The world of baseball is abuzz with anticipation as we delve into the intriguing topic of contract extensions. The future of these 15 players hangs in the balance, and their stories will shape the league's landscape for years to come.
With the majority of free agency behind us, teams are now turning their attention to their current rosters, assessing potential extensions. Last year, we identified 15 players who were extension candidates, and five of them indeed signed deals in 2025, setting the stage for this year's potential moves.
But here's where it gets controversial... Should teams lock in their young talent early, or let them test the free agency waters first? This is the million-dollar question that will guide our exploration of these 15 players who could be in line for the next big extension.
Let's dive in and explore the possibilities, player by player, and uncover the strategies and decisions that could shape the future of these athletes and their respective teams.
Player Profiles:
Drake Baldwin, Braves, Catcher, Age 25: With five years of control remaining, the reigning NL Rookie of the Year could be a prime target for an extension. Atlanta might want to secure his services long-term, especially if they believe he's their catcher of the future.
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Logan Gilbert & Bryan Woo, Mariners, RHP: The Mariners have locked in their everyday players, but their talented young pitchers are yet to be extended. Gilbert, an All-Star in 2024, and Woo, who had an All-Star season in 2025, are both potential candidates, especially with Gilbert being just two years away from free agency.
MacKenzie Gore, Rangers, LHP, Age 25: Texas acquired Gore this offseason, paying a hefty price. With two seasons of control left, the Rangers might want to secure Gore beyond 2027, especially with the impending departures of Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi.
Riley Greene, Tigers, LF, Age 25: Greene makes the list for the second year running, and despite a dip in bWAR, his offensive output was impressive. The Tigers could look to extend him, especially if they don't plan to re-sign Tarik Skubal next season.
Nico Hoerner, Cubs, 2B, Age 26: Hoerner is already extended through his first year of free agency, but the Cubs might look to extend him again, especially if they want to keep Matt Shaw in a utility role.
Shea Langeliers, Athletics, Catcher, Age 26: Langeliers is arbitration-eligible for the first time in 2026, and given the Athletics' history of locking up their core players, an extension could be on the cards, especially with his impressive power numbers.
Wyatt Langford, Rangers, LF, Age 24: With just two players signed beyond 2027, the Rangers have financial flexibility. Langford, who has been consistent in his first two seasons, could be extended to keep him in Texas long-term.
Jesús Luzardo, Phillies, LHP, Age 27: Luzardo is set to hit free agency at the end of the season, so an extension is unlikely. However, with questions surrounding the Phillies' rotation, Luzardo's consistency could make him a long-term option.
Jakob Marsee, Marlins, CF, Age 23: With six seasons of club control remaining, there's no urgency for an extension, but small-market teams have taken early-career gambles before. Marsee's performance last season showed he's a talent the Marlins could build around.
Jeremy Peña, Astros, SS, Age 28: The 2022 AL Rookie of the Year has two years left until free agency, and with Houston dealing Kyle Tucker a year before free agency, Peña's future is uncertain. His impressive bWAR since 2022 makes him a potential trade candidate.
Freddy Peralta, Mets, RHP, Age 27: The Mets traded top prospects for Peralta, and while President of Baseball Operations David Stearns hasn't been keen on long-term pitcher deals, his familiarity with Peralta could change that.
Daulton Varsho, Blue Jays, OF, Age 26: Varsho is set to hit free agency after 2026, and with limited outfield options signed beyond that, the Blue Jays might want to secure his services, especially with his elite defense and solid hitting when healthy.
These players and their potential extensions offer a fascinating insight into the strategies and decisions that shape the MLB. Who will be the next notable extension? The answers lie in the coming months, as teams navigate the delicate balance between locking in talent and letting the market decide their future.
And this is the part most people miss... The impact of these decisions extends beyond the players and teams involved. It shapes the league's competitive balance, influences fan engagement, and sets the tone for future negotiations. So, who do you think will be the next big extension? The debate is open, and the future of these players is up for grabs.
