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1h ago

MLB Free Agency Surges to 162 Players as Bregman Opts Out and Qualifying-Offer Deadline Looms

The five-day option window and the 2026 CBA timeline are prompting cautious contract approaches as teams weigh $22.025 million qualifying offers.

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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 24: Kyle Schwarber #12 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a double during the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Citizens Bank Park on September 24, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images)
Oct 1, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman (2) hits a single during the eighth inning against the New York Yankees during game two of the Wildcard round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Jul 29, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Jonathan Loaisiga (43) reacts during the eighth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Nine more players hit the market Wednesday, pushing the total to 162 free agents, with clubs facing a Thursday deadline to issue $22.025 million qualifying offers.
  • Alex Bregman exited his three-year, $120 million Red Sox deal structured with heavy deferrals, forfeiting future payouts after a .273/.821 OPS season with 18 home runs in 114 games.
  • Cody Bellinger, Edwin Díaz, Pete Alonso, Lucas Giolito and Robert Suarez declined options or exercised opt-outs earlier this week, joining the headlining group of available players.
  • Countering the exodus, Shane Bieber (Blue Jays, $16 million) and Jack Flaherty (Tigers, $20 million) exercised 2026 player options to remain with their clubs.
  • Industry expectations point to shorter contracts and more opt-outs this winter, with Bregman, Alonso and Bellinger not subject to qualifying offers under current rules.