BREAKING: In a surprising move, MLB stars Trent Grisham, Gleyber Torres, Brandon Woodruff, and Shota Imanaga have officially accepted their qualifying offers, ensuring their return to their respective teams in 2026. Each player will earn a hefty salary of $22.025 million as they prepare for the upcoming season.
This urgent news comes as teams finalize their rosters ahead of the busy offseason. The decision to accept the qualifying offers indicates a strategic choice for these players, who likely assessed the current market and potential labor issues looming due to the approaching expiration of the CBA in 2027.
The four players join a small group, marking a total of just 18 out of 157 who have accepted qualifying offers since their introduction in 2012. Meanwhile, nine other players, including notable names like Kyle Schwarber and Edwin Diaz, have declined their offers, opening the door for free agency while their former teams stand to gain draft-pick compensation if they sign elsewhere.
Grisham, now with the New York Yankees, enjoyed a breakout season in 2024, hitting a career-high 34 home runs and achieving a personal-best OPS of .811. His acceptance of the qualifying offer translates to a substantial $17 million raise, reflecting his impressive performance.
Torres, who joined the Detroit Tigers last season, hit .256 with 16 home runs and 74 RBIs. His decision to stay in Detroit underscores the team’s commitment to building a competitive roster.
Meanwhile, Woodruff returns to the Milwaukee Brewers after battling injuries in 2024, and Imanaga, now with the Chicago Cubs, looks to improve upon his 3.73 ERA in the coming season.
As these players finalize their commitments, the landscape of the MLB offseason continues to evolve. The rest of the players who declined their offers remain free to negotiate with other teams, but the financial implications of draft-pick compensation will influence their decisions.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops. The baseball world is watching closely as teams gear up for what promises to be an eventful offseason.
