Free Agents Weigh Risks Amid MLB Offseason Changes

LAS VEGAS — As the MLB offseason begins, many players face critical decisions regarding qualifying offers. Thirteen free agents have received one-year qualifying offers, valued at $22.025 million, with all expected to decline. This speculation comes amid concerns of a potential lockout looming next season.

A notable case is Gleyber Torres of the Detroit Tigers. Torres had a strong first half with an OPS of .812, earning him an All-Star selection. However, his performance fell in the second half to an OPS of .659, partly due to a sports hernia that required surgery on October 25. Despite this setback, sources indicate that he enjoyed his time with the Tigers and, at 29, he could still aim for a lucrative free-agent deal next offseason.

Torres rejected a multiyear offer from the Los Angeles Angels last offseason, believing the Tigers had a better chance to compete. If he accepts the qualifying offer, it would allow him to bypass potential draft-pick compensation, a risk that often scares off teams from signing players who decline offers.

Another player, Trent Grisham, is also in the mix for a big payday after a successful season, hitting 34 home runs and achieving a career-high .811 OPS. Grisham is said to be comfortable with the New York Yankees and confident he can maintain his production levels.

On the pitching front, interest appears to be building around players like Brandon Woodruff and Shota Imanaga, both of whom missed significant time due to injuries but were effective upon their returns. Woodruff, who turns 33 in February, produced a 3.20 ERA in limited appearances, while Imanaga seeks to reclaim free agency status after declining his club option with the Chicago Cubs.

The Baltimore Orioles have actively begun their offseason with trades and contract negotiations, including adding reliever Andrew Kittredge and outfielder Leody Taveras. With a payroll significantly below their projected figure for 2025, the Orioles are targeting a top starter and a veteran bat, and are willing to forfeit draft picks for players who declined qualifying offers.

In St. Louis, new president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom is considering trading star players like Nolan Arenado and Sonny Gray to focus on player development. Each player has stated his desire for movement that can benefit both the player and the team.

As teams prepare for the upcoming season, the impact of the potential lockout remains a hot topic. Players and executives alike are watching market trends carefully, with the possibility of a depressed market affecting contract negotiations.

The offseason strategies are evolving quickly, and as teams make their decisions, all eyes will be on how these moves shape the landscape of Major League Baseball for the upcoming season.