Now that the 2024 MLB season is done, it’s time for teams — and players — to make decision on options. Several players decided to opt out of their deals for 2025, including a former Cy Young winner. On the other hand, two power-hitting infielders will stick around in their homes for next season.
Among the notable names who had their club options picked up for 2025 include Brandon Lowe and Eugenio Suarez.
Lowe, who played in 107 games in 2024, hit 21 home runs for the second straight year. His OPS was .781, Lowe’s best since his the 39-home run campaign from 2021. It’s the first of two club options for Lowe. He’ll make $10.5MM in 2024.
Lowe also has an $11.5MM club option for 2026.
Suarez, meanwhile, hit 30 home runs and drove in 101 for the Diamondbacks last season, after Arizona acquired him last winter from Seattle. He went on a rampage over the second half, as Suarez hit .301/.341/.602 with 20 home runs, eight of which came in September alone. Those eight tied him with Michael Harris II for third-most in the league.
It’s a $15MM club option for Suarez.
Additionally, the Yankees retained Luke Weaver for 2025, after New York (AL) picked up his $2.5MM club option. The Yankees signed Weaver last offseason to a one-year deal worth $2M plus bonuses with the aforementioned option.
It was a strong season for Weaver in 2024, as the righty became the Yankees’ closer late in the year and helped lock down their late-inning situation during the playoffs. He finished fifth among relievers (min. 40 GP) in total strikeouts (103). Weaver posted a strong 3.33 FIP/0.93 WHIP.
The Mariners, meanwhile, opted to turn down Jorge Polanco‘s $12MM team option for 2025. Seattle will pay a $750,000 buyout on the option. Polanco was brought in to help fill their hole at second base last winter. However, injuries limited Polanco to 118 games and he hit .213/.296/.355 (.651 OPS) with 16 home runs last year.
Polanco came from the Twins last winter. Minnesota, a few day earlier, declined their 2025 team option on Manuel Margot.
The White Sox declined their team options on Yoan Moncada and Max Stassi. The Moncada — who’s played 104 games over the last two years — one was expected, despite the $5MM buyout. He was due $25MM via a club option in 2025.
As for non-club options, Rhys Hoskins opted into his $18MM option for 2025, keeping him in Milwaukee for another year. Meanwhile, several other players decided to opt out of their deals for 2025.
Blake Snell exercised an opt-out clause in the deal he signed with the Giants in March 2024. Snell, who’s now the all-time leader in K/9 (11.2), struck out 145 over 104 innings with the Giants this past season. He also lowered his BB/9 to 3.8 from 5.0 in his 2023 Cy Young year. He attacked the zone more in 2024, to the tune of 42.8%.
Nick Martinez, who also signed a deal last winter with an opt-out, will re-enter the market. Like with San Diego, Martinez was used in a switchblade-like role, as he pitched in 42 games, 16 of which he started. He ranked in the 96th percentile in Hard Hit% (30.5%) and 99th percentile in BB% (3.2), en route to a career-high 142.1 IP.