Major League Baseball’s free agent market saw some significant movement recently, with several star players receiving qualifying offers. Juan Soto, Corbin Burnes, and Willy Adames were among the 13 free agents who received a $21.05 million qualifying offer. Other notable players like Pete Alonso, Alex Bregman, and Max Fried also received the one-year offer.
Players have until November 19th to accept the qualifying offer, which would keep them under contract with their current team for another season. However, if they decline and sign with another team, their new team would have to forfeit draft picks, and their previous organization would receive compensation in the form of at least one draft pick.
In a surprising move, ace pitcher Gerrit Cole decided to stay with the New York Yankees instead of becoming a free agent. Both Cole and the Yankees agreed to rescind their rights as the 5 p.m. deadline approached. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman expressed his belief that Cole is happy with the team and that sometimes, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.
On the other hand, the Atlanta Braves picked up Marcell Ozuna’s $16 million option for the 2025 season but declined options on Luke Jackson and Travis d’Arnaud. Additionally, Texas pitcher Nathan Eovaldi declined a $20 million option for next season with the Rangers, making him a free agent and earning a $2 million buyout.
Following their loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series, the Yankees made a qualifying offer to Juan Soto, who is considered one of the most sought-after free agents in the market. Other players who received qualifying offers include Teoscar Hernández, Nick Pivetta, and several others.
As the free agency period unfolds, it will be interesting to see which players accept the qualifying offers and which ones decide to test the market. The dynamics of the free agent market can shift rapidly, so fans will be eagerly awaiting further updates on player movements and team decisions. Stay tuned for more developments as the MLB offseason progresses.
