MLB Offseason Begins: Free Agency and Qualifying Offers Announced

The MLB offseason officially kicked off with the announcement of qualifying offers and the opening of free agency. According to CBS Sports, a total of 13 players were extended one-year qualifying offers worth $22.025 million.

Notable names include Kyle Tucker of the Chicago Cubs, Bo Bichette from the Toronto Blue Jays, and Framber Valdez of the Houston Astros. All of these players are expected to decline the offers and enter free agency, seeking lucrative multi-year contracts instead.

Tucker is recognized as a top free agent and is projected to secure a significant long-term deal, potentially around $400 million over 11 years, according to ESPN. Despite a challenging second half of the 2025 season, where he faced injuries, he remains a highly regarded All-Star caliber player.

Bichette, whose performance rebounded in 2025 after a subpar 2024, is also predicted to command a hefty contract, possibly in the range of $200 million over eight years, as he showcased his hitting prowess despite positional questions regarding his future at shortstop.

Valdez, known for his durability and effectiveness as a starting pitcher, is expected to attract offers similar to those received by other top-tier pitchers like Max Fried and Dylan Cease, with projections of around $150 million over five years.

The offseason is expected to be competitive as teams strategize around their roster needs and financial constraints, especially with the looming possibility of a lockout after the 2026 season, which could impact negotiations.

Teams like the New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, and Chicago Cubs are among those likely to be active in pursuing these high-profile free agents. Additionally, the overall spending in this offseason is projected to be just over $3.5 billion, mirroring last year's figures, although initial market buzz suggests a slower start to free agency as teams evaluate their options.

The landscape for free agents this offseason is particularly influenced by the presence of the qualifying offer system, which could deter some teams from pursuing certain players due to the draft pick compensation involved.

As teams navigate these complexities, the focus will remain on securing impact players to bolster their chances for the next season.