Record Four Accept Qualifying Offers: Imanaga, Woodruff, Grisham, Torres

The MLB offseason took an unexpected turn this year. A record-setting four players accepted qualifying offers ahead of Tuesday’s deadline, locking in one-year deals worth $22,025,000 each.

This shift not only shakes up the free-agent market but also says a lot about how players weigh security versus the chaos of free agency. From pitchers Shota Imanaga and Brandon Woodruff to position players Trent Grisham and Gleyber Torres, these choices could ripple through team strategies and player careers heading into 2025.

The Record-Breaking Acceptance of Qualifying Offers

The qualifying offer system in Major League Baseball lets teams keep top talent for another season without a long-term commitment. This year, four standout players chose to accept — that’s the most since the system started.

Meet the Players Who Chose Certainty Over Exploration

The four players who accepted qualifying offers are:

• Shota Imanaga – Chicago Cubs left-hander who flashed electric stuff in his MLB debut.
• Brandon Woodruff – Milwaukee Brewers ace, coming back from injury and hoping to reclaim dominance.
• Trent Grisham – New York Yankees outfielder, known for his defense and clutch moments.
• Gleyber Torres – Detroit Tigers second baseman, steady at the plate and a clubhouse leader.

By locking in these one-year deals, each player stepped out of the looming free-agent scramble. They’re going for stability, maybe hoping the market looks better next winter.

What Happens to Those Who Decline?

While four players stayed put, nine others went the other way. They turned down qualifying offers to try their luck in free agency.

The Free Agents on the Market

The players testing the waters include:

• Kyle Tucker
• Bo Bichette
• Kyle Schwarber
• Dylan Cease
• Michael King
• Edwin Diaz
• Zac Gallen
• Ranger Suarez
• Framber Valdez

If these players sign elsewhere, their former teams get draft pick compensation. The details depend on the size of the new contract and the team’s financial situation, so it’s not a simple formula.

The Strategy Behind Accepting a Qualifying Offer

Accepting a qualifying offer is a calculated risk. That guaranteed $22 million-plus for one year is nothing to sneeze at, but it’s also a bet on yourself for the next season.

Take Woodruff, for example. He’s coming off an injury, so sticking with a familiar team might help him get back to full strength before he tries free agency again. Imanaga? He probably sees 2025 as a shot to build on his rookie year and aim for a bigger, longer deal.

Looking Ahead to Next Offseason

A player can only get a qualifying offer once in their career. So Imanaga, Woodruff, Grisham, and Torres will be unrestricted free agents in 2025, with no qualifying offer standing in the way.

Teams might already be planning whether to lock these guys up long-term or brace for a bidding war when next offseason rolls around. It’s hard to say which way things will go, but it’s definitely going to keep front offices busy.

Impact on Team Building and Fan Expectations

Fans can probably expect their teams to build around these returning stars for at least one more season. The Cubs keep a top-of-the-rotation weapon.

The Brewers hold onto an All-Star arm. The Yankees hang onto their defensive anchor in center, and the Tigers preserve a cornerstone in their infield.

Baseball executives, though, already feel the pressure of next year’s offseason moves. The clock’s ticking, and nobody wants to fall behind.

 
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