MLB's 2026-27 Opt-Out Decisions: Berríos, Bichette, and More on the Clock

The 2026 MLB season will serve as a pivotal year for several star and veteran players facing contract decisions. José Berríos, Bo Bichette, and Corbin Burnes are among the most high-profile names who could become free agents by 2027. Their choices will shape not only their futures but also the strategies of the Toronto Blue Jays, New York Mets, and Arizona Diamondbacks.

José Berríos, 32, is in the final two years of his seven-year, $131 million contract with the Blue Jays. The right-hander can opt out after the 2026 season, potentially seeking a fresh deal after a 2025 season cut short by elbow inflammation. Berríos posted a 4.14 ERA from 2022 to 2024 but has seen his strikeout rate dip to 20.7%. For now, the Blue Jays are banking on a return to form and a full season from their former ace.

Bo Bichette signed a two-year, $84 million contract with the Mets in 2025, with a $5 million buyout if he chooses to opt out after 2026. The 28-year-old shortstop-turned-third baseman has struggled to start the season, hitting .228/.262/.263 in 61 plate appearances. But if he turns things around and proves his value as a third baseman, he could command another big deal in free agency. The Mets are counting on a bounce-back from one of the game’s most dynamic talents.

Corbin Burnes, 31, signed a six-year, $210 million deal with the Diamondbacks in 2024, with $64 million deferred. After a strong 2024 season, Burnes underwent Tommy John surgery in June 2025 and is expected to miss a large chunk of the 2026 season. If he can return to form in time for the end of the 2026 campaign, Burnes could pursue a new deal that could rival the $182 million Blake Snell received from the Dodgers in 2025.

Kyle Freeland, 33, has a $17 million player option for 2027 with the Rockies if he pitches 170 innings in 2026. The left-hander has struggled since the 2022 season, posting a 5.00 ERA or worse each year. The Rockies, in a rebuild, may prefer to let his option expire and move on, especially with the addition of Michael Lorenzen, Jose Quintana, and Tomoyuki Sugano this offseason.

Ryan Helsley, 32, signed a two-year, $28 million deal with the Orioles after a down 2025 season with the Mets. The former Cardinals closer has a 30.4% strikeout rate in 4 1/3 innings so far but has also walked 17.4% of batters faced. Helsley will need to rediscover his old form if he wants to cash in again in free agency.

Clay Holmes, 34, is in the final year of his three-year, $38 million contract with the Orioles. The former reliever has transitioned to a starting role and has posted a 3.38 ERA in 178 1/3 innings. With a 56.4% ground ball rate, Holmes has proven he can be a back-end starter. If he continues to perform, he could beat his $12 million player option and find a better deal in 2027.

Tatsuya Imai, 28, signed a three-year, $54 million deal with the Astros after making his MLB debut in 2025. The Japanese right-hander has opt-out rights after each season and could become a major league starter if he continues to develop. MLBTR predicted a six-year, $150 million deal, but the Astros have taken a more measured approach.

With the 2026 season now underway, all eyes will be on these players to see if they can justify staying or if they’ll test free agency once again.