Player Options: Minter Staying; Suarez and Bellinger Become Free Agents
Kim and Giolito Join Free Agency
Infielder Ha-Seong Kim has opted out of the final year of his contract with the Braves. Kim would’ve earned $16 million in 2026. The Korean-born shortstop signed a two-year deal with the Rays back in February, but spent most of the season recovering from shoulder surgery after he suffered a torn labrum last summer. Kim was placed on waivers in late August and claimed by the Braves. Overall, he batted .234/.304/.345 with five homers in 191 plate appearances.
Red Sox hurler Lucas Giolito declined his end of a mutual option that would’ve paid him $14 million in 2026. Giolito signed a two-year contract ahead of the 2024 season, but missed the entire first season of the deal due to an elbow injury that required surgery. He was effective when he returned to the mound in 2025, posting a 3.41 ERA with 121 strikeouts against 56 walks in 145 innings. Unfortunately, he was left off Boston’s postseason roster due to elbow discomfort.
Bregman Opts Out of Deal With Boston
Alex Bregman has opted out of the remaining two years and $80 million left on his contract with the Red Sox. Bregman was an All-Star in his lone season in Boston, batting .273/.360/.462 with 18 homers and 28 doubles in 495 plate appearances. However, he missed six weeks with a quad injury and posted just a .724 OPS in 63 games after returning from the injured list.
Minter Staying in Flushing
A.J. Minter is exercising his $11 million player option to stay with the Mets in 2026, according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network.
Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
It is an expected move for the lefty reliever, who missed most of 2025 after undergoing surgery for a torn left lat muscle.
Minter performed admirably in his first month in Queens, pitching to a 1.64 ERA, but his season was cut short after just 13 games and 11 innings when he came out of an April game against the Nationals.
Minter will try to stay healthy after what has been an injury-riddled two seasons for the now 32-year-old. Minter also missed some time after a hip injury, pitching for the Braves in 2024.
Robert Suarez and Cody Bellinger Out of Contracts
While one piece of the Mets’ bullpen is in place, they still have many more to fill, and an All-Star hurler is now officially an option. Robert Suarez opted out of his contract with the Padres, which had $16 million left over the next two years. Jon Heyman of the New York Post was first on that transaction.
Relievers are known for their volatility, but Suarez has been a consistent presence ever since his debut in 2022. The righty reliever is coming off his second straight All-Star season, in which he led the league with 40 saves.
Suarez is near the top of the list of potential Edwin Díaz replacements, but could be considered even if the Mets bring back their closer. Suarez will be 35 once Opening Day rolls around.
Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger is also opting out of his contract, which had two years and $50 million remaining. In his lone year in the Bronx, Bellinger batted .272/.334/.480 with 29 homers in 656 plate appearances.
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