After the World Series, teams and players have five days to decide on contract options. Some players can opt into a contract for next season; others put the onus on the team, and a couple of relievers have mutually agreed to contract options, but if one side declines, they become a free agent. Today’s post focuses on relievers of interest and what we think will happen.
Detroit’s Dilemma
From Jason Beck’s Beat Report for MLB.com:
How the team handles this decision will dictate how it rebuilds the bullpen and structures roles in 2027. Last season was his first since 2021 in which he finished with a walk rate over 10 percent (12.8 BB%). Only eight relievers since 2000 have recorded at least 20 saves in their age-39 season or older, including Todd Jones for the Tigers in 2007. The most recent was Fernando Rodney in 2018, who notched 25 with two teams while posting a 1.461 WHIP across 64.1 innings.
Jansen has been a trusted fantasy closer, but his ERA has risen in each of the last two years. Weighing the need for saves against the risk to his ratios at his age makes this decision difficult, along with the lack of proven closers potentially available in free agency. I think the team will decline the option, but stay tuned.
Player Options
Emilio Pagán (CIN): He has led the team in saves the last two years and can opt in for a one-year, $10 million contract. His familiarity with Terry Francona and the team makes me believe he will stay with the Reds.
Ryan Helsley (BAL): After being placed on the injured list for a second time following his last appearance of 2026 on July 27, Helsley did not return to the Orioles’ bullpen. He has a $14 million option and should trigger it based on his elbow issues this season. His role will be less clear with Félix Bautista back from surgery, but he projects as the eighth-inning reliever, not the closer based on his 1.514 over his last 71.1 innings.
Also of note
- Wandy Peralta (SDP): Has a $4.5 million player option for 2027.
Team Options
Andrés Muñoz (SEA): Throwing more change-ups helped the Mariners’ closer finish the season strong, but he tied for the most blown saves (10) in 2026. His underlying data and past pedigree should make his $9 million team option a slam dunk, but monitor how the team builds the bullpen for the upcoming season.
Carlos Estévez (KCR): He only made one appearance for the Royals and underwent season-ending surgery in September. Declining his $13 million is almost assured.
Garrett Whitlock (BOS): Understanding his late season struggles are attributed to pitching with a fractured tibia, his option for $8.3 million should be picked up by Boston. Over his last 81 games, he owns a 0.90 WHIP with 93 strikeouts and 14 walks (26.2 K-BB%) across 79 innings, recording nine wins, four saves, and 39 holds.
Projected Retainees
- Robert Stephenson (LAA): $2.5 million option for 2027
- Kyle Hart (SDP): $2.5 million option for 2027
Maybes
- Ryne Stanek (STL): $6 million option for 2027
- Rowan Wick (SFG): $800 thousand option for 2027
Projected Free Agents
- Antonio Senzatela (MIL): $14 million for 2027
- Trevor Stephan (CLE): $7.3 million for 2027
Mutual Options
Projected Free Agents
- Shawn Armstrong (CLE): $8 million for 2027
- Pierce Johnson (CIN): $8 million for 2027
- Jakob Junis (TEX): $5 million for 2027
Thanks for being a part of the Closer Monkey community. Stay safe and be well.
Statistical Credits: