Get ready for a thrilling ride as we dive into the world of baseball's potential contract extensions! The battle for talent is heating up, and these 15 players could be the next big-name signings!
With the majority of free agency behind us, teams are now turning their attention to their current rosters, assessing who might be worth extending. Last year, we predicted 15 extension candidates, and five of them indeed signed lucrative deals in 2025. But who's next in line for a big payday?
Let's explore some of the most intriguing candidates for the next notable extension, listed alphabetically with their age as of July 1, 2026:
Drake Baldwin, Catcher, Braves (Age 25):
The reigning National League Rookie of the Year, Baldwin is a key piece of the Braves' success. With five more years of control and two seasons before arbitration, Atlanta might just lock him down with an extension to secure his services long-term. After all, the Braves have a proven track record of retaining their young stars.
Hunter Brown, RHP, Astros (Age 27):
Brown's breakout season in 2025 earned him a hefty salary and a third-place finish in the AL Cy Young Award voting. But will the Astros keep their ace in Houston beyond the next three years? With Scott Boras as his agent, Brown could be headed for free agency, but the Astros have shown they're not afraid to extend contracts, as seen with Jose Altuve.
Logan Gilbert and Bryan Woo, RHP, Mariners:
The Mariners have secured their everyday players, but what about their talented pitching staff? Gilbert and Woo are two young starters who could be prime candidates for extensions. Gilbert, an All-Star in 2024, is just two years away from free agency, while Woo, who had an impressive 2025 season, is still four years out. Will Seattle keep its pitching core intact?
MacKenzie Gore, LHP, Rangers (Age 27):
Texas acquired Gore this offseason, paying a high price to add him to their rotation. With Gore under control for two more seasons, the Rangers might want to secure him beyond 2027, especially with the aging Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi set to become free agents around the same time.
Riley Greene, LF, Tigers (Age 25):
Greene makes the list for the second year in a row, despite a dip in bWAR. His power numbers and RBI production in 2025 were impressive, and with two more seasons of arbitration eligibility, the Tigers might want to lock him down, especially if they're unsure about re-signing Tarik Skubal.
Nico Hoerner, 2B, Cubs (Age 26):
The Cubs already extended Hoerner once, but with Matt Shaw potentially taking over next year, Hoerner could be extended again. Coming off his best season, Hoerner is a proven commodity, and the Cubs might want to keep him around, especially if they like the idea of Shaw's versatility.
Shea Langeliers, Catcher, Athletics (Age 26):
Langeliers is set to earn $5.25 million in 2026, his first year of arbitration eligibility. With two more years of arb and then free agency, the Athletics might follow their trend of locking down core players. Langeliers has been consistent, averaging 30 homers and 76 RBIs over the past two seasons, making him a prime candidate for an extension.
Wyatt Langford, LF, Rangers (Age 24):
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 into his thirties. With his age and potential, the Rangers might want to secure his services long-term.
Jesús Luzardo, LHP, Phillies (Age 26):
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 Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola, Luzardo's consistency could make him a valuable long-term asset.
Jakob Marsee, CF, Marlins (Age 23):
Marsee, with only 55 games under his belt, is under club control for six more seasons. While there's no rush to extend him, small-market teams have been known to take early-career risks. Marsee showed his potential last season, and the Marlins might want to build around him with an early extension.
Jeremy Peña, SS, Astros (Age 28):
The 2022 AL Rookie of the Year, Peña has a Gold Glove and an All-Star appearance on his résumé. With two years left until free agency, Peña could be a trade candidate or an extension target. Houston has dealt players like Kyle Tucker before free agency, so Peña's future is uncertain. His impressive bWAR since 2022 makes him a valuable asset.
Freddy Peralta, RHP, Mets (Age 26):
The Mets acquired Peralta, trading away two top prospects. With David Stearns, the President of Baseball Operations, familiar with Peralta from his time with the Brewers, an extension could be on the table. Will the Mets keep their new ace long-term?
Daulton Varsho, OF, Blue Jays (Age 26):
Varsho is an elite defender and a solid hitter when healthy. With few outfield options signed beyond 2026, the Blue Jays might want to extend Varsho, especially with George Springer also set to become a free agent. Varsho's high bWAR over the past four years makes him a valuable piece.
And there you have it! These 15 players could be the next big extension signings. But here's where it gets controversial... Do you think these players are worth the big bucks? Should teams be more cautious with their spending? Let's discuss in the comments! Are there any other players you think should be on this list? Share your thoughts and predictions!
