Major League Baseball teams extended qualifying offers to just eight players for the 2027 season, reflecting a relatively small group of eligible free agents as the offseason begins. Each player received the opportunity to remain with his current team on a one-year contract worth $23.15 million.
The offers were due Monday, November 2, following the completion of the World Series. Players have until November 17 at 4 p.m. Eastern to accept or reject their offers, with their decisions potentially affecting free-agent negotiations and the compensation teams receive for losing players.
The eight recipients are Randy Arozarena of the Seattle Mariners, Seiya Suzuki of the Chicago Cubs, Ryan Jeffers of the Minnesota Twins, Brandon Lowe of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Trevor Rogers of the Baltimore Orioles, Adrián Morejón of the San Diego Padres, David Bednar of the New York Yankees and Jake Bauers of the Milwaukee Brewers.
The total is smaller than last offseason, when 13 players received qualifying offers. It also continues a period in which teams have become increasingly selective about committing significant guaranteed salaries to players entering free agency.
Why Only Eight Players Received Qualifying Offers
The qualifying-offer system allows teams to retain certain departing players on a one-year contract while protecting themselves through potential draft-pick compensation. The salary is calculated using the average pay of Major League Baseball's 125 highest-paid players.
For the 2027 season, that figure is $23.15 million, an increase from the $22.025 million qualifying offer available during the previous offseason. The rising amount makes the decision particularly important for clubs evaluating players who might command lower salaries on the open market.
Teams must also consider whether their players are eligible. A free agent cannot receive another qualifying offer if he has already been given one at any point in his career.
Players who changed organizations during the 2026 season are generally ineligible as well. To qualify, a player must have remained with the same organization throughout the required period.
These restrictions help explain why several prominent names were absent from the eight-player list. The small number does not necessarily mean that every valuable free agent is unavailable or that the entire market lacks established talent.
MLB.com identified the relatively modest free-agent class and eligibility restrictions as major reasons for the limited number of expected offers. Some teams also had to weigh whether a player might accept the guaranteed salary rather than pursue a multiyear contract elsewhere.
David Bednar Faces an Important Decision With Yankees
New York Yankees closer David Bednar is among the most recognizable players to receive a qualifying offer. The right-handed reliever became an important part of the team's bullpen after arriving from the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2025.
Bednar recorded 35 saves in 39 opportunities during the 2026 season while posting a 2.47 earned run average. His performance helped establish him as one of the more dependable late-inning pitchers available this offseason.
The $23.15 million offer would provide him with a substantial guaranteed salary for one season. However, Bednar could seek a longer contract that offers greater financial security.
New York must consider the possibility of losing its closer while also evaluating the cost of retaining him. If Bednar rejects the offer and signs with another club, the Yankees would become eligible for draft-pick compensation.
The team did not extend a qualifying offer to infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr., who had also been discussed as a possible candidate. That decision highlights the financial calculations involved when clubs decide whether a player is worth the guaranteed commitment.
Randy Arozarena and Seiya Suzuki Lead Outfield Group
Seattle Mariners outfielder Randy Arozarena enters free agency after producing one of his strongest offensive seasons. He finished 2026 with 26 home runs and 26 stolen bases while recording a 148 OPS+, a statistic that adjusts offensive production for ballpark and league conditions.
Arozarena's combination of power and speed gives him considerable appeal to teams seeking an established everyday outfielder. His consistent performance over several seasons could strengthen his case for a multiyear agreement.
The Mariners now face the possibility of either retaining him for one season at the qualifying-offer salary or receiving compensation if he rejects the offer and signs elsewhere.
Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki also received an offer after completing his five-year, $85 million contract. Suzuki established himself as a productive major league hitter during that agreement, finishing the period with 113 home runs and a 128 OPS+.
His offensive consistency makes him another player who could attract interest beyond his current organization. A multiyear contract may be more appealing than accepting a single season of guaranteed salary.
Both outfielders are expected to be important names in the early stages of free agency, although their decisions remain unconfirmed.
Jake Bauers and Brandon Lowe Earn Offers After Strong Seasons
Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Jake Bauers emerged as one of the more interesting qualifying-offer recipients. His selection follows a breakout 2026 season that included 26 home runs and a .266 batting average over 144 games.
Bauers also posted a .389 on-base percentage and a .484 slugging percentage. His improved production helped Milwaukee win the World Series, and he earned National League Championship Series MVP honors.
The qualifying offer represents a dramatic salary increase from the $2.7 million Bauers earned in 2026. Accepting it would give him substantial financial security following the strongest season of his career.
However, the first baseman could also attempt to use his recent performance to secure a longer agreement. Milwaukee must now prepare for either outcome as it begins planning its title defense.
Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Brandon Lowe also received an offer following an excellent season. Lowe hit 35 home runs, drove in 96 runs and recorded an .824 OPS over 150 games.
His offensive production and improved defense made him one of Pittsburgh's most valuable players. The combination could attract interest from teams looking for an experienced infielder with power.
Lowe's decision will influence whether Pittsburgh retains a key contributor or receives compensation when he signs with another organization.
Pitchers Trevor Rogers and Adrián Morejón Receive Offers
Baltimore Orioles starter Trevor Rogers received a qualifying offer following a season marked by inconsistent stretches and strong performances. The left-hander struggled during part of the campaign but remained productive across much of his workload.
Over the 2025 and 2026 seasons combined, Rogers delivered nearly 300 innings with a 3.16 earned run average. That record gives teams reason to consider him a valuable rotation option despite periods of difficulty.
Rogers will turn 29 before the 2027 season, making him younger than many established pitchers entering free agency. His age and starting experience could make a multiyear contract attractive.
San Diego Padres reliever Adrián Morejón is another pitcher facing an important decision. The left-hander has developed into one of baseball's more effective bullpen arms, combining high velocity with strong strikeout production.
Over the past three seasons, Morejón recorded a 2.58 ERA and 248 strikeouts across 223 1/3 innings. His fastball velocity and ability to handle demanding relief assignments have increased his value.
Unlike many established relievers, Morejón is still relatively young and may have opportunities to expand his role. Teams could evaluate him as a late-inning option while also considering whether he has the potential to return to a starting role.
Ryan Jeffers Gives Twins a Decision at Catcher
Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers rounds out the group of eight qualifying-offer recipients. The veteran has developed a reputation as a productive offensive catcher and remains an important part of Minnesota's roster.
Since the beginning of the 2023 season, Jeffers has ranked among the more effective hitters at his position. His performance gives the Twins a reason to consider retaining him despite the substantial one-year salary.
Catchers with established major league experience can attract interest from clubs that need dependable offensive production behind the plate. However, the market for starting catchers is often smaller than the markets for other positions.
Jeffers must decide whether the guaranteed salary represents his best opportunity or whether a multiyear contract would provide greater security. Minnesota will learn his decision by the November 17 deadline.
Tarik Skubal Among Major Free Agents Who Are Ineligible
Several prominent free agents were not eligible for qualifying offers because they changed teams during the season or had previously received an offer.
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tarik Skubal is among the most notable examples. Skubal was traded during the 2026 season, making him ineligible for a qualifying offer under the current rules.
Other prominent ineligible players include Freddy Peralta, Luis Arraez, Casey Mize and Daulton Varsho, all of whom changed organizations during the year.
Players who previously received qualifying offers are also excluded. That group includes Shota Imanaga, Gleyber Torres, Michael King, Kevin Gausman and Brandon Woodruff.
These exclusions demonstrate why the number of qualifying offers is not a complete measure of free-agent talent. Some players could still command substantial contracts despite being absent from the qualifying-offer list.
November 17 Deadline Will Shape Free Agency
The qualifying-offer system has produced relatively few acceptances since its introduction in 2012. MLB records show that only 18 of the first 157 offers were accepted through the previous offseason.
Four players accepted last year, establishing a record for the most acceptances in one offseason. Trent Grisham, Shota Imanaga, Gleyber Torres and Brandon Woodruff