13 Players Receive Qualifying Offers
Today at 5:00 PM was the deadline for teams to extend qualifying offers to their free agents – a one-year deal worth $22.025 million. Most players are expected to decline the offer – just 14 of 114 recipients have accepted it in the past. Last season, Cincinnati’s Nick Martinez was the lone player to accept the offer. If a player has previously received a qualifying offer, then they aren’t eligible for another one (hence why Pete Alonso can’t receive one, while Edwin Díaz can). Players have until November 18 to accept the offer. Below is a list of the 13 players who were extended qualifying offers:
Bo Bichette, TOR
Bichette rebounded from the worst year of his career with his best offensive season. He batted .311/.357/.483 with 18 homers and a career-high 44 doubles over 628 plate appearances, though he missed the last three weeks of the regular season and the ALDS and ALCS due to a hamstring injury. Bichette returned in time for the World Series and played second base for the first time in his career, going 8-for-23, including a three-run homer in Game 7.
Dylan Cease, SD
Cease had an inconsistent year in 2025, posting a disappointing 4.55 ERA but striking out 215 batters over 168 innings, giving him a major league-leading 11.5 K/9. His 3.56 FIP, 3.46 xERA, 3.56 xFIP, as well as his success in the past, make him an intriguing free agent this offseason.
Edwin Díaz, NYM
After an inconsistent 2024, Díaz returned to form with a dominant 2025 campaign, posting a 1.63 ERA with 98 strikeouts against 21 walks in 66 1/3 innings. Díaz allowed just four home runs and went 28-for-31 in save opportunities. He declined his player option that would have guaranteed him $38 million over the next two seasons.
Zac Gallen, ARI
By all measures, 2025 was the worst season of Gallen’s career. He posted a 4.83 ERA and surrendered 31 homers over 192 innings, and his strikeout rate dropped to a career-low 21.5%. He showed flashes of his old self in the second half (3.97 ERA compared to a 5.40 in the first half), which could make him a candidate to accept the qualifying offer.
Trent Grisham, NYY
Not known for his bat, Grisham thrived as the Yankees’ everyday lead-off hitter, batting .235/.348/.464 with a career-high 34 homers in 581 plate appearances. Grisham drew walks in a career-high 14.1% of his plate appearances and cut his strikeout rate down to a career-low 23.6%. The one downside to Grisham’s year is that his defense took a step back, as he graded out as a below-average center fielder by defensive runs saved (negative-11) and outs above average (negative-2).
Shota Imanaga, CHC
It came as a surprise to many when the Cubs declined to extend Imanaga’s contract for a fifth year, which would’ve guaranteed him $57 million over the next three years. Imanaga took a slight step back from his spectacular rookie season, posting a 3.73 ERA and giving up 31 homers in 144 2/3 innings. While his strikeout rate fell, he still owned a solid 4.5 strikeout-to-walk ratio and his opponents’ batting average dipped from .225 to .218.
Michael King, SD
King’s 2025 season was short-circuited by two trips to the injured list – one for shoulder inflammation and another for knee inflammation. He was still effective in 15 starts, posting a 3.44 ERA with 76 strikeouts against 26 walks in 73 1/3 innings. Considering his excellent 2024 season, he’ll likely be a highly sought-after arm this offseason.
Kyle Schwarber, PHI
Schwarber concluded his excellent four-year run in Philadelphia with the best season of his career, batting .240/.365/.563 with a career-high 56 home runs and 132 RBIs in 724 plate appearances. Schwarber clubbed 187 homers over the life of his contract with the Phillies, slugging over 35 in each season. He also played in all 162 games in 2025 and is a finalist for the NL MVP award.
Ranger Suárez, PHI
Suárez has never qualified for the ERA title; however, he produced another solid season in 2025. He made 26 starts and tossed a career-high 157 1/3 innings, posting a 3.20 ERA with 151 strikeouts against 38 walks. Additionally, he allowed just one earned run in five innings during his lone postseason appearance.
Gleyber Torres, DET
Torres enjoyed somewhat of a resurgence after a disappointing final year in the Bronx, making his third All-Star Game and batting .256/.358/.387 with 16 homers and a career-high 85 walks in 628 plate appearances. He was also productive in the ALDS, going 6-for-21 with a homer, two doubles, and three walks.
Kyle Tucker, CHC
Tucker’s season didn’t quite live up to its lofty expectations – he dealt with an injury and endured a home run drought that lasted longer than a month. Still, he posted an .841 OPS (136 wRC+) and drew 87 walks against 88 strikeouts while clubbing 22 homers and swiping 25 bases in 597 plate appearances. Many expect Tucker to receive the largest contract of any free agent this offseason.
Framber Valdez, HOU
Much like his former teammate Tucker, Valdez’s performance took a step back in 2025, though he still produced solid results. He threw 192 innings over 31 starts, recording a 3.66 ERA (114 ERA+) and striking out 187 batters against 68 walks. Valdez’s 5.20 ERA in the second half may deter some suitors, but he’s still expected to sign a lucrative contract.
Brandon Woodruff, MIL
Woodruff seems like the most likely player to accept his qualifying offer. The two-time All-Star missed all of 2024 while recovering from shoulder surgery, then was left off the Brewers’ playoff roster due to a lat strain. When he was on the field, Woodruff was still effective, posting a 3.20 ERA with 83 strikeouts against 14 walks in 64 2/3 innings, though he battled diminished velocity on his pitches. Woodruff declined his end of a $20 million mutual option following the season.
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