Four players accept the qualified offer for 2026; nine choose to decline it

Yamell Rossi
4 Min Read

SANTO DOMINGO. – Major League Baseball (MLB) confirmed that four of the thirteen players who received a qualifying offer –valued at US$22.025 million for one year– decided to accept it before the deadline of Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. ET. They were Brandon Woodruff (Brewers), Shota Imanaga (Cubs), Gleyber Torres (Tigers) and Trent Grisham (Yankees).

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With their decision, these players are signed for the 2026 season with their respective teams under the established terms. The other nine players rejected the offer, remaining as free agents. If any are signed by a new club, the losing team will receive a compensatory pick in the next Draft.

Players Who Accepted the Qualified Offer

Trent Grisham, OF – Yankees (fWAR 2025: 3.2)

Grisham starred in a breakout campaign with 34 home runs, 74 RBIs, and an .811 OPS, figures that far surpassed his offensive production from the previous three years.

Gleyber Torres, 2B – Tigers (fWAR 2025: 2.6)

Signed by Detroit in December 2024, Torres was called up to the All-Star Game. He closed the season with 16 HR, 74 RBI, and .745 OPS, numbers similar to his 2024 performance.

Brandon Woodruff, SP – Brewers (fWAR 2025: 1.8)

Despite his injury history and missing all of 2024, Woodruff once again showed his quality with a 3.20 ERA and solid command in his 12 starts before ending up on the injured list.

Shota Imanaga, LZ – Cubs (fWAR 2025: 0.9)

The Cubs declined their three-year option, and the player himself rejected his US$15 million option, making him a free agent. However, he returns to the club after accepting the qualifying offer.

Players Who Rejected the Qualifying Offer

Kyle Schwarber, DH – Phillies (fWAR 2025: 4.9)

He had a monstrous season with 56 home runs and 132 RBIs, leading MLB in RBIs. His value in the free agent market will be one of the highest.

Kyle Tucker, OF – Cubs (fWAR 2025: 4.5)

Despite injuries, he achieved a 20-20 campaign and continues to profile as one of the main figures in the 2025-26 market.

Ranger Suárez (Phillies), Framber Valdez (Astros), Bo Bichette (Blue Jays), Dylan Cease (Padres), Edwin Díaz (Mets), Zac Gallen and Michael King (Padres)

Everyone rejected the offer, entering a free agency that promises to be one of the busiest in recent years.

Notable Players Without Qualifying Offer

Among the prominent names that did not receive an offer are:
Luis Arráez, Zach Eflin, Lucas Giolito, Jorge Polanco, Devin Williams and others who had previously received a qualifying offer.

Considerations for the Qualified Bids System

Players who reject the offer and sign with another team generate Draft compensation for their previous club. On the other hand, the team that hires a player under those conditions could lose Draft picks, depending on their financial and competitive situation. This system —implemented since 2012— has seen only 18 players accept a qualifying offer before this season.
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