Players Opt for Security: Flaherty, Bieber, Gurriel Jr. Stay Put

Major League Baseball (MLB) witnessed significant player decisions as several pitchers and outfielders opted to retain their contracts rather than enter the free agency market. Notably, pitchers Jack Flaherty of the Detroit Tigers and Shane Bieber of the Toronto Blue Jays exercised their player options for 2026, ensuring continued financial stability for the upcoming season.

In addition, Wandy Peralta of the San Diego Padres also opted to stay, while Arizona outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Baltimore outfielder Tyler O’Neill, and Texas outfielder Joc Pederson chose not to opt out of their contracts. This decision marks a strategic move for these players as they navigate the complexities of contract negotiations within the league.

As of Wednesday, the number of players who have entered free agency reached a total of 162. Teams now face a deadline, set for Thursday, to determine whether to extend qualifying offers of $22,025,000 to eligible former players. Approximately 20 additional players may also become free agents on this final day of the five-day window.

Flaherty, who led the American League with 15 losses this past season, earned $25 million from his deal with Detroit. By exercising his option, he secures a $20 million salary for the next season. The 30-year-old right-hander posted a 4.64 ERA over 31 starts, contributing to his team’s efforts despite the challenges faced.

Bieber, a former AL Cy Young Award winner, earned $14 million this season. He opted for his $16 million option for 2026 after being acquired by Toronto from Cleveland. Following his return from Tommy John surgery in 2024, he posted a record of 4-2 with a 3.57 ERA in seven starts, playing a pivotal role in Toronto’s first AL East title since 2015.

Peralta, who agreed to a deal worth $16.5 million over four years prior to the 2024 season, exercised a $4.25 million option for the upcoming season. The 34-year-old left-hander recorded a solid performance with a 6-1 record and a 3.14 ERA across 71 games.

Gurriel Jr., at 32 years old, opted to maintain a $13 million salary for 2026, alongside a $14 million team option for 2027, which includes a $5 million buyout. His impressive performance as an All-Star in 2023 featured a batting average of .248 with 19 home runs and 80 RBIs this past season.

O’Neill, also 30, retained his $16.5 million salary for the next two seasons, part of a contract totaling $49.5 million over three years. His season was marred by injuries, resulting in a .199 batting average, alongside nine home runs and 26 RBIs in just 54 games.

Pederson, who agreed to a two-year contract worth $37 million, decided against opting out of his $18.5 million salary for next year, as well as a mutual option for 2027. The 33-year-old faced injury setbacks but managed to hit nine home runs and achieve 29 RBIs while batting .181.

Other notable transactions include the Cincinnati Reds declining a $6.5 million club option on right-hander Scott Barlow, moving instead towards a $1 million buyout. Similarly, the Philadelphia Phillies’ outfielder Harrison Bader turned down his $10 million mutual option for a buyout of $1.5 million.

With these developments, the landscape of MLB contracts continues to evolve, highlighting the strategic decisions players make as they weigh financial security against potential opportunities in free agency. As the deadline approaches, teams and players alike remain vigilant in their approaches to the next season.