- Oct 16, 2026
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SportsMafia Wire graphic. Team logos and player headshots via ESPN.
The Brewers captured their first World Series championship in franchise history by defeating the Rays, who remain without a title.
Free agency opened at 9 a.m. ET for players with six or more years of service time, with trades involving 40-man roster players also resuming. A five-day exclusive negotiating window began, during which free agents may only talk with their most recent clubs. The most prominent example of such a re-signing remains Edwin Díaz returning to the Mets four years ago. Players may sign with any team starting at 5 p.m. ET once that window closes.
The qualifying offer was set at one year and $23.15 million, the average of the top 125 salaries. The Mariners can extend one to Randy Arozarena, though he and Seiya Suzuki are anticipated to decline. The Dodgers cannot offer one to Tarik Skubal after acquiring him during the 2026 season.
Several option decisions were due five days after the Series concluded. The Braves exercised a $17 million club option on Ronald Acuña Jr., while Luis Severino picked up a $22 million player option with the Athletics. Michael King and Bo Bichette both hold opt-out rights with the Padres and Mets, respectively.
The current collective bargaining agreement expires Dec. 1, and owners are expected to impose a lockout until a new deal is reached. Owners meetings, held three times yearly, will likely serve as a strategy session given the approaching deadline.
Source: CBS Sports - Thu Oct 29, 12:00 AM ET
Written by the SportsMafia Wire desk in our own words from the original reporting (AI-assisted, checked against the source).