Free Agent Frenzy: MLB stars Find New Homes, Raising Questions About Extensions
The Major League Baseball (MLB) offseason is heating up, with star players finding new contracts. Alex Bregman has joined the Boston Red Sox, while Nick Pivetta signed with the San Diego Padres.As the MLB’s Top 25 free agent list dwindles, speculation is growing about wich players could be inked to contract extensions with their current teams.
Contract extensions can be strategic moves for both teams and players. Clubs might aim to secure young talent years before free agency, while players might seek long-term stability and financial security.
Here are 16 players who could be in line for lucrative extensions:
(Players are listed alphabetically,with 2025 season age as of July 1st)
* **Luis Arraez,INF,padres (age 28):** Arraez will earn $14 million in 2025,his final season before free agency. After a stellar season with the Minnesota Twins and a trade to the Padres, he’s proved himself as a prolific hitter with a lifetime batting average of .323. The Padres might look to extend him to keep their batting lineup strong and prevent a bidding war in the offseason.* **Hunter Brown,RHP,Astros (age 26):** He doesn’t enter arbitration until next year,but the Astros have a history of extending young players. Brown, with his extraordinary 2024 campaign (3.49 ERA over 170 innings), could be a prime candidate.
* **Lawrence Butler, OF, Athletics (age 24):** Butler blossomed in 2023, showcasing his potential as a power hitter and outfielder. His strong performance could lure the Athletics into offering an extension to lock him up long-term.
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MLB Teams with Extension Opportunities: Key Young Stars Getting Closer to Free Agency
Several Major League Baseball teams face crucial decisions regarding their young stars, as these players approach free agency. Locking up these talents on long-term deals will be essential for teams looking to build sustained success.
Here are a few cases gaining increased attention:
Oakland Athletics & Jordan Diaz
Oakland Athletics outfielder Jordan Diaz is emerging as a key prospect, making strong arguments for an extension. While he won’t be eligible for arbitration until the end of the 2026 season, the Athletics are entering a new era in Las Vegas beginning in 2028 and diaz could be a cornerstone of that success. Diaz showcased his potential in 2024 with 22 home runs, 18 stolen bases, and an impressive .807 OPS in 125 games. The second half of the season was particularly encouraging, with 13 home runs, 12 stolen bases, and an even higher .898 OPS in 61 games, highlighting his explosive offensive potential.
However, the Athletics have made meaningful investments in key players this offseason, signing Luis Severino and José Leclerc, and acquiring Jeffrey Springs. this raises the question: would extending Diaz be a strategic priority for the rebuilding franchise?
Boston Red Sox & Garrett Crochet
The Boston Red Sox acquired promising left-handed pitcher Garrett Crochet from the White Sox in a major trade this past offseason. The 26-year-old, who is arbitration-eligible for the final time in 2025 and will become a free agent after that, is a key piece in the Red Sox’s future.
Giving up a significant prospect haul for Crochet, the Red Sox will likely be eager to see him solidify his performance as a starter after his breakout 2024 season. A long-term extension could be attractive, but Crochet’s asking price will likely be substantial, reflective of his growing projected value.
Pittsburgh Pirates & Oneil Cruz
The pittsburgh Pirates have demonstrated a commitment to their core young players by extending contracts with Ke’Bryan Hayes, bryan Reynolds, and Mitch Keller in recent years.
Could Oneil Cruz be the next player to benefit from this strategy? The versatile 26-year-old shortstop-turned-center fielder rebounded strongly in 2024, contributing 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases after suffering a setback due to injury in 2023. With promising talent but limited depth in the outfield, Pittsburgh could be tempted by the security and continuity that comes with an extension for Cruz.
Colorado Rockies & Brenton Doyle
Known for their standout defense, Colorado Rockies center fielder Brenton Doyle is already a two-time Gold glove winner in his first two seasons. The Rockies have shown a willingness to prioritize locking up their young stars with recent extensions for players such as Ezequiel Tovar, Ryan McMahon, Kyle Freeland, and Antonio Senzatela. given his value and the rockies’ track record of retaining talent, Doyle extending his contract with the team is a possibility.
Do you think these talented players will test free agency? Or will their respective teams find a way to secure their long-term future?
MLB Extension Season: Top Young Players in Line for big Deals
The MLB offseason has seen several young stars locked into long-term deals, setting a precedent for upcoming negotiations. as the 2023 season unfolds, several promising players are expected to be at the forefront of “extension season,” due for big paydays in the coming years.
Here are some of the key players to watch:
Logan Gilbert,Seattle Mariners
The 27-year-old right-hander has established himself as a reliable ace,leading the league in innings pitched last season. Gilbert’s stellar performance garnered him all-Star recognition and Cy Young votes. While he won’t hit free agency until 2029, the Mariners might explore an extension this offseason to lock down their ace for the long haul.
Riley Greene, Detroit Tigers
A breakout star in 2022, Greene’s powerful bat and emerging athleticism make him a highly coveted prospect. The 24-year-old outfielder accumulated impressive stats, including 24 home runs, 74 RBIs, and a .827 OPS, earning himself an All-Star selection. Detroit’s history of pre-arbitration extensions suggests they could prioritize locking up Greene before he reaches free agency in 2028.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Blue jays
The Blue Jays have made a substantial effort to extend their star slugger, offering Guerrero a reported $300 million-plus deal. Though, negotiations seem to be at a standstill, with Guerrero aiming for a contract exceeding $400 million. The recent landscape-shattering deals like Juan Soto’s $765 million contract with the Mets will likely influence Guerrero’s demands.
These are just a few of the young players poised for potential extensions in the coming years. As teams seek to build sustainable success, locking down their core assets through long-term contracts will remain a key strategy.
## Young Stars, Established Stars: Which MLB Players Are Extension Candidates?
Several established and promising young players around the league are approaching free agency, creating a potential flurry of contract negotiations in the coming years.
**Here are a few key candidates:**
* **Gabriel Moreno, C, Blue Jays:** At just 24, Moreno is already considered one of the top young catchers in baseball.With exceptional offensive and defensive skills, securing Moreno long-term would be a massive win for Toronto.
* **Grayson Rodriguez, RHP, Orioles:** The potential is sky-high for the 23-year-old Rodriguez.After a triumphant debut season, securing him long-term could solidify the Orioles’ future rotation dominance.
* **Josh Young, 2B, Padres:** Young’s impressive offensive contributions, especially his power hitting, make him a valuable asset for the Padres. Locking him up could provide long-term stability at second base.
* **Cole Ragans,LHP,Royals:** Ragans surged onto the scene in 2023,quickly becoming a crucial part of the Royals’ pitching staff. With a recent All-Star selection and Cy Young Award consideration, he’s a prime target for a long-term deal.* **Cal Raleigh, C, mariners:** While Julio Rodríguez might be the face of the franchise, Raleigh has surged as a leader and fan favourite in Seattle. His exceptional defense and work with the pitching staff make him a valuable asset.* **J.T. Realmuto, C, Phillies:** Realmuto remains one of the best catchers in baseball. While at 34, his age might deter some teams from offering a hefty long-term deal, the Phillies could prioritize his experience and leadership for the remaining years of his career.
* **Kyle Schwarber, DH, Phillies:** Schwarber’s massive power numbers make him a coveted hitter, even in the twilight of his career. While likely seeking a shorter-term deal, the Phillies could explore bringing him back as the bat in the lineup.
These are just some of the many players whose futures are becoming clearer as they approach free agency. As teams look to build for the future,securing these talented players through extensions will be a top priority for many franchises.
Major League Baseball’s Most Intriguing Extension Candidates
The 2023 MLB season is still unfolding, but several clubs are already looking ahead to the future, with extension talks looming for key players. here’s a look at some of the most intriguing candidates for lucrative long-term deals:
## Bryce Harper and rhys Hoskins, Phillies
Both Harper and Hoskins are cornerstones of the Phillies’ offensive lineup and play a major role in their drive for a championship. Harper is coming off a stellar year, despite battling injuries. Hoskins, who is entering the final year of his contract, has been a consistent power threat. Whether Philadelphia will try to sign both players remains to be seen, especially since Harper blocks the designated hitter spot.
Adley Rutschman, orioles
Rutschman serves as the foundation for Baltimore’s promising young core. Despite a dip in offensive production last season, he remains a vital player for the Orioles. While his agent is known for taking his clients to free agency, Rutschman’s strong performance, coupled with the Orioles’ commitment to building a winner, makes an extension a genuine possibility.
## Kyle Tucker, Cubs
The Cubs acquired Tucker in a blockbuster trade, aiming to lock him down with a multi-year deal. With ample payroll versatility and Tucker’s All-Star talent, an extension seems highly likely. However, Tucker’s preference to test free agency remains a factor the Cubs will need to consider.
What are some potential downsides or risks associated with MLB extensions for both players and teams?
## MLB Extension Season: FAQs
**Q: What are the benefits of an MLB extension for both players and teams?**
**A:** Extensions provide financial security for players, often guaranteeing them a ample sum over several years. For teams, extensions lock down key players, preventing them from hitting free agency and perhaps commanding higher salaries elsewhere.It also provides long-term stability and helps teams plan their future rosters.
**Q: Are all young players eligible for extensions?**
**A:** Not all young players are eligible. Extensions typically occur before a player reaches free agency, which usually happens after six years of service time. Players with less than two years of service time are often considered too early for extensions, as their potential and performance are still developing.
**Q: What factors influence the length and value of an MLB extension?**
**A:** Several factors play a role, including the player’s age, performance, potential, injury history, and the team’s financial situation. Star players with proven track records and high ceilings typically command longer and more lucrative deals.
**Q: What are some recent examples of successful MLB extensions?**
**A:** Some high-profile examples include Juan Soto’s record-breaking $765 million deal with the Mets, Fernando Tatis Jr.’s 14-year,$340 million contract with the Padres,and Shohei Ohtani’s two-year,$30 million deal with the Angels (which avoids free agency for now).
These extensions demonstrate the increasing trend of teams prioritizing long-term commitments to their star players. as the 2023 season unfolds, keep an eye on the extension landscape, as more valuable players may soon be securing their futures.
