The MLB's Next Big Contract Extensions: 15 Players to Watch
The clock is ticking for some of baseball's top talents as they approach free agency. With the 2026 season underway, several teams are gearing up to secure their stars for the long haul. But which players are most likely to land lucrative extensions before they hit the open market? Here's a deep dive into 15 players who could be up for significant contract negotiations.
As camps open, two highly sought-after starting pitchers, Zac Gallen and Lucas Giolito, remain unsigned, leaving a sense of anticipation in the air. While the frenzy of free agency has subsided, teams are now turning their attention to their existing rosters, strategizing about who to lock down for the future.
Last year, 15 players were identified as prime extension candidates, and five of them secured deals in 2025, including Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Blue Jays) with a massive 14-year, $500 million contract. Now, the spotlight shifts to the next batch of potential signees.
Here's a list of 15 players who could be in line for notable extensions:
Drake Baldwin, C, Braves (Age 25): The reigning NL Rookie of the Year is under control for five more years, but the Braves might want to secure him long-term, buying out his arbitration years and potentially some free-agent seasons. A bold move, but one that could pay dividends for Atlanta.
Hunter Brown, RHP, Astros (Age 27): After a stellar 2025 season, Brown is arbitration-eligible for the first time. The Astros may want to keep their ace in Houston beyond the next three years, despite his agent's preference for free agency. A potential extension could be on the cards, especially considering the team's history with Jose Altuve.
Jalen Chisholm, SS, Yankees (Age 26): The Yankees typically let players reach free agency, but exceptions exist. Chisholm could be one, depending on the team's plans for Anthony Volpe and top prospect George Lombard Jr. A shift in dynamics might prompt an extension offer.
Logan Gilbert and Bryan Woo, RHP, Mariners (Ages 27 and 25): The Mariners have locked down key players but have yet to extend their young pitching talent. Woo, an All-Star in 2025, and Gilbert, an All-Star in 2024, could be prime candidates for extensions, with Woo further away from free agency.
MacKenzie Gore, LHP, Rangers (Age 27): Traded for a hefty price, Gore is a 2025 All-Star with two years of control left. The Rangers might want to secure him beyond 2027, especially with the impending free agency of Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi.
Riley Greene, LF, Tigers (Age 25): Despite a dip in bWAR, Greene had a career year in 2025. With two years of arbitration eligibility left, he's a prime candidate for an extension, especially if the Tigers foresee a departure for Tarik Skubal.
Nico Hoerner, 2B, Cubs (Age 26): Already extended once, Hoerner's stellar 2025 season might prompt the Cubs to offer another extension, especially with the team's flexibility in the infield.
Shea Langeliers, C, Athletics (Age 25): With two years of arbitration eligibility remaining, Langeliers could be next in line for an extension, following the Athletics' trend of locking up core players.
Wyatt Langford, LF, Rangers (Age 24): With financial flexibility, the Rangers might want to keep Langford in Texas into his thirties, despite him being four years away from free agency.
Jesús Luzardo, LHP, Phillies (Age 25): With questions in the Phillies' rotation, Luzardo's future is uncertain. He's due to hit free agency soon, but his recent performance might prompt the Phillies to make a move.
Jakob Marsee, CF, Marlins (Age 23): With six years of control left, there's no immediate pressure to extend Marsee. However, small-market teams have taken risks with early-career deals, and Marsee's impressive debut could make him a cornerstone for the Marlins.
Jeremy Peña, SS, Astros (Age 28): With two years until free agency, Peña's future is uncertain. His impressive resume could make him a trade candidate, especially if the Astros follow their precedent with Kyle Tucker.
Freddy Peralta, RHP, Mets (Age 27): Traded for two top prospects, Peralta is the Mets' new ace. While long-term deals for pitchers are rare, the team's familiarity with Peralta might change the equation.
Daulton Varsho, OF, Blue Jays (Age 26): With a strong track record and limited outfield options beyond 2026, Varsho could be a priority for the Blue Jays, who pursued Kyle Tucker this offseason.
And there you have it—15 players who could be in for a major payday. But here's where it gets controversial: which of these players do you think is most deserving of a big extension? Are there any players you believe should be on this list but aren't? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's spark a lively debate about the future of these MLB stars!
