The world of baseball is abuzz with anticipation as we delve into the intriguing topic of contract extensions. With the free agency market settling down, teams are now turning their attention to their current rosters, assessing who might be worthy of a long-term commitment.
Last year, we witnessed five players secure notable extensions, including Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Garrett Crochet, who signed deals worth a combined $670 million. But who will be the next batch of players to land such lucrative contracts? Let's explore 15 candidates who could be in line for a significant extension.
But here's where it gets controversial... Some of these players are represented by Scott Boras, the notorious agent known for his preference to let clients reach free agency. Will teams be able to convince Boras to sign off on these extensions, or will we see a battle of wills between clubs and the powerful agent?
Drake Baldwin, Braves: At just 25 years old, Baldwin is the reigning National League Rookie of the Year and has five more years under team control. The Braves, known for locking down their young talent, might look to extend Baldwin's contract to secure his services beyond arbitration and potentially into his free agency years.
Hunter Brown, Astros: Brown's breakout season in 2025 earned him a top-three finish in the American League Cy Young Award voting. With three years left until free agency, the Astros might consider extending Brown to keep their ace in Houston for the long haul. But with Boras as his agent, will the Astros be able to strike a deal?
Logan Gilbert and Bryan Woo, Mariners: The Mariners have locked down their everyday players but have yet to extend their young pitching staff. Gilbert and Woo, both All-Stars, are prime candidates for extensions. Gilbert, with two years until free agency, is the closest of the Mariners' young starters to hitting the market.
MacKenzie Gore, Rangers: Texas acquired Gore this offseason, paying a hefty price to add the 2025 All-Star to their rotation. Gore is under team control for two more seasons, and with Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi set to become free agents in 2027, securing Gore beyond that point could be a key move for the Rangers.
Riley Greene, Tigers: Greene makes the list for the second year in a row, despite a dip in bWAR. His career-high numbers in home runs, RBIs, and slugging percentage make him an attractive candidate for an extension, especially if the Tigers don't plan to re-sign Tarik Skubal next season.
Nico Hoerner, Cubs: Hoerner was extended in March 2023, but with Matt Shaw potentially taking over his role next year, the Cubs might look to extend Hoerner again, especially if they want Shaw to play a utility role.
Shea Langeliers, Athletics: Langeliers, a catcher, is set to become arbitration-eligible in 2026. With the Athletics aggressive in locking down their core players, Langeliers could be next in line for an extension, especially given his impressive home run and RBI averages over the past two seasons.
Wyatt Langford, Rangers: Texas has financial flexibility with only two players signed beyond 2027. Langford, who has averaged impressive stats in his first two seasons, could be extended to keep him in Texas well into his thirties.
Jesús Luzardo, Phillies: Luzardo is set to hit free agency at the end of the season, so an extension might not be on the table just yet. However, with questions surrounding the Phillies' rotation beyond 2026, Luzardo's consistent performance could make him a long-term solution.
Jakob Marsee, Marlins: Marsee, with six more seasons under club control, might not be an immediate extension candidate. But small-market teams have been known to take risks with early-career deals, and Marsee's impressive debut season shows he's a talent the Marlins could build around.
Jeremy Peña, Astros: The 2022 AL Rookie of the Year has two years left until free agency, and with Houston dealing Kyle Tucker a year before his free agency, Peña could face a similar fate if not extended. His impressive bWAR since 2022 makes him a valuable asset.
Freddy Peralta, Mets: The Mets traded top prospects for Peralta, acquiring their No. 1 starter. President of Baseball Operations David Stearns, who traded for Peralta in 2015, might be the key to convincing Peralta to sign a long-term deal with the Mets.
Daulton Varsho, Blue Jays: Varsho, an elite defender and one of Toronto's best hitters when healthy, is set to hit free agency after the 2026 season. With few outfield options signed beyond that point, the Blue Jays might look to extend Varsho to keep him in Toronto.
And this is the part most people miss... These extensions aren't just about the players; they're about the future of the teams. By locking down key talent, clubs secure stability and a competitive edge. But with Boras in the mix, will these extensions be a smooth process, or will we see some fiery negotiations?
What do you think? Are these players worthy of long-term extensions? And will Boras be a roadblock or a facilitator in these deals? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
