The MLB's Extension Puzzle: 15 Players to Watch Out For
The clock is ticking for some of baseball's biggest stars as they approach free agency. With the 2026 season underway, several teams are gearing up to secure their key players for the long haul. But which players are most likely to land lucrative extensions, and what factors might influence these decisions?
Here's a deep dive into 15 players who could be in line for notable extensions, each with their own unique circumstances:
Drake Baldwin, C, Braves (Age 25): The reigning NL Rookie of the Year is under team control for five more years, but the Braves might want to lock him down sooner. With a history of securing young talent, Atlanta could offer an extension to buy out his arbitration years and potentially some free-agent seasons.
Hunter Brown, RHP, Astros (Age 27): After a stellar 2025 season, Brown is arbitration-eligible for the first time. Despite his agent's preference for free agency, the Astros have a history of extending players, including Jose Altuve. Will they make an exception for their ace?
See AlsoOrioles News: Kyle Bradish Wins Arbitration Case - What It Means for the TeamPadres’ Miguel Andújar Signing: What It Means for the Backup Catcher Battle | MLB NewsOrioles 2026: FanGraphs' Projections and What They Mean for Baltimore's FutureKerry Carpenter's Plate Discipline: Can He Rebound in 2026?Jalen Chisholm, SS, Yankees (Age 26): The Yankees typically let players reach free agency, but they've made exceptions. With top prospect George Lombard Jr. rising through the ranks, Chisholm's future could be at second base. An extension might depend on the team's plans for Anthony Volpe.
Logan Gilbert and Bryan Woo, RHPs, Mariners: Seattle has locked down key position players but has yet to extend its young pitching talent. Woo, an All-Star in 2025, is four years from free agency, while Gilbert, an All-Star in 2024, is closer to the open market. Will the Mariners prioritize one or both?
MacKenzie Gore, LHP, Rangers (Age 25): Texas paid a steep price to acquire Gore, who is under control for two more seasons. With Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi aging, extending Gore could be crucial for the Rangers' future rotation.
Riley Greene, LF, Tigers (Age 25): Greene's value remains high despite a slight dip in bWAR last season. With 36 home runs and 111 RBIs in 2025, the Tigers may want to lock him down, especially if they're uncertain about Tarik Skubal's future.
Nico Hoerner, 2B, Cubs (Age 26): Already extended once, Hoerner is coming off his best season. With the Cubs' recent signing of Alex Bregman, extending Hoerner again could provide stability, especially if they plan to utilize Matt Shaw in multiple positions.
Shea Langeliers, C, Athletics (Age 25): The A's have been aggressive in locking up core players. Langeliers, with impressive power numbers, could be next in line for an extension to keep the team's core intact.
Wyatt Langford, LF, Rangers (Age 24): Langford has been a consistent performer in his first two seasons. With financial flexibility, the Rangers might extend Langford to keep him in Texas well into his prime.
Jesús Luzardo, LHP, Phillies (Age 26): Luzardo is set to hit free agency soon, making a new deal unlikely. With questions in the Phillies' rotation, his future with the team is uncertain.
Jakob Marsee, CF, Marlins (Age 23): Marsee's impressive rookie season makes him a potential building block for the Marlins. Small-market teams have taken risks with early-career extensions, and Miami might follow suit.
Jeremy Peña, SS, Astros (Age 28): The 2022 AL Rookie of the Year is a trade candidate if not extended. With two years left on his contract, the Astros might look to trade him, as they did with Kyle Tucker.
Freddy Peralta, RHP, Mets (Age 27): Traded for two top prospects, Peralta is the Mets' new ace. While the team's president has avoided long-term deals with pitchers, his history with Peralta could be a game-changer.
Daulton Varsho, OF, Blue Jays (Age 26): Varsho is an elite defender and a valuable hitter when healthy. With limited outfield options beyond 2026, the Blue Jays might consider an extension, especially after pursuing Kyle Tucker this offseason.
And here's where it gets controversial:
- Zac Gallen and Lucas Giolito, Starting Pitchers: These two unsigned starting pitchers from the offseason's Top 30 free-agent list could be wildcards. With camps opening, will they find new homes, or will they be the next big extensions?
The MLB's extension game is a delicate balance of team strategy, player performance, and market dynamics. Which players do you think will land the next big deals? Share your predictions and opinions in the comments below!
