The 2026 baseball season is underway, and with it, the opt-out dates for Article XX(b) free agents who sign minor league deals. These dates are crucial for players with six-plus years of MLB service time, as they provide an opportunity to opt out of their contracts and potentially secure a spot on a major league roster. With the regular season set to begin, players in camp on minor league contracts are racing against the clock to make their case for a spot.
Among the players listed, some have negotiated opt-out dates, marked with an asterisk, while others are Article XX(b) free agents with uniform opt-out dates on March 21, May 1, and June 1. The fate of these players hangs in the balance as they strive to impress their teams and secure a spot on the 40-man roster.
One player who stands out is Ryan Brasier, a right-handed pitcher for the Rangers. Brasier's average fastball velocity has dropped significantly this spring, and he's struggled to strike out batters, yielding seven runs in 7 1/3 innings. With the Rangers' bullpen in disarray, Brasier's chances of making the roster are slim.
In contrast, Andrew Chafin, a left-handed pitcher for the Twins, has been a bright spot. Chafin's fastball sits in the upper 80s, and he's held opponents to a couple of runs in five innings. The Twins' bullpen is in shambles, making Chafin's chances of cracking the roster more plausible.
The Cubs' Michael Conforto, a versatile outfielder, is also in the mix. Conforto, who took a minor league deal with the Cubs, has struggled this spring with a .261/.320/.348 slash in 25 plate appearances. However, he has competition from prospects and non-roster players, making his path to the roster more challenging.
The Yankees' Paul DeJong, a versatile infielder, is also in a tough spot. DeJong, who made the team as a non-roster invitee, faces competition from Amed Rosario and other infielders. With Anthony Volpe on the injured list, DeJong's chances of making the roster are slim.
Elias Díaz, a catcher for the Royals, is in a similar situation. Díaz, who is third to fifth on the catching depth chart, faces competition from Salvador Perez and Carter Jensen. With no clear path to a spot, Díaz's future with the team is uncertain.
Kyle Farmer, an infielder for the Braves, is also in a tough spot. Farmer, who can play all over the infield, has outperformed Jorge Mateo this spring. However, Mateo, on the 40-man roster, has the edge in the competition for a bench spot.
Ty France, a first baseman for the Padres, is also in a competitive situation. France, who can platoon with Gavin Sheets, faces competition from Jose Miranda, a younger and more impressive player. The Padres' lack of options makes France's path to the roster more challenging.
Adam Frazier, an infielder/outfielder for the Angels, is also in a tough spot. Frazier, who has struggled at the plate in recent seasons, faces competition from Oswald Peraza and other players. The Angels' thin roster makes it difficult for Frazier to secure a spot.
Mitch Garver, a catcher/designated hitter for the Mariners, is in a similar situation. Garver, who has struggled this spring, faces competition from Cal Raleigh and Andrew Knizner. With the Mariners' roster already full, Garver's chances of making the team are slim.
Randal Grichuk, an outfielder for the Yankees, is also in the mix. Grichuk, who can handle all three outfield positions and pummel left-handed pitching, is a strong candidate for a spot on the Yankees' bench.
Liam Hendriks, a right-handed pitcher for the Twins, is also in a tough spot. Hendriks, who has struggled in recent seasons due to injuries, faces competition from the Twins' struggling bullpen. With the team's poor projected bullpen, Hendriks' chances of making the roster are uncertain.
Rhys Hoskins, a first baseman for the Guardians, is also in a competitive situation. Hoskins, who has popped a couple of spring homers, faces competition from the Guardians' anemic offense. The team's need for offensive help makes Hoskins' future with the team uncertain.
Craig Kimbrel, a right-handed pitcher for the Mets, is also in a tough spot. Kimbrel, who has struggled in recent seasons, faces competition from the Mets' full pitching staff. With the team's already full pitching staff, Kimbrel's chances of making the roster are slim.
Peter Lambert, a right-handed pitcher for the Astros, is also in the mix. Lambert, who has allowed only one run in nine spring innings, has caught the eye of Houston brass. With the Astros' full pitching staff, Lambert's chances of making the roster are uncertain.
Derek Law, a right-handed pitcher for the Diamondbacks, is also in a tough spot. Law, who is expected to be sidelined into April or May due to a flexor surgery, is not expected to take the opt-out and will spend the early portion of the season rehabbing.
Jonathan Loaísiga, a right-handed pitcher for the Diamondbacks, is also in the mix. Loaísiga, who has held opponents to two runs in six innings, has a very good chance of making the club. With the Diamondbacks' bullpen vacancies, Loaísiga's chances of making the roster are high.
Tim Mayza, a left-handed pitcher for the Phillies, is also in a tough spot. Mayza, who has struggled this spring, faces competition from the Phillies' bullpen. With the team's already full bullpen, Mayza's chances of making the roster are slim.
Andrew McCutchen, an outfielder/designated hitter for the Rangers, is also in the mix. McCutchen, who has hit the ground running with the Rangers, is a strong candidate for a spot on the team.
John Means, a left-handed pitcher for the Royals, is also in a tough spot. Means, who is recovering from an Achilles rupture, is not taking the opt-out and will spend the year rehabbing with the Royals.
Rafael Montero, a right-handed pitcher for the Yankees, is also in a tough spot. Montero, who is dealing with visa issues, is not expected to make the Opening Day roster but could head to Triple-A once he sorts through the visa troubles.
Dylan Moore, an infielder/outfielder for the Phillies, is also in a competitive situation. Moore, who has struggled this spring, faces competition from the Phillies' right-handed bench bat. The suspension for outfielder Johan Rojas may still have opened a door for Moore to make the club.
Martín Pérez, a left-handed pitcher for the Braves, is also in the mix. Pérez, who has had a nice spring, is a strong candidate for the fifth starter's spot in Atlanta. With the team's need for a fourth/fifth starter, Pérez's chances of making the roster are high.
Brendan Rodgers, an infielder for the Red Sox, is also in a tough spot. Rodgers, who suffered a shoulder injury that required surgery, is out of the running for an infield job with the Red Sox.
Austin Slater, an outfielder for the Tigers, is also in a competitive situation. Slater, who can platoon with Kerry Carpenter and/or Parker Meadows, is having a far better spring than his competition. The Tigers' need for a righty-swinging backup outfielder makes Slater a strong candidate.
Dominic Smith, a first baseman for the Braves, is also in the mix. Smith, who can potentially make the roster as the team's top DH option against right-handed pitching, has had a solid showing this spring. With Jurickson Profar's PED ban, Smith's chances of making the roster are high.
Drew Smith, a right-handed pitcher for the Nationals, is also in the mix. Smith, who has been sharp in a small sample of 3 1/3 innings this spring, has a strong track record and is a strong candidate for a spot on the Nationals' bullpen.
Hunter Strickland, a right-handed pitcher for the Angels, is also in the mix. Strickland, who has pitched to a 3.30 ERA in 95 1/3 frames in Anaheim since 2024, is a strong candidate for a spot on the Angels' bullpen.
Mike Tauchman, an outfielder for the Mets, is also in the mix. Tauchman, who has a March 25 opt-out opportunity, is competing with top prospect Carson Benge for a roster spot. The Mets' minimal bench flexibility makes it difficult for Tauchman to secure a spot.
Chris Taylor, an infielder/outfielder for the Angels, is also in the mix. Taylor, who has had a nice spring, can play all over the diamond. However, his struggles at the plate in recent seasons make it difficult for him to secure a spot.
Lou Trivino, a right-handed pitcher for the Phillies, is also in a tough spot. Trivino, who has struggled this spring, faces competition from the Phillies' bullpen. With the team's already full bullpen, Trivino's chances of making the roster are slim.
Christian Vázquez, a catcher for the Astros, is also in the mix. Vázquez, who has struggled at the plate in recent seasons, is a plus defender. With the Astros' need for a backup catcher, Vázquez's chances of making the roster are high.
