The world of baseball is buzzing with anticipation as we explore the potential for significant contract extensions. The future of these players is on the line, and the decisions made could 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, evaluating which players might be worth locking down with long-term deals. Last year, we identified 15 players who were extension candidates, and five of them have already signed lucrative deals. Now, we present a new list of 15 players who could be the next big names to receive notable extensions.
But here's where it gets controversial... Some of these players are still years away from free agency, but their impressive performances and potential have teams considering early extensions. And this is the part most people miss: these early extensions can provide financial security for the players and stability for the teams, especially in a league as competitive as MLB.
Let's dive into the list (presented alphabetically, with players' ages as of July 1, 2026):
Drake Baldwin, C, Braves, Age 25: The reigning National League Rookie of the Year, Baldwin is under team control for another five years. Atlanta might look to extend him to secure his services beyond arbitration and potentially into his free agency years. With the Braves' track record of locking down young talent, this move wouldn't be surprising.
Hunter Brown, RHP, Astros, Age 27: Brown's breakout season in 2025 earned him a top-three finish in AL Cy Young voting and a hefty salary in his first arbitration-eligible season. The Astros might want to keep their ace in Houston for more than just the next three years. Brown's representation by Scott Boras adds an interesting dynamic, as Boras typically aims to get his clients to free agency.
Logan Gilbert, RHP, Mariners: Eligible for free agency after the 2027 season, Gilbert was an All-Star and finished sixth in Cy Young voting in 2024. He's the closest of the Mariners' young starters to free agency, making him a prime candidate for an extension.
Bryan Woo, RHP, Mariners: Woo is still four years away from free agency, but his All-Star season in 2025 and fifth-place finish in AL Cy Young voting make him an attractive extension candidate. The Mariners have yet to extend any of their young, talented pitching staff, so Woo could be the first.
MacKenzie Gore, LHP, Rangers: Texas paid a high price to acquire Gore this offseason, and he's under team control for two more seasons. Securing Gore beyond 2027 could be crucial for the Rangers' transition post-deGrom/Eovaldi.
Riley Greene, LF, Tigers: Greene makes the list for a second straight season, despite a dip in bWAR in 2025. He set career highs in home runs, RBIs, and slugging percentage last season. The Tigers might look to extend Greene, especially if they don't believe they'll re-sign Tarik Skubal next offseason.
Nico Hoerner, 2B, Cubs: Hoerner was extended in March 2023, buying out his final two years of arbitration and his first year of free agency. With Matt Shaw potentially taking over a utility role, the Cubs could look to extend Hoerner again, especially if they want Shaw to move around the diamond.
Shea Langeliers, C, Athletics: Langeliers will be arbitration-eligible for two more years before becoming a free agent. Given the Athletics' history of locking up their core players, it's not surprising that they might try to extend Langeliers, who has averaged impressive home run and RBI numbers over the past two seasons.
Wyatt Langford, LF, Rangers: Texas has financial flexibility in the coming years, with only two players on guaranteed contracts beyond 2027. Langford has been a consistent performer, and the Rangers could look to extend him and keep him in Texas into his thirties.
Jesús Luzardo, LHP, Phillies: Luzardo is set to hit the open market at the end of the season, so an extension is unlikely this close to free agency. However, with questions surrounding the Phillies' rotation beyond 2026, Luzardo's consistency and performance could make him a long-term option for the team.
Jakob Marsee, CF, Marlins: Marsee is under club control for six more seasons, so there's no urgency to sign him to an extension soon. However, small-market teams have rolled the dice with early-career deals, and Marsee's impressive debut season shows he's the type of young talent the Marlins can build around.
Jeremy Peña, SS, Astros: The 2022 AL Rookie of the Year, Peña has a Gold Glove and an All-Star appearance on his résumé. With two years left until free agency, Peña could be a trade candidate or a potential extension target. Houston's history of dealing players before free agency adds an intriguing element to Peña's situation.
Freddy Peralta, RHP, Mets: The Mets traded top prospects Brandon Sproat and Jett Williams to acquire Peralta, giving New York its sought-after No. 1 starter. President of Baseball Operations David Stearns, who traded for Peralta in 2015 while with the Brewers, might be open to signing Peralta to a long-term deal.
Daulton Varsho, OF, Blue Jays: Varsho will hit the free-agent market after the 2026 season, and the Blue Jays have few outfield options signed beyond that. Varsho's elite defense and impressive bWAR over the past four years make him a valuable player the Jays might look to extend.
These players and their potential extensions showcase the intricate strategies and decisions that shape the MLB landscape. Who do you think will be the next big extension candidate? And what impact could these moves have on the league's future? Share your thoughts in the comments!
