Major League Baseball free agency is now underway, although likely labor strife ahead will create a complicated offseason.
The current MLB collective bargaining agreement is set to expire on Dec. 1, creating a potential lockout that has been predicted to extend beyond Opening Day next year.
As of now, it is business as usual with teams and players deciding on contract options that will determine what players return to their current teams and who is set to jump into free agency.
Team options exercised
The Atlanta Braves elected to use team options to bring back a pair of stars in outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. ($17 million) and infielder Ozzie Albies ($7 million).
The champion Milwaukee Brewers are set to bring back catcher and World Series MVP William Contreras on a $15.5 million option.
The most lucrative team option that was exercised was the Miami Marlins bringing back right-hander Sandy Alcantara on a $21 million deal.
The American League champion Tampa Bay Rays will bring back first baseman/designated hitter Yandy Diaz on a $13 million deal that vested during the regular season. Also returning to the Rays are right-hander and Cy Young Award candidate Drew Rasmussen ($20 million) and Gold Glove shortstop Taylor Walls ($3.1 million).
A trio of relief pitchers will return to their teams on team options including the Detroit Tigers’ Drew Anderson ($10 million), the Seattle Mariners’ Andres Munoz ($9 million) and the Boston Red Sox’s Garrett Whitlock ($8.25 million).
The Houston Astros elected to bring back infielder Isaac Paredes ($13.35 million).
Player options exercised
Baltimore Orioles right-handed reliever Ryan Helsley elected to accept his $14 million option to return in 2027, while San Diego Padres left-handed reliever Wandy Peralta elected to return for $4.45 million. Athletics right-hander Luis Severino ($22 million) also accepted his player option.
Player opt-outs
New York Mets infielder Bo Bichette declined to opt out of his contract and will continue to honor the final two years of his three-year, $126 million contract. Also declining their opt-out was Arizona Diamondbacks right-handed starter Corbin Burnes, who will continue to honor a $210 million deal that has four years remaining.
Electing to opt out on their deals were Chicago Cubs right-handed pitcher Clay Holmes, who passed on a $12 million option, while Padres right-hander Michael King opted out on the final two years of a three-year, $75 million deal. Reds right-hander Emilio Pagan opted out of his $10 million player option.
Club options declined
Kansas City Royals right-hander Carlos Estevez saw his $13 million team option declined in exchange for a $2 million buyout. The Tigers declined the $12 million option on right-handed reliever Kenley Jansen for a $2 million buyout. Athletics infielder Jeff McNeil also received a $2 million buyout on a $15.75 million option.
The Padres declined their $14 million option on right-hander Nick Pivetta, while the Orioles declined a $20 million option on outfielder Luis Robert Jr. and the Mariners declined a $9 million option on outfielder Victor Robles.