Major League Baseball’s free-agent market will not open for business until Monday. Before that, teams and players will be deciding on contractual options. CBS Sports will be sharing the notable option calls leading up to the official start of free agency. the options can be categorized into those that were exercised and those that were declined.
Options Exercised
Max Kepler, OF, Minnesota Twins
Kepler performed well in the 2023 season, hitting 24 home runs and having a high OPS+. The Twins exercised a $10 million club option for him.
Jorge Polanco, 2B, Minnesota Twins
Despite missing some games due to injury in the past two seasons, Polanco has been productive when healthy. The Twins exercised a $10.5 million club option for him and also have a club option for the 2025 season.
Options Declined
Seth Lugo, RHP, San Diego Padres
Lugo had a successful season with the Padres, but he declined his $7.5 million player option to explore free agency.
Whit Merrifield, 2B/LF, Toronto Blue Jays
Merrifield and the Blue Jays both declined their parts of an $18 million mutual option. He will receive a $500,000 buyout and become a free agent. Merrifield made the All-Star Game but had a lower WAR than previous seasons.
Jorge Soler, OF, Miami Marlins
Soler decided to reject his $13 million player option. He had a great offensive season in 2023, hitting 36 home runs and having a high OPS+. He is now considered one of the top designated hitter options in free agency.
