Eight Major League Baseball players received a qualifying offer ahead of the Monday deadline, setting a one-year contract value of US$23.15 million for 2027. These players have until 4 p.m. (hora del Este) on November 17 to accept the proposal.
Players who accept the qualifying offer remain bound to their respective clubs for the upcoming season at the predetermined financial figure. Those who decline the offer remain as free agents; if a new team signs them, their previous team receives a Draft pick as compensation.
The Historical Context of the Qualifying Offer System
Since the implementation of the system in 2012, 18 players who received a qualifying offer have accepted it.
This year’s group of eight features standout performers ordered by their 2026 FanGraphs WAR totals. The selections span outfield depth, infield power, and relief pitchers used in high-stress situations.
Randy Arozarena Targets Free Agency After Consistent Power-Speed Production Seasons
Randy Arozarena enters free agency following a standout 2026 campaign. After bursting onto the scene during a historic 2020 postseason, the Cuban outfielder built a reputation for durability and consistent power-speed production.
Arozarena has recorded six consecutive seasons with at least 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases. He played 913 games during that span, trailing only six other players league-wide. He also posted a career-high 148 OPS+ in his walk year, ranking fifth among qualified hitters and eclipsing his 121 average from 2019 through 2025.
Infielders and Hitters on the Qualifying Offer List
Brandon Lowe delivered a career year after joining the Pittsburgh Pirates in a previous trade. The second baseman hit 35 home runs, drove in 96 runs, scored 94 times, and posted an .824 OPS across 150 games. Lowe also recorded a career-best +12 in Defensive Runs Saved, improving by 22 runs from a -10 mark with the Rays in 2025, resulting in a personal-high 4.9 fWAR.
Seiya Suzuki maintained a high level of offensive production throughout his five-year, US$85 million contract with the Chicago Cubs, totaling 113 home runs and a 128 OPS+. Suzuki also flashed defensive improvements in 2026, accumulating +5 Outs Above Average and +7 Defensive Runs Saved after registering -5 OAA and -8 DRS between 2022 and 2025.
Ryan Jeffers drew regular trade interest from clubs over the summer before the Minnesota Twins held onto him. Jeffers has quietly established himself as one of the most productive hitting catchers in the majors, ranking sixth among primary backstops with at least 1,000 plate appearances since the start of 2023 by posting a 116 OPS+.
Luke Bauers enjoyed the finest season of his career in 2026, batting .266/.389/.484 with 26 home runs over 144 regular-season games. He earned National League Championship Series MVP honors as the Milwaukee Brewers claimed the league title. The qualifying offer marks a substantial pay raise from the US$2.7 million he earned in 2026.
Pitchers Facing the Qualifying Offer Deadline
Trevor Rogers experienced regression following a sparkling 1.81 ERA in 2025, but pitched effectively for large stretches of 2026. A difficult seven-start stretch where he allowed 33 earned runs over 29 2/3 innings affected his early numbers, though the left-hander yielded just 43 earned runs across 140 frames—a 2.76 ERA—over his remaining 23 starts.
Adrian Morejón broke traditional bullpen trends as a left-handed setup man to receive an offer. Morejón has served as one of the most valuable relief arms in baseball over the past three years, compiling a 2.58 ERA with 248 strikeouts in 223 1/3 innings.
David Bednar returned to elite form after an atypical 2024 campaign. The right-handed relief pitcher posted a 2.47 ERA and converted 35 of 39 save opportunities for the Yankees last season, maintaining the standard he established upon taking over the closer role in 2022.
Previous Offers and Team Service Time Determine Qualifying Offer Eligibility
Not every free agent qualifies to receive a qualifying offer. Players who have already received a qualifying offer previously are ineligible. Players who were not continuously employed within a single organization—spanning both minor and major league levels—from Opening Day through the conclusion of the regular season do not meet eligibility requirements.
The November 17 Decision Deadline
The players have until 4 p.m. (hora del Este) on November 17 to accept the offer.
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