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MLB Contract Options and Qualifying Offers: Monday Recap

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With the MLB offseason officially underway, clubs and players now have until Thursday, November 7, at 5:00 p.m. ET to finalize contract option decisions and determine which impending free agents may receive qualifying offers. Monday marked one of the first major decision days of the offseason, and several notable names saw their futures clarified — or thrown into free agency — as front offices began shaping their winter plans.

Across the league, the day’s developments highlighted a mix of expected moves and surprising calls from both teams and players. Below is a recap of Monday’s MLB offseason action, organized by club.

MLB Offseason Transactions: Monday Recap

Arizona Diamondbacks

The Diamondbacks kept one of their core veteran bats in place, as outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. exercised his player option. Gurriel, a steady middle-of-the-order presence and a productive two-way contributor, will remain in Arizona for the 2026 season.

Atlanta Braves

In Atlanta, the Braves saw shortstop Ha-Seong Kim elect free agency after opting out of his deal. Kim’s decision carries some intrigue, as the infielder missed a significant portion of the year due to lower-body injuries. Still, his elite defense and on-base skills appear strong enough to attract interest in what is considered a thin shortstop class this winter.

Baltimore Orioles

The Orioles made two roster calls of their own. Versatile speed threat Jorge Mateo had his club option declined, allowing the utility infielder to hit the open market. Conversely, outfielder Tyler O’Neill opted into the final two seasons of his contract, retaining his role as a power bat in Baltimore’s lineup following the three-year pact he signed after the 2024 campaign.

Boston Red Sox

In Boston, the Red Sox officially lost a pair of cornerstone talents. Third baseman Alex Bregman declined his option and will enter free agency once again, setting him up as one of the most prominent hitters available. 

Right-hander Lucas Giolito also opted out following a strong season at the top of Boston’s rotation, where he helped propel the team to the league’s best ERA. His departure creates a significant hole in the Red Sox pitching staff heading into the winter.

Milwaukee Brewers

The Brewers were active on the contract front as well. Ace Freddy Peralta had his club option exercised, securing his place on the roster for 2026 — though league chatter has already suggested that the right-hander could be a trade candidate as Milwaukee evaluates long-term roster construction. 

Catcher Danny Jansen, acquired at the 2025 deadline, did not have his club option picked up, sending him to free agency. 

Meanwhile, right-hander Brandon Woodruff declined his option, opting to test the market as he continues working his way back to full health after shoulder troubles stalled his recent seasons.

New York Mets

The Mets saw decisions from three key players. Left-handed reliever A.J. Minter opted into his contract to remain in Queens, even after a season cut short by a left lat strain in April. 

Two franchise pillars, however, chose a different path: closer Edwin Díaz and first baseman Pete Alonso both exercised opt-out clauses and will hit free agency. Their departures — particularly Alonso’s — instantly reshape the Mets’ offseason priorities and alter the landscape of the winter market.

New York Yankees

The Yankees received a major decision from outfielder Cody Bellinger, who declined his $23 million option after posting one of his most productive seasons in recent years. The move gives Bellinger a chance to test the open market again after thriving in the Bronx. 

The Yankees have not yet announced decisions on relievers Tim Hill and Jonathan Loáisiga, each holding club options that must be resolved before Thursday’s deadline.

San Diego Padres

Out west, the Padres saw elite reliever Robert Suarez opt out of his contract, setting him up to headline a relief market short on high-leverage arms. His decision positions him for a lucrative deal after another strong campaign closing games in San Diego.

With more decisions still pending across the league, the first wave of MLB offseason moves has already provided a glimpse into the market’s dynamics. High-profile opt-outs, surprising declines, and strategic club decisions are setting the stage for what promises to be a compelling winter. As qualifying offer decisions and further roster moves continue through the week, teams and players alike are preparing for another high-stakes offseason of negotiation, reshuffling, and opportunity.

 

Main Photo Credit: G Fiume/Getty Images

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