Multiple prominent MLB players, including Pete Alonso, Cody Bellinger, Alex Bregman and Edwin Díaz, have opted out of their contracts, entering free agency on November 6, 2025. The deadline falls five days after the World Series, allowing these athletes to negotiate with all 30 teams. This move follows strong individual performances in the 2025 season.
The MLB offseason kicked off with significant contract decisions as the November 6 deadline for 2026 options and opt-outs arrived. Players opting out become unrestricted free agents, reshaping team rosters and the free agency market.
Key Opt-Outs
Pete Alonso of the Mets exercised his opt-out after a rebound 2025 season with 38 home runs, 126 RBIs and an .871 OPS. Cody Bellinger, now with the Yankees, followed suit after posting 4.9 fWAR, building on his prior work with the Cubs. Alex Bregman of the Red Sox, despite a quad injury sidelining him for nearly two months, opted out following a .724 OPS in 63 late-season games with seven homers. Edwin Díaz, the Mets' closer, declined his option after a stellar year with a 1.63 ERA over more than 60 innings, marking his third sub-2.00 ERA season of 60-plus innings.
Ha-Seong Kim of the Braves declined his $16 million player option after hitting .234 with five homers in a season limited by injury. Robert Suarez of the Padres also opted out, leading the NL with 40 saves and a 2.97 ERA.
Notable Non-Opt Outs
Some players stayed put. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. of the D-backs will not opt out due to a September ACL tear, remaining owed $18 million including $13 million for 2026. A.J. Minter of the Mets, hampered by a lat injury, is unlikely to leave his $11 million deal. Tyler O'Neill of the Orioles, limited to 54 games by injuries with nine homers and a .684 OPS, also stays.
Club options saw action too, with the Brewers exercising Freddy Peralta's $8 million option after his 2.70 ERA and 200 strikeouts in 176 2/3 innings.
These decisions, tracked via sources like Cot's Baseball Contracts, signal a busy free agency period ahead, with players like Shane Bieber and Jack Flaherty still pending.