Juan Soto and Max Fried headline the list of 13 MLB free agents who received $21.05 million qualifying offers on Monday, reflecting their significant value in the league. Teoscar Hernández, another standout from the recent World Series, joins them as teams look to secure their talents for the upcoming season.
Among the other notable players extended the one-year offer before the deadline were Pete Alonso and Alex Bregman. As the clock ticks down, players have until 4 p.m. ET on November 19 to make their decision.
Accepting the offer means these players will remain under contract with their 2024 clubs for another year. However, should they decline and opt for a new team, the signing franchise will have to forfeit draft picks, while their former team will receive at least one draft pick as compensation.
Since the inception of the qualifying offer system in 2012, only 13 out of 131 players have accepted the offer. Last year, all seven players who received the offer turned it down, including the superstar Shohei Ohtani, who left the Los Angeles Angels to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Ohtani, along with Hernández, celebrated a World Series victory over Soto and the New York Yankees.
A surprising inclusion this year was Boston pitcher Nick Pivetta, who recorded a 6-12 record with a 4.14 ERA over 145 2/3 innings this season.
[Related: Check out our rankings of the top 2025 MLB free agents and best team fits]
After an unexpected journey to the National League Championship Series, the New York Mets made qualifying offers to Alonso, as well as starting pitchers Sean Manaea and Luis Severino.
Other players receiving offers include Arizona’s first baseman Christian Walker and Cincinnati’s right-hander Nick Martinez. The Milwaukee Brewers offered Willy Adames, while Alex Bregman was extended an offer by the Houston Astros, and Max Fried by the Atlanta Braves.
Notably, Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler and St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt did not receive qualifying offers, allowing them the freedom to sign with other teams without any draft pick penalties.
A player is eligible for a qualifying offer only if they have been with the same team continuously since opening day and have never received a qualifying offer before.
Here’s the complete list of this year’s qualifying offers.
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Boston Red Sox: RHP Nick Pivetta
Houston Astros: 3B Alex Bregman
New York Yankees: OF Juan Soto
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Arizona Diamondbacks: 1B Christian Walker
Atlanta Braves: LHP Max Fried
Cincinnati Reds: RHP Nick Martinez
Los Angeles Dodgers: OF Teoscar Hernández
Milwaukee Brewers: SS Willy Adames
New York Mets: 1B Pete Alonso; LHP Sean Manaea; RHP Luis Severino
