MLB Player News

Kim became a free agent Monday after exercising the opt-out clause in his contract, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

After Kim slashed just .234/.304/.345 in 48 games for Tampa Bay and Atlanta in 2025, it was not a given that he would opt out of the $16 million he was owed in 2026. However, the 30-year-old ultimately has decided to test out the free-agent market. Atlanta has a hole at shortstop, so it will likely make an effort to re-sign Kim, but he'll now be free to negotiate with all teams.

Alonso became a free agent Monday after opting out of his contract, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Alonso wound up having to settle for a two-year, $54 million contract with the Mets last offseason, but he had the ability to opt out after the first year of that deal and has unsurprisingly done just that. The first baseman slashed .272/.347/.524 with 38 home runs and 126 RBI for the Mets in 2025. Alonso is not eligible to receive a qualifying offer this offseason, which should help his market.

O'Neill will remain with the Orioles after declining to exercise the opt-out clause in his contract, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

O'Neill is owed $33 million over the next two years, and he's wisely decided to opt into that deal after slashing just .199/.292/.392 over 54 games in his first year in Baltimore. The 30-year-old should bounce back to some degree in 2026, but he will remain an injury risk.

Bellinger became a free agent Monday after declining his $25 million player option for 2026, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Bellinger will test out free agency after slashing .272/.334/.480 with 29 home runs, 98 RBI and 13 stolen bases over 152 regular-season games for the Yankees in 2025. The Yankees will likely make an effort to re-sign the 30-year-old, but Bellinger should have a healthy market as a relatively young free agent coming off a nice season who can play multiple positions.

Diaz became a free agent after opting out of his contract Monday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

Diaz had two years and $38 million remaining on his contract with the Mets, but he will forgo that salary as he seeks a longer and more lucrative free-agent deal. The Mets are likely to be in the mix to retain Diaz, but he will have plenty of interest on the open market. Diaz -- who turns 32 in March -- posted a 1.63 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 98:21 K:BB over 66.1 frames in 2025, notching 28 saves in the process.

Minter (lat) exercised his $11 million player option for 2026 on Monday, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports.

Minter made only 13 relief appearances for the Mets in 2025 before undergoing season-ending left lat surgery in early May. The left-hander is expected to be recovered in time for the start of spring training and will return to a high-leverage role in the Mets' bullpen. Minter could even see some save chances in 2026 if Edwin Diaz departs via free agency.

Suarez became a free agent after opting out of his contract Monday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Suarez had an $8 million player option in 2026 and 2027, but he will forgo those and enter the free-agent market. The 34-year-old led the National League with 40 saves in 2025 and boasts a 2.87 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 134:32 K:BB over 134.2 regular-season innings since the start of the 2024 campaign. Suarez should have no trouble landing a sizeable contract this offseason to serve as a closer.

The Rays designated Wilcox for assignment Monday.

Wilcox made his major-league debut this season with the Rays, getting roughed up for seven runs (three earned) over one inning in his lone appearance. The 26-year-old will go through the waivers process and could remain in the organization if he goes unclaimed.

The Rays designated Gerber for assignment Monday.

The Rays are doing some 40-man roster housecleaning and Gerber has lost his spot. The righty reliever made two appearances for Tampa Bay in 2025, allowing one run with a 4:0 K:BB over 4.1 innings.

The Rays designated Boushley for assignment Monday.

Boushley was a waiver claim of the Rays in September but never made an appearance for them. He's been outrighted previously, so Boushley will have the ability to elect free agency if he passes through waivers.