Philadelphia Phillies Offseason Preview

Michael GinnittiOctober 27, 2025
© USA Today Sports

The Phillies 96 wins last season was their most since 2011, and the third straight year of 90+. That success couldn’t translate to the postseason however, as Philadelphia was bounced by the Dodgers in the NLDS. Philly holds some of the larger chips this offseason, with the likes of Kyle Schwarber, JT Realmuto, and Ranger Suarez all set to hit the open market.

A Bright Spot
SP Cristopher Sanchez blossomed into one of the game’s best arms, hitting career marks in every category and posting a 7.6 WAR in 2025. He’s under contract for another 5 years, $47M, which should provide Philadelphia incredible value.

A Big Concern
RF Nick Castellanos appears to have played his final game for the Phillies, one way or another. The 34-year-old is due $20M in 2026, and Philly appears prepared to eat that salary if they can’t find a trade partner this winter. He posted 5 year lows across the board last season.

Related Links
2026 Phillies Financials
MLB Offseason Guides

Pending Free Agents

Schwarber produced one of the most prolific seasons in Phillies history, and keeping him in-house will be a priority, but it’ll come at a cost. The 32-year-old projects toward a 4 year, $100M contract in our system, but a bidding war will escalate that quickly. Realmuto should be much more affordable and hold immense locker value to this franchise.

PLAYER MARKET VALUE
Ranger Suarez (SP, 30) $27M
Kyle Schwarber (DH/OF, 32) $25M
J.T. Realmuto (C, 34) $13M
Max Kepler (OF, 32) $7.6M
David Robertson (RP, 40) $6M
Jordan Romano (RP, 32) $2.8M

Option Decisions

Alvarado’s team option is very likely to be exercised, while Bader will decline his side of the mutual decision and hit free agency fresh off of his big year at the plate.

PLAYER OPTION SALARY
Jose Alvarado (RP, 30) $9M club option ($500k buyout)
Harrison Bader (OF, 31) $10M mutual option ($3M buyout)

Arbitration-Eligibility

Luzardo, Bohm, and Sosa are entering contract years, and the latter could be brought up in trade discussions as the Phillies attempt to navigate a very expensive outlook for 2026.

PLAYER OPTION SALARY
Jesús Luzardo (SP, 28) $12M
Alec Bohm (3B, 29) $10.25M
Jhoan Duran (RP, 28) $8M
Edmundo Sosa (INF, 30) $7.5M
Brandon Marsh (CF, 28) $5.5M
Bryson Stott (2B, 28) $5.5M
Tanner Banks (RP, 34) $1.25M
Garrett Stubbs (C, 33) $925k

Guaranteed Salary

Wheeler’s in recovery from thoracic outlet surgery and could be ready for Opening Day. Turner had a resurgence in 2025, while Castellanos isn’t expected back next season.

PLAYER CBT SALARY
Zack Wheeler (SP, 36) $42M
Trea Turner (SS, 33) $27.2M
Bryce Harper (1B, 33) $25.3M
Aaron Nola (SP, 33) $24.5M
Nick Castellanos (RF, 34) $20M
Taijuan Walker (SP, 33) $18M
Cristopher Sanchez (SP, 29) $5.6M

Team Tax Projections

The Phillies pushed north of $300M according to our 2025 CBT data, and are already projected to be over the $244M threshold in 2026 with just 30 players active on their 40-man roster. Will the organization be willing to swim with the Mets and Dodgers in $350M-land for an all-in season?

Spotrac's 2026 MLB Offseason Previews

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New York Yankees Offseason Preview

Michael GinnittiOctober 27, 2025
© USA Today Sports

The Yankees matched their 94-68 record from 2024, where they suffered a 4-1 World Series loss to the Dodgers. Their luck ran out much earlier this time around, bowing out of the ALDS 3-1 against Toronto. NY battled significant injuries to their rotation, completely revamped their bullpen at the deadline, and was awarded with another MVP-caliber season from Aaron Judge.

A Bright Spot
Gerrit Cole’s offseason surgery put a damper on the start of the year, but Max Fried & Carlos Rodon combined to pick up that slack with outstanding 2025 campaigns. Rodon will begin 2026 on the IL, but with Cam Schlittler also in the mix now, the Yankees rotation turned a corner this past season.

A Big Concern
Outfield. Cody Bellinger & Trent Grisham are pending free agents, and Jasson Domínguez, a once highly-touted prospect, couldn’t find his sea legs in 2025. For now, the Yankees project to send out Dominguez, Judge (who’s elbow concerns are a whole other story), and top prospect Spencer Jones in 2026.

Related Links
2026 Yankees Financials
MLB Offseason Guides

Pending Free Agents

Bellinger opted-out of a $25M salary for both a raise, and a multi-year guarantee this winter. Grisham is hitting free agency for the first time coming off of a career-year at the plate. The Yankees aggressive trade deadline has already accounted for the losses of Weaver and Williams this winter.

PLAYER MARKET VALUE
Cody Bellinger (OF, 30) $30M
Trent Grisham (OF, 28) $12M
Luke Weaver (RP, 32) $10M
Paul Goldschmidt (1B, 38) $7M
Devin Williams (RP, 31) $5.8M
Amed Rosario (UTIL, 29) $3.1M
Austin Slater (OF, 32) $2.6M
Ryan Yarbrough (RP, 33) $2M

Option Decisions

Loaisiga battled an injury-filled 2025 and will likely have his $5M salary declined, though a re-sign isn’t out of the question. Hill will stick on his $3M salary after 70 solid appearances.

PLAYER OPTION SALARY
Jonathan Loaisiga (RP, 30) $5M club option
Tim Hill (RP, 35) $3M club option ($350k buyout)

Arbitration-Eligibility

Chisholm is entering a walk-year in 2026 and has already expressed interest in locking in a multi-year extension to remain in NY. Bednar, also heading into a contract year, is another name to watch. The 31-year-old should secure the 9th inning duties for the Yankees in 2026. Volpe ($3.25M) and Caballero ($2.5M) could be vying for the starting SS role next season. 

PLAYER PROJ. ARB SALARY
Jazz Chisholm (2B, 28) $11.7M
David Bednar (RP, 31) $9M
Camilo Doval (RP, 28) $5.5M
Clarke Schmidt (SP, 30) $5M
Mark Leiter Jr. (RP, 35) $3.75M
Luis Gil (SP, 28) $3.4M
Anthony Volpe (SS, 25) $3.25M
José Caballero (SS, 29) $2.5M
Fernando Cruz (RP, 36) $1.25M
Jake Bird (RP, 30) $1M
Oswaldo Cabrera (3B, 27) $1M
Jake Cousins (RP, 31) $900k
Scott Effross (RP, 32) $900k
Ian Hamilton (RP, 31) $850k

Guaranteed Salary

Judge’s deal has 6 years, $240M remaining on it through 2031. While Cole returns from Tommy John on a 3 year, $108M contract through 2028. McMahon, who projects as the Opening Day 3B, is under contract through 2027 at $16M per year.

PLAYER CBT SALARY
Aaron Judge (RF, 34) $40M
Gerrit Cole (SP, 35) $36M
Max Fried (SP, 32) $27.25M
Carlos Rodon (SP, 33) $27M
Giancarlo Stanton (DH, 36) $22M
Ryan McMahon (3B, 31) $11.6M

Team Tax Projections

The Yankees exceeded the CBT threshold by an estimated $77M last season according to our numbers. They enter 2026 with a $254M payroll projection, $10M north of the new line with just 33 players currently allocated to their 40-man roster.

Spotrac's 2026 MLB Offseason Previews

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Toronto Blue Jays Offseason Preview

Michael GinnittiOctober 27, 2025
© USA Today Sports

Toronto’s 94-win season was their highest total since 2015, leading them to an AL East title and eventual trip to the World Series. The Blue Jays carried the 5th highest payroll in 2025, projected to come in at $280M according to our data. Will they keep the gas pedal down in 2026 and foot the repeat-tax bill?

A Bright Spot
3B Ernie Clement, a career minor leaguer until Toronto gave him a full look in 2024, prompting a 300-game stretch where he’s produced toward an 8 WAR. His hit for contact approach at the bottom of the lineup has defined the Blue Jays memorable season.

A Big Concern
SS Bo Bichette is a pending free agent, and one of the top names set to hit the open market. The 2016 2nd round pick has battled injuries in each of the past 3 seasons, but has maintained 25 HR, 100 RBI, .850 OPS level production through 6+ seasons. He values toward an 8 year, $186M contract in our system.

Related Links
2026 Blue Jays Financials
MLB Offseason Guides

Pending Free Agents

Bichette is eyeing a blockbuster deal this winter, which could make life very expensive for the Blue Jays if they push to retain him. Bassitt and Scherzer both have interest in continuing their careers, but they might need to accept incentive-laden deals this time around.

PLAYER MARKET VALUE
Bo Bichette (SS, 27) $23M
Chris Bassitt (SP, 36) $15.5M
Seranthony Dominguez (RP, 30) $10M
Max Scherzer (SP, 41) $9M
Isiah Kiner-Falefa (UTIL, 30) $5M
Ty France (1B, 31) $1.5M

Option Decisions

Bieber’s 7 starts down the stretch following a return from Tommy John surgery proved extremely vital for this Blue Jays organization who will need another veteran arm on the books for 2026. The former Cleveland ace projects to a 6 year, $145M contract in our system.

PLAYER OPTION SALARY
Shane Bieber (SP, 30) $16M player option ($4M buyout)

Arbitration-Eligibility

Varsho will be heading into a walk-year in 2026, and should be an extension candidate this winter. Clement remains tremendous value, and is cost-controlled through 2028.

PLAYER PROJ. ARB SALARY
Daulton Varsho (OF, 29) $11.3M
Eric Lauer (RP, 31) $5.3M
Ernie Clement (3B, 30) $3.5M
Nick Sandlin (RP, 29) $2.6M
Tyler Heineman (C, 35) $1.5M
Dillon Tate (RP, 32) $1.4M
Ryan Burr (RP, 32) $850k

Guaranteed Salary

Guerrero’s 14 year, $500M contract kicks in next season, giving him the 7th highest tax salary in MLB (for now). There’s a well established, balanced core under contract here.

PLAYER CBT SALARY
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (1B, 27) $35.7M
George Springer (DH/OF, 36) $25M
Kevin Gausman (SP, 35) $22M
José Berríos (SP, 32) $18.7M
Andres Gimenez (INF, 27) $15.2M
Anthony Santander (OF, 31) $13.7M
Alejandro Kirk (C, 27) $11.6M
Jeff Hoffman (RP, 33) $11M
Yimi Garcia (RP, 35) $7.5M
Yariel Rodriguez (RP, 29) $6.4M
Myles Straw (OF, 31) $6.3M

Team Tax Projections

The 2025 Blue Jays exceeded the tax threshold by nearly $40M, pushing their chips in at the right time. They begin the 2026 league year with a payroll just under the $244M line, making another year in the tax inevitable.

Spotrac's 2026 MLB Offseason Previews

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Los Angeles Dodgers Offseason Preview

Michael GinnittiOctober 27, 2025
© USA Today Sports

The 93-win Dodgers won their 4th consecutive NL West title in 2025 and are headed back to the World Series for the 2nd straight season (5th time in 9 years). Is it truly a pay to play league, or are the Dodgers just constructing their roster better than everyone else? Recent trends point toward the likelihood of a little bit of both, but this team will remain a contender until further notice.

A Bright Spot
Another year, another next man up in LA. CF Andy Pages (the #9 hitter) posted 27 doubles, 27 homers, 86 RBI, and 14 stolen bases in a breakout season. The 24-year-old was signed out of Cuba on a $300,000 bonus back in 2018, and is under team control through 2030.

A Big Concern
Injuries? While they certainly haven’t impeded the franchise from reaching its annual goal, the Dodgers have spent most of the past three seasons battling significant injuries in all facets of the roster. Will there be a point where they simply don’t have enough horsepower to maintain good standing through the marathon season?

Related Links
2026 Dodgers Financials
MLB Offseason Guides

Pending Free Agents

Let’s put it this way: None of these names scream “the Dodgers will be weaker in 2026”.

PLAYER MARKET VALUE
Clayton Kershaw (SP, 37) Retirement
Michael Conforto (OF, 32) $6.6M
Miguel Rojas (INF, 36) $3.5M
Kirby Yates (RP, 38) $1.1M
Michael Kopech (SP, 29) Minimum

Option Decisions

At this point it doesn’t appear likely that Muncy will be brought back on this option, at least initially speaking. If he’s not overwhelmed elsewhere this winter ($14.5M market value), don’t count out a late return.

PLAYER OPTION SALARY
Max Muncy (3B/1B, 35) $10M club option
Alex Vesia (RP, 29) $3.6M club option ($50k buyout)

Arbitration-Eligibility

Half of these players finished 2025 on the Injured List, while only Banda has made much of an impact down the stretch. 

PLAYER PROJ. ARB SALARY
Evan Phillips (RP, 31) $6.1M
Tony Gonsolin (SP, 32) $5.4M
Brusdar Graterol (RP, 27) $2.8M
Alex Call (OF, 31) $2.75M
Anthony Banda (RP, 32) $2M
Brock Stewart (RP, 34) $1.5M
Ben Rortvedt (C, 28) $1.25M
Esteury Ruiz (OF, 27) $1M
Michael Grove (RP, 29) $850k

Guaranteed Salary

When healthy, this is quite frankly one of the best groups of veteran contracts in MLB, and maybe ever. There tends to be a surprising move from this front office each offseason, so it stands to reason that at least one of these contracts is removed in some fashion, but there’s a world where this group is run back for 2026.

PLAYER CBT SALARY
Shohei Ohtani (TWP, 31) $46M
Blake Snell (SP, 33) $31.3M
Mookie Betts (SS, 33) $30.4M
Tyler Glasnow (SP, 32) $27.3M
Yoshinobu Yamamoto (SP, 27) $27M
Freddie Freeman (1B, 36) $27M
Teoscar Hernandez (OF, 33) $19.9M
Tanner Scott (RP, 31) $16.2M
Tommy Edman (UTIL, 31) $13M
Will Smith (C, 31) $12.2M
Blake Treinen (RP, 38) $11M
Hyeseong Kim (2B, 27) $4.1M

Team Tax Projections

The 2025 Dodgers broke the $400M ceiling, posting an estimated $416M CBT payroll according to our numbers. They hit the ground running in 2026 with a projected $316M tax payroll, $71M over the threshold. Oh and by the way, they’re already rumored to be in on free agent RF Kyle Tucker this winter.

Spotrac's 2026 MLB Offseason Previews

los angeles dodgers mlb

Chicago Cubs Offseason Preview

Michael GinnittiOctober 27, 2025
© USA Today Sports

The Cubs’ 92 win season was their highest total in 8 seasons, but not enough to secure the NL Central away from Milwaukee, whom they eventually lost the NLDS to as well. All said, it was a big step forward for a franchise that has been reeling since turning a World Series winning roster over after 2017, and the front office doesn’t appear to be ready to back down any time soon.

A Bright Spot
The bats are alive. Resurgent seasons from Nico Hoerner, Dansby Swanson, Ian Happ, and Michael Busch, plus a breakout most-of-season from 24-year-old Pete Crow-Armstrong factored into a +144 run differential for the Cubs in 2025. All are on the books for 2026.

A Big Concern
The Cubs have been patchworking together a bullpen for the better part of 3 seasons, and probably don’t have a lot of confidence in what remains for 2026 currently speaking. Will they spend a bulk of their offense going after MLB-ready arms?

Related Links
2026 Cubs Financials
MLB Offseason Guides

Pending Free Agents

Despite a calf injury and a bit of a production freeze down the stretch, Tucker still projects to be the big fish this winter, and is likely priced out of Chicago’s reach with a large-market bidding war. Bringing back a few arms at under-value pricing will certainly help, but the Cubs have a roster ready to compete without working too hard right now.

PLAYER MARKET VALUE
Kyle Tucker (RF, 28) $40M
Aaron Civale (SP, 30) $15M
Willi Castro (INF, 28) $11M
Carlos Santana (1B, 39) $6M
Caleb Thielbar (RP, 38) $5.4M
Michael Soroka (RP, 28) $3.6M
Taylor Rogers (RP, 34) $3.5M
Drew Pomeranz (RP, 36) $2.2M
Brad Keller (SP, 30) $1.75M
Ryan Brasier (RP, 38) $1.5M

Option Decisions

Imanaga’s option situation is a bit messy (but probably shouldn’t be). The Cubs have the ability to fully guarantee the next 3 years, $57.75M right now, no questions asked. If they decline to do that, Imanaga gains a $15M player option for 2026. If he declines that, he’ll be allowed to test free agency. Keeping a potential top of the rotation starter at under $20M per year seems a no-brainer.

PLAYER OPTION SALARY
Shota Imanaga (SP, 32) Mutual Option
Andrew Kittredge (RP, 35) $9M club option ($1M buyout)
Colin Rea (RP, 35) $6M club option ($750k buyout
Justin Turner (3B, 40) $10M mutual option ($2M buyout)

Arbitration-Eligibility

Steele is returning from UCL surgery and could rejoin the rotation out of camp. Assad should be competing for a back of the rotation spot once the dust settles. Morgan and McGuire could be non-tender candidates.

PLAYER PROJ. ARB SALARY
Justin Steele (SP, 30) $6.75M
Javier Assad (RP, 28) $2M
Reese McGuire (C, 31) $2M
Eli Morgan (RP, 30) $1.25M

Guaranteed Salary

This time last year, there was talk about attempting to trade more than a few of these names. This time around the organization seems to have a strong core of veteran contracts on the books for the foreseeable future.

PLAYER CBT SALARY
Dansby Swanson (SS, 32) $25.2M
Ian Happ (OF, 31) $20.3M
Jameson Taillon (SP, 34) $17M
Seiya Suzuki (OF, 31) $17M
Matthew Boyd (SP, 35) $14.5M
Nico Hoerner (2B, 29) $11.6M
Carson Kelly (C, 31) $5.75M

Team Tax Projections

The Cubs stayed about $14M under the tax threshold last season according to our data, and they enter the 2026 league year with a CBT projection near $171M. There’s room to exercise options, re-sign a few free agents, add a few new ones as well.

Spotrac's 2026 MLB Offseason Previews

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San Diego Padres Offseason Preview

Michael GinnittiOctober 27, 2025
© USA Today Sports

The Padres garnered 90+ wins for the second straight season, good enough for a 2nd place finish in the NL West before an eventual Wild Card loss to the Cubs. San Diego was a tax-payer in 2025 carrying the 6th highest CBT payroll in MLB according to our data. Outside of a major player trade, the Padres project to be flirting with that threshold yet again in 2026.

A Bright Spot
SP Nick Pivetta emerged as a much needed ace for this rotation, fresh off of a 4 year, $55M free agent contract. Unfortunately for the Padres, Pivetta has the ability to opt-out of the contract after 2026, so another solid year could mean it’s back to the drawing board.

A Big Concern
Speaking of which. The starting rotation after Pivetta is a big unknown. Michael King & Dylan Cease are pending free agents. Joe Musgrove is still recovering from Tommy John. Yu Darvish is approaching 40 years old, and JP Sears struggled mightily in San Diego after being acquired from the A’s at the deadline.

Related Links
2026 Padres Financials
MLB Offseason Guides

Pending Free Agents

Of the list, Cease seems the most likely to return based on positional need, age, etc…but he’ll cost an arm and a leg to do so. Arraez will be one of the more interesting free agent cases to follow, as the league hasn’t valued pure contact hitters much at all in recent years.

PLAYER MARKET VALUE
Dylan Cease (SP, 29) $26.5M
Luis Arraez (2B, 28) $14M
Nestor Cortes (SP, 30) $12M
Ryan O'Hearn (DH 32) $11M
Jose Iglesias (INF, 35) $1.5M

Option Decisions

King is all but certain to decline his option in favor of a multi-year guarantee in free agency (projecting toward a 4 year, $90M contract in our system). Suarez has been one of the best closers in baseball the past two seasons and should double his annual salary on the open market.

PLAYER OPTION SALARY
Michael King (SP, 30) $15M mutual option ($3.75M buyout)
Robert Suarez (RP, 34) ETO (2 yrs, $16M)
Ramon Laureano (OF, 31) $6.5M club option
Elias Diaz (C, 34) $7M mutual option ($2M buyout)
Wandy Peralta (RP, 34) ETO (2 yrs, $8.9M)

Arbitration-Eligibility

This is an area where the Padres appear to be ahead of the curve: plenty of cost-controlled, productive relievers all returning for 2026. Miller probably takes over closing duties for Suarez, and San Diego can keep its focus on acquiring/retaining rotation help.

PLAYER PROJ. ARB SALARY
Jason Adam (RP, 34) $6.25M
Adrian Morejon (RP, 27) $5.25M
Mason Miller (RP, 27) $3.3M
Gavin Sheets (DH, 30) $3.2M
JP Sears (SP, 30) $2.5M
Freddy Fermin (C, 31) $2.2M
Luis Campusano (C, 27) $1M
Bryan Hoeing (RP, 29) $850k

Guaranteed Salary

The Padres have run the top of this group back for 3+ seasons, and its paid dividends for the most part. With so many starting pitching holes to fill this winter, will the front office be motivated to move a major bat?

PLAYER CBT SALARY
Manny Machado (3B, 33) $31.8M
Xander Bogaerts (2B, 33) $25.4M
Fernando Tatis Jr. (OF, 27) $24.2M
Joe Musgrove (SP, 33) $20M
Yu Darvish (SP, 39) $18M
Jackson Merrill (OF, 23) $15M
Nick Pivetta (SP, 33) $13.75M
Jake Cronenworth (1B, 32) $11.4M
Yuki Matsui (RP, 30) $5.6M

Team Tax Projections

San Diego projects toward an Opening Day CBT payroll at $230M right now, $14M below the threshold. They’ll subtract as much as they’ll add this offseason, but it’s safe to say that the Padres are headed toward a repeater-tax situation for 2026.

Spotrac's 2026 MLB Offseason Previews

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Seattle Mariners Offseason Preview

Michael GinnittiOctober 27, 2025
© USA Today Sports

The Mariners have had plenty of 90-win seasons in recent history, but they haven’t been to the ALCS since 2001. They’ll be looking to build off of a fantastic 2025 campaign, with much of this winning roster already under contract.

A Bright Spot
I mean it’s obviously Cal Raleigh who appears to be neck and neck with Yankees OF Aaron Judge for AL MVP. The 28-year-old is under contract for 5 more years, $94M, giving Seattle one of the best two-way players in baseball at under $19M per year.

A Big Concern
How to proceed. When teams instantly find themselves this close to the finish line, we’ve seen front offices sit on their hands and hope it’s completely repeatable, throw money at a wall and try to buy their way to the trophy, or land somewhere in the middle. Seattle’s roster decisions this offseason should include aggressively trying to re-sign their free agents, trading a few notable players (both for baseball and financial purposes), and of course, bringing in/up a little fresh blood. It’s much much easier said than done.

Related Links
2026 Mariners Financials
MLB Offseason Guides

Pending Free Agents

Naylor should be a priority as he became an instant fit for this group, and fills an immediate positional need. Bringing back Suarez for the stretch run was a great story, but continuing on at a veteran price tag probably doesn’t make sense.

PLAYER MARKET VALUE
Josh Naylor (1B, 28) $16.5M
Eugenio Suarez (3B, 34) $15M
Caleb Ferguson (RP, 29) $3.5M

Option Decisions

Exercising the Munoz salary will be one of the easier decisions Seattle gets to make this Fall. Declining the Garver option won’t be far behind. Polanco’s option escalated to $8M thanks to his big season, but the 32-year-old will be seeking both a raise, and a multi-year guarantee on the open market. As a full-time starter, he’s a 3 year, $45M player in our system.

PLAYER OPTION SALARY
Jorge Polanco (2B, 32) $8M player option ($1M buyout)
Andres Munoz (RP, 27) $7M club option
Mitch Garver (C, 35) $12M mutual option ($1M buyout)

Arbitration-Eligibility

Here’s where things start to get interesting. Seattle likely needs to move on from a bat in order to restock the bullpen and/or resign the likes of Naylor and/or Polanco. Look for serious Arozarena trade talks to heat up around winter meetings, as the 31-year-old enters his final year of team control. Kirby should be strongly considered for a contract extension this offseason.

PLAYER PROJ. ARB SALARY
Randy Arozarena (OF, 31) $16M
Logan Gilbert (SP, 29) $11.5M
George Kirby (SP, 28) $6.5M
Trent Thornton (RP, 32) $3M
Bryce Miller (SP, 27) $2.5M
Matt Brash (RP, 28) $1.75M
Gabe Speier (RP, 31) $1.75M
Luke Raley (1B, 31) $1.75M
Tayler Saucedo (RP, 33) $1.25M
Gregory Santos (RP, 26) $850k

Guaranteed Salary

Castillo has 2 years, $45.5M remaining on his deal and should be brought up in trade discussions (once again). With the exception of Robles (who still needs to prove he can be a consistent MLB hitter), Seattle is garnering a ton of financial value with these contracts.

PLAYER CBT SALARY
Luis Castillo (SP, 33) $21.6M
Cal Raleigh (C, 29) $17.5M
Julio Rodriguez (OF, 25) $17.4M
J.P. Crawford (SS, 31) $10.2M
Victor Robles (OF, 29) $4.8M

Team Tax Projections

The Mariners posted a franchise-high $191M CBT payroll last season, and were certainly rewarded for their spending. They enter the 2026 league with a projected tax payroll just under $150M, but could very well find themselves over the $200M mark before it’s all said and done.

Spotrac's 2026 MLB Offseason Previews

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Boston Red Sox Offseason Preview

Michael GinnittiOctober 27, 2025
© USA Today Sports

Boston’s 89 wins was their most since the 2021 season, but it was only good enough for 3rd place in the AL East and an eventual Wild Card round loss to their rival Yankees. Boston projects to have gone over the tax threshold in 2025 for the first time in 4 seasons, and with their eyes set on bigger games, should be in line to dip right back into that well for 2026.

A Bright Spot
The 27-and-under club. SP Garrett Crochet was outstanding on the bump. CF Ceddanne Rafaela is a mini 5-tool player. RF Wilyer Abreu has now posted back-to-back big years. LF Roman Anthony hit the ground running (before injury). And SP Brayan Bello should remain at the top of the rotation in 2026.

A Big Concern
First Base. Triston Casas has now dealt with two injury-plagued seasons and is arbitration-eligible for the first time this winter. The Hot Stove is steaming with the possibility of Pete Alonso joining Boston for the next ½ decade.

Related Links
2026 Red Sox Financials
MLB Offseason Guides

Pending Free Agents

Bregman opted-out of 2 years, $50M remaining and will be seeking both a raise, and a longer term guarantee this Winter. 

PLAYER MARKET VALUE
Alex Bregman (3B, 31) $27.6M
Rob Refsnyder (OF, 35) $4.25M
Dustin May (SP, 28) $3.8M
Steven Matz (SP, 34) $3.5M
Justin Wilson (RP, 38) $1.5M

Option Decisions

Story is expected to decline his early termination option and remain in the fold through 2027. Duran is a top trade name this winter, while Boston awaits word on Giolito’s $19M decision before they finalize priorities.

PLAYER OPTION SALARY
Trevor Story (SS, 32) ETO (2 yrs, $55M)
Jarren Duran (OF, 29) $8M club option ($100k)
Lucas Giolito (SP, 31) $19M mutual option ($1.5M buyout)
Liam Hendriks (RP, 36) $12M mutual option ($2M buyout)

Arbitration-Eligibility

Lowe was added in August after being granted his release from Washington, but did very little to make a name for himself in Boston down the stretch. He’s a fringe trade, but more likely a non-tender candidate this winter. Duran holds an $8M club option for 2026 that Boston is likely to exercise in lieu of going back through the arbitration process.

PLAYER PROJ. ARB SALARY
Nathaniel Lowe (1B, 30) $12.75M
Jarren Duran (OF, 29) $7.2M*
Tanner Houck (SP, 30) $4M
Kutter Crawford (SP, 30) $2.75M
Romy Gonzalez (2B, 29) $1.75M
Connor Wong (C, 30) $1.75M
Triston Casas (1B, 26) $1.5M
Brennan Bernardino (RP, 34) $1M
Josh Winckowski (RP, 28) $850k
Zack Kelly (RP, 31) $820k

Guaranteed Salary

There’s a lot of value to be had year with young, somewhat team-controlled extensions up and down this list. Yoshida is now a high-priced platoon OF/DH, with 2 years, $36M remaining on his contract. Campbell is another player to watch for here, as he spent much of 2025 trying to re-find his sea legs in the minors, and could be in for a change of scenery move this winter.

PLAYER CBT SALARY
Garrett Crochet (SP, 27) $28.3M
Masataka Yoshida (OF, 32) $18M
Roman Anthony (OF, 22) $16.25M
Aroldis Chapman (RP, 38) $13.3M
Jordan Hicks (RP, 29) $10.2M
Brayan Bello (SP, 27) $9.1M
Patrick Sandoval (SP, 29) $9.1M
Kristian Campbell (UTIL, 24) $7.5M
Ceddanne Rafaela (OF, 25) $6.25M
Garrett Whitlock (SP, 30) $4.6M

Team Tax Projections

Boston enters the offseason with a projected CBT payroll already north of $210M. There are trades and non-tenders forthcoming, but this certainly has the makings of a team that won’t let a tax threshold stop them from putting together a World Series contending roster this winter. You know, like the Red Sox of old.

Spotrac's 2026 MLB Offseason Previews

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Cleveland Guardians Offseason Preview

Michael GinnittiOctober 27, 2025
© USA Today Sports

Cleveland posted 88 wins and won the AL Central, despite a run differential of -6. They bowed out of the Wild Card round to Detroit, but still likely exceeded internal expectations through the 2025 campaign.

A Bright Spot
SP Gavin Williams. The 26-year-old took the reins as the latest homegrown developed ace, and is team-controlled for 4 more seasons. Can the Guardians get him to buy in on an early extension (Tanner Bibee signed a 5 year, $48M deal with 4 years of control remaining). Agent Scott Boras might make this a long shot request.

A Big Concern
Offense. Cleveland was near the bottom of the league in runs scored, power, and average. With much of the roster outlined for young, well-developed talent (and even more coming soon), the addition of a veteran MLB-ready bat or two could really vault this team into a new tier.

Related Links
2026 Guardians Financials
MLB Offseason Guides

Pending Free Agents

Junis made 57 appearances last season and should be considered for a return around the same $4.5M cost.

PLAYER MARKET VALUE
Jake Junis (RP, 33) $3.8M
Lane Thomas (OF, 30) $2.5M

Option Decisions

Means missed all of 2025 from Tommy John surgery.

PLAYER OPTION SALARY
John Means (SP, 32) $6M club option

Arbitration-Eligibility

Kwan has two more arbitration years ahead of him and hasn’t been thrilled with Cleveland’s extension offers to date. He’ll be floated in trade discussions this winter.

PLAYER PROJ. ARB SALARY
Steven Kwan (OF, 28) $8.5M
Ben Lively (SP, 34) $2.5M
Nolan Jones (OF, 28) $2M
Kolby Allard (RP, 28) $2M
Sam Hentges (RP, 29) $1.4M
David Fry (DH/C, 30) $1.25M
Matt Festa (RP, 33) $1.25M
Will Brennan (OF, 28) $1M

Guaranteed Salary

Ramirez has 3 years, $69M remaining on his latest extension and remains one of the most consistent all-around players in MLB. Bibee fell back down to earth a bit after 2 outstanding seasons to debut his career. It should also be noted that RP Emmanuel Clase ($6M) & P Luis Ortiz (pre-arbitration) remain on the restricted list as the league investigates their ties to an alleged gambling ring.

PLAYER CBT SALARY
José Ramírez (3B, 33) $20.1M
Tanner Bibee (SP, 27) $9.6M
Austin Hedges (C, 33) $4M
Trevor Stephan (RP, 39) $2.5M (buried)

Team Tax Projections

Cleveland dropped about $18M of CBT payroll from 2024-2025, and they head into the 2026 league year with a tax projection less than $90M ($155M of space). With so many young players primed for pivotal roles next season, it seems like the right winter for the Guardians to take a stab at one or more experienced (and subsequently expensive) bats.

Spotrac's 2026 MLB Offseason Previews

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Detroit Tigers Offseason Preview

Michael GinnittiOctober 27, 2025
© USA Today Sports

The 87-wins for Detroit last season was their most since the 2014 campaign, vaulting them into the ALDS before bowing out to the Mariners in 5 games.

A Bright Spot
Prospects on the way. INF Kevin McGonigle, CF Max Clark, and 1B/DH Josue Briceno had massive years in the lower leagues and are certain to be given looks at the MLB-level in 2026 - potentially out of camp.

A Big Concern
Tarik Skubal is entering his final year of team control in 2026. If the Tigers don’t believe they have the ability to keep him beyond 2026, they’ll almost certainly field trade calls this winter. It’s by no means a guarantee that he’ll be elsewhere next season, but the possibility is starting to build. The 28-year-old projects toward an 8 year, $300M contract in our system.

Related Links
2026 Tigers Financials
MLB Offseason Guides

Pending Free Agents

A list of relievers set to hit the open market could be a tell as to what this front office might be prioritizing this winter.

PLAYER MARKET VALUE
Gleyber Torres (2B, 28) $14M
Chris Paddack (P, 29) $10.5M
Kyle Finnegan (RP, 34) $10M
Tommy Kahnle (RP, 36) $4.8M
Rafael Montero (RP, 35) $1.1M

Option Decisions

Flaherty saw his player option escalate from $10M to $20M based on games started, which makes him more likely to exercise for the upcoming season.

PLAYER OPTION SALARY
Jack Flaherty (SP, 30) $20M player option
Paul Sewald (RP, 35) $10M mutual option ($1M buyout)
José Urquidy (SP, 30) $4M club option

Arbitration-Eligibility

The front office has been public about seeking out players that do a better job at hitting for contact this winter. Could this mean 1-2 power-driven bats are moved?

PLAYER PROJ. ARB SALARY
Tarik Skubal (SP, 29) $22.5M
Casey Mize (SP, 29) $5.5M
Spencer Torkelson (1B, 26) $4.5M
Riley Greene (OF, 25) $4.3M
Zach McKinstry (2B, 31) $4M
Kerry Carpenter (OF, 28) $3.5M
Jake Rogers (C, 31) $3.25M
Jason Foley (RP, 30) $3.15M
Matt Vierling (OF, 29) $3M
Will Vest (RP, 31) $3M
Tyler Holton (RP, 30) $1.75M
Andy Ibanez (INF, 33) $1.5M
Beau Brieske (RP, 28) $1.25M
Alex Lange (RP, 30) $850k

Guaranteed Salary

Baez’ improvement at the plate (to go along with Gold Glove defense) was one of the bigger highlights of 2025. He’s signed through 2027.

PLAYER CBT SALARY
Javier Báez (SS, 33) $23.3M
Colt Keith (3B, 24) $4.7M

Team Tax Projections

The Tigers finished off 2025 about $72M under the tax threshold. Detroit enters the offseason carrying a $135M projected CBT payroll, providing them about $108M of projected space.

Spotrac's 2026 MLB Offseason Previews

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