2024 MLB Free Agency: Top 4 Stars with Player Opt-Outs for 2025
Sportsgrid Staff
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Sean Manaea – LHP, New York Mets
Sean Manaea has been a cornerstone for the New York Mets’ rotation in 2024, posting a 3.47 ERA across 32 starts. His 1.08 WHIP and 9.12 K/9 highlight a career-best season, leading the Mets to victories in 23 of those starts. With a player option worth $13.5 million for the 2025 season, it’s expected that Manaea will opt out to pursue a longer, more lucrative deal. Given his consistent performance and career highs, the market could favor the 32-year-old as he explores his options.
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4 MLB Players Facing Key Contract Decisions
The 2024 MLB offseason is filled with intriguing player options and opt-outs as several star players weigh their futures. From Blake Snell’s impressive year with the San Francisco Giants to Cody Bellinger’s poor campaign in Chicago, these contract decisions will shape the landscape of free agency. Each player must decide whether to exercise their options, opt out, or test the open market in search of long-term deals. Here’s a look at the top four players facing critical contract choices this offseason and what might come next for them.
Robbie Ray – LHP, San Francisco Giants
Robbie Ray’s journey has been marred by injuries since his Cy Young-winning season in 2021. Now with the San Francisco Giants, he managed just seven starts in 2024 due to a hamstring injury. Posting a 4.70 ERA in 30 2/3 innings, Ray’s production fell short. With an opt-out option and $50 million left over two years, Ray is expected to stay put, as it would be difficult to secure a better deal given his recent injury history. Remaining healthy and regaining his 2021 form could set him up for a stronger future payday.
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Cody Bellinger – 1B/OF, Chicago Cubs
Cody Bellinger’s time with the Chicago Cubs has been a tale of resurgence and injury setbacks. In 2024, he posted a .266/.325/.426 slash line, a dip from his stellar 2023 numbers. His 2.2 bWAR indicates a decline from his previous 4.4 mark. Injuries, including fractures to his finger and rib, affected his performance. With an opt-out and two years remaining at $52.5 million, Bellinger’s choice will depend on whether he feels confident enough to test the market amidst a competitive free agent class. Staying in Chicago seems likely, given the guaranteed money.
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Blake Snell – LHP, San Francisco Giants
Blake Snell’s two-year stint with the San Francisco Giants saw him reclaim his dominant form. In 2024, he notched a 3.12 ERA with a career-high 12.6 K/9 across 20 starts. Despite his brilliance, Snell battled injuries, including an adductor strain and a groin issue, limiting his appearances. With a $30 million player option for 2025, Snell is expected to opt-out, aiming for a longer-term contract after proving his worth when healthy. Teams will need to weigh his injury history against his potential for dominance.
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Sean Manaea – LHP, New York Mets
Sean Manaea has been a cornerstone for the New York Mets’ rotation in 2024, posting a 3.47 ERA across 32 starts. His 1.08 WHIP and 9.12 K/9 highlight a career-best season, leading the Mets to victories in 23 of those starts. With a player option worth $13.5 million for the 2025 season, it’s expected that Manaea will opt out to pursue a longer, more lucrative deal. Given his consistent performance and career highs, the market could favor the 32-year-old as he explores his options.
Swing for the Fences with SportsGrid’s free daily MLB Game Picks and MLB Prop Picks.
4 MLB Players Facing Key Contract Decisions
The 2024 MLB offseason is filled with intriguing player options and opt-outs as several star players weigh their futures. From Blake Snell’s impressive year with the San Francisco Giants to Cody Bellinger’s poor campaign in Chicago, these contract decisions will shape the landscape of free agency. Each player must decide whether to exercise their options, opt out, or test the open market in search of long-term deals. Here’s a look at the top four players facing critical contract choices this offseason and what might come next for them.
