Overview
- Bo Bichette exercised his $42 million player option to remain with the New York Mets for 2027, a move reported Thursday that also leaves him with a matching option for 2028.
- Michael King declined his player option and will reach free agency after a strong 2026 season, making him one of the top starting-pitching targets for clubs including the Padres, Mets and Cubs.
- The Seattle Mariners declined club options on Victor Robles and Bryce Miller while accepting Andrés Muñoz’s option, which makes Robles a free agent and keeps Miller under arbitration control.
- Sources and analysts say performance swings and the looming collective-bargaining talks motivated players to secure guaranteed money now rather than test an uncertain open market.
- These early moves tighten the offseason narrative: teams will chase reliable arms and bullpen help, the Mets still need rotation upgrades, and the free-agent market will center on a small group of prized pitchers.