What's Happening?
As the 2025 MLB season concludes, teams are now tasked with deciding which free agents will receive a qualifying offer for the 2026 season. The qualifying offer is a one-year contract set at $22.025 million
for eligible free agents. Teams have until Thursday at 5 p.m. ET to extend these offers, and players must decide by November 18 whether to accept. Historically, only 10% of players accept the offer, as most seek longer-term contracts. Notable players expected to receive and reject offers include Bo Bichette, Edwin Díaz, and Kyle Schwarber. The system, in place since 2012, compensates teams losing free agents with draft picks.
Why It's Important?
The qualifying offer system significantly impacts team strategies and player market dynamics. Players who decline the offer often seek multi-year deals, affecting team rosters and payrolls. For teams, extending a qualifying offer can secure draft pick compensation if the player signs elsewhere, influencing long-term team building. The decisions made in this period can shape the competitive landscape of the league, as teams balance retaining talent with financial constraints. Players like Bichette and Schwarber, who are likely to reject offers, will be key figures in the free agent market, potentially shifting team strengths.
What's Next?
Teams will finalize their decisions on extending qualifying offers by the deadline, and players will have until November 18 to respond. The outcomes will set the stage for the offseason, as teams adjust their strategies based on player movements. The decisions will also influence the free agent market, as players who reject offers become available for negotiations with other teams. The period following these decisions will see increased activity in player signings and trades, as teams aim to strengthen their rosters for the upcoming season.
