The Next Big Contracts in Baseball: 15 Players Poised for Extensions?
As the baseball world gears up for another season, the buzz around contract extensions is heating up. With free agency largely settled, teams are now turning their attention to locking down their homegrown talent. But here’s where it gets intriguing: which players are next in line for those lucrative, long-term deals? Last year, we spotlighted 15 candidates, and five of them—Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Garrett Crochet, Jackson Merrill, Cal Raleigh, and Lawrence Butler—signed massive extensions. Now, the question is: who’s next?
Here’s a deep dive into 15 players who could be in line for the next notable extension, complete with insights, controversies, and a few bold predictions.
The Contenders
Drake Baldwin, C, Braves (Age 25)
The Braves have mastered the art of locking up young talent, and Baldwin, fresh off a National League Rookie of the Year award, is a prime candidate. With five years of team control left, Atlanta might aim to buy out his arbitration years and secure him long-term. But here’s the twist: is it too early to commit to a catcher who’s yet to prove his durability over a full season?Hunter Brown, RHP, Astros (Age 27)
Brown’s 2025 breakout season put him on the map, but his agent, Scott Boras, is notorious for pushing clients to free agency. The Astros, however, have a history of extending Boras clients (see: Jose Altuve). Will they make an exception for Brown? And this is the part most people miss: Brown’s arbitration salary is already sky-high, which could complicate negotiations.Jazz Chisholm Jr., 2B, Yankees (Age 26)
The Yankees aren’t known for extensions, but Chisholm’s situation is unique. With top prospect George Lombard Jr. looming, the team might shift Anthony Volpe to second base, making Chisholm expendable—or a prime extension target. But here’s the controversy: is Chisholm worth a long-term deal if he’s not a guaranteed starter?Logan Gilbert, RHP, Mariners (Age 27)
Gilbert’s All-Star 2024 campaign has him on the radar, but the Mariners have yet to extend any of their young pitchers. With free agency just two years away, will Seattle finally pull the trigger? And this is the part most people miss: Gilbert’s consistency makes him a safer bet than teammate Bryan Woo.Bryan Woo, RHP, Mariners (Age 24)
Woo’s 2025 All-Star season turned heads, but he’s still four years from free agency. The Mariners might wait, but small-market teams often lock up talent early. The question is: will Woo’s price tag rise too high if they delay?MacKenzie Gore, LHP, Rangers (Age 27)
Texas paid a premium for Gore, but with Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi aging, securing Gore beyond 2027 is crucial. The controversy? Gore’s injury history might make the Rangers hesitant to commit long-term.Riley Greene, LF, Tigers (Age 25)
Greene’s 2025 power surge has him back on the extension radar, but his bWAR dip raises questions. If the Tigers don’t re-sign Tarik Skubal, Greene could be their next priority. But here’s the bold take: is Greene’s offensive upside worth overlooking his defensive limitations?Nico Hoerner, 2B, Cubs (Age 27)
Already extended once, Hoerner’s stellar 2025 season could prompt the Cubs to lock him up again, especially with Matt Shaw waiting in the wings. The controversy? Hoerner’s versatility might make him too valuable to let go, but is another extension justified?Shea Langeliers, C, Athletics (Age 26)
Langeliers’ power numbers make him a core piece for the A’s, who’ve been aggressive with extensions. But with arbitration eligibility looming, will Oakland act now or risk a bidding war later?Wyatt Langford, LF, Rangers (Age 24)
Langford’s consistency and youth make him a perfect extension candidate, but the Rangers might wait to see if he can sustain his production. The bold question: is Langford the next face of the franchise?Jesús Luzardo, LHP, Phillies (Age 27)
With free agency looming, Luzardo’s extension chances are slim, but the Phillies’ rotation uncertainty could change that. The controversy? Luzardo’s inconsistency might make him a risky long-term investment.Jakob Marsee, CF, Marlins (Age 23)
Marsee’s rookie performance was impressive, but with six years of team control, an extension isn’t urgent. Still, small-market teams like the Marlins often lock up talent early. The question: is Marsee worth the gamble?Jeremy Peña, SS, Astros (Age 28)
Peña’s Gold Glove and All-Star pedigree make him a trade candidate—unless the Astros extend him. But here’s the controversy: with Kyle Tucker’s departure, is Peña next on the chopping block?Freddy Peralta, RHP, Mets (Age 27)
The Mets traded big for Peralta, but their history with long-term pitching deals is spotty. The bold take: Peralta’s familiarity with David Stearns could be the game-changer.Daulton Varsho, OF, Blue Jays (Age 27)
Varsho’s elite defense and offensive potential make him a valuable asset, but with free agency looming, the Blue Jays might hesitate. The controversy? Varsho’s injury history could complicate negotiations.
Final Thoughts
As teams weigh the risks and rewards of extensions, one thing is clear: the next wave of deals could reshape the league. But here’s the ultimate question: which of these players will sign, and which will test the open market? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—who do you think deserves an extension, and who should wait?
