signed by Detroit, he was called up to the All-Star Game and closed the season with 16 HR, 74 RBIs, and a .745 OPS.
- Brandon Woodruff, SP – Brewers (fWAR 2025: 1.8): Despite injuries, he showed quality with a 3.20 ERA in his 12 starts.
- Shota Imanaga, SP – Cubs (fWAR 2025: 0.9): Returns to the Cubs after accepting the qualifying offer.
Players Who Rejected the Qualifying Offer
- Kyle Schwarber, BD – Phillies (fWAR 2025: 4.9): He had an outstanding season with 56 home runs and 132 RBIs, leading MLB in RBIs.
- Kyle Tucker, OF – Cubs (fWAR 2025: 4.5): He achieved a 20-20 season and is emerging as a key figure in the market.
- Ranger Suárez (Phillies), Framber Valdez (Astros), Bo Bichette (Blue Jays), Dylan Cease (Padres), Edwin Díaz (Mets), Zac Gallen and Michael King (Padres)
All these players rejected the offer, entering a free agency that promises to be very active.
Notable Players Without a Qualifying Offer
Among the notable names who did not receive an offer are: Luis Arráez, Zach Eflin, Lucas Giolito, Jorge Polanco, and Devin Williams.
Qualified Bids System Considerations
Players who reject the offer and sign for another team generate Draft compensation for their previous club.
The team that signs a player under those conditions could lose Draft picks, depending on their financial and competitive situation.
Since its implementation in 2012, only 18 players have accepted a qualifying offer before this season.
