Option Roundup: Cole Opts Out, Rizzo Becomes Free Agent

Players and their agents around Major League Baseball were busy Saturday.

With the World Series ending on Wednesday, Oct. 30, every player had until November 5 to decide on their options on their contract. Remain with their former team, or hit the free agent market.

The headliner, and least shocking decision, came from Yankees ace Gerrit Cole. The right-hander opted out of the remaining four years, $144 million of his nine-year contract with the Yankees. The Bombers have a chance to void the opt-out if they add an additional one-year, $36 million to his contract.

In Mets news, Sean Manaea opted out of his final one-year, $13 million of his two-year contract with the Mets. This move was expected, as Manaea changed his mechanics mid-season and blossomed as one the best starters in the National League. You can read more about the decision by clicking here.

Players weren’t the only party that had decisions to make. Organizations also held mutual and club options over their players, sending numerous players to the free agency for others to sign. Below is a list of players who have options attached for the 2025 season and whether or not they’ve been picked up.

Players With Decided Options

Cody Bellinger, CHC – $27.5 player option accepted.

Drew Smyly, CHC – Player option declined by the Cubs

Robbie Ray, SFG – Opted-in to final two-years, $50 million of five-year contract.

Wilmer Flores, SFG – Opted-in for one-year, $3.5 million.

Anthony Rizzo, NYY – Club option declined by Yankees.

Joc Pederson, AZD – Declined mutual option for 2025 season.

Freddy Peralta, MIL – $8 million club option picked up by Brewers.

Gary Sánchez, MIL – Mutual option declined by Brewers.

Aaron Bummer, ATL – Signed to two-year, $13 million contract. Had a club option prior to two-year deal.

Ha-Seong Kim, SDP – Declined mutual option.

Wandy Peralta, SDP – Opted-in for one-year, $4.25 million.

Merrill Kelly, ARI – $7 million club option picked up by Diamondbacks.

Players With Pending Options

Travis d’Arnaud, ATL – Club option for 2025.

Jacob Stallings, COL – Mutual option for 2025.

Austin Barnes, LAD – Club option for 2025.

Ryan O’Hearn, BAL – Club option for 2025

Joey Gallo, WSH – Mutual option for 2025.

Miguel Rojas, LAD – Club option for 2025.

Rob Refsnyder, BOS – Club option for 2025.

Mitch Haniger, SEA – Player option for 2025.

Marcell Ozuna, ATL – Club option for 2025

Michael Wacha, KC – Player option for 2025.

Nathan Eovaldi, TEX – Player option for 2o25.

Clayton Kershaw, LAD – Player option for 2025.

Frankie Montas, MIL – Mutual option for 2025.

Marco Gonzales, PIT – Club option for 2025.

David Robertson, TEX – Mutual option for 2025.

Danny Coulombe, BAL – Club option for 2025.

Andrew Chafin, TEX – Club option for 2025.

Phil Maton, NYM – Club option for 2025.

Luke Jackson, ATL – Club option for 2025.

Seranthony Domínguez, BAL – Club option for 2025.

Scott McGough, ARI – Mutual option for 2025.

Lou Trivino, NYY – Club option for 2025.

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