Grisham, Torres, Imanaga, Woodruff Accept Qualifying Offers
Several prominent Major League Baseball players have decided to accept their qualifying offers for the 2026 season. New York Yankees outfielder Trent Grisham, Detroit Tigers infielder Gleyber Torres, Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Brandon Woodruff, and Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga will return to their respective teams at salaries of $22.025 million each.
Details of the Accepted Offers
This decision means these four players will remain with their teams, while nine others chose to decline their offers. Teams extending qualifying offers can receive draft-pick compensation if those players enter free agency.
Players Who Declined Offers
- Kyle Schwarber (Phillies DH)
- Ranger Suarez (Phillies pitcher)
- Kyle Tucker (Cubs outfielder)
- Framber Valdez (Astros pitcher)
- Bo Bichette (Blue Jays infielder)
- Dylan Cease (Padres pitcher)
- Michael King (Padres pitcher)
- Edwin Diaz (Mets closer)
- Zac Gallen (Diamondbacks pitcher)
While these players are now free to sign with any team, their former organizations will benefit from draft compensation should they choose to leave.
Pivotal Contract Trends
As of this winter, only 18 out of 157 players have accepted qualifying offers since the system began in 2012. Grisham, Torres, Woodruff, and Imanaga likely opted for these offers as they may not secure a higher annual salary in free agency, especially with uncertainty surrounding the upcoming collective bargaining agreement.
Player Highlights
- Trent Grisham: Hit .235 with a career-high 34 home runs in 2025, leading to an $811 OPS.
- Shota Imanaga: At 32 years old, he earned a raise after posting a 3.73 ERA with a 9-8 record.
- Brandon Woodruff: Returned from injury to play 12 games, missing postseason due to a lat issue.
- Gleyber Torres: Made his debut with the Tigers, hitting .256 with 16 home runs and 74 RBIs.
By accepting their offers, each player guarantees a notable salary and navigates the uncertainties in baseball’s economic landscape heading into 2027.
