Teams prepare for MLB qualifying offers ahead of offseason decisions

As the 2026 MLB offseason begins following the Milwaukee Brewers' World Series victory, over 100 players have become free agents. Teams must decide on qualifying offers, which this year are valued at a record $23.15 million. The deadline to tender these offers falls five days after the World Series, with players having until Nov. 17 to respond. The qualifying offer system, which could be affected by a new collective bargaining agreement, provides teams with draft-pick compensation if a player signs elsewhere. Several notable players are ineligible for the QO after changing teams or having previously received it.

• 3:27 PMCBS MLB — MLB qualifying offer: Predicting who will get a QO this offseason, plus how the $23.15 million contract works