Contract Chess After the Season | MLB News

The offseason’s biggest surprises might not come from signings—but from walkaways. Michael King, ranked 2 in free agent pitching, could vanish before the market even opens thanks to his 2027-28 opt-out clauses, with a decision due just five days after the World Series. It’s a contractual chess match across the league: Burnes (recovering from Tommy John) is likely locked in, while Holmes is poised to bolt for more cash. Ryan Helsley may use his option to prove health, and teams like Atlanta are picking up options on stars like Acuña and Albies—while quietly buying out underperformers like Gurriel and McNeil. This isn’t just about contracts—it’s about risk, recovery, and who’s willing to gamble on their future.

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