Qualifying offers to multiple Rangers' targets could alter offseason plans

All 30 Major League Baseball teams had until Thursday to extend the $22.025 million qualifying offer to all eligible players, leading to 13 of the most prized potential free agents receiving that offer from their respective clubs.

Included on that list are some players have at one point been linked to the Texas Rangers since the postseason began. Whether those were actual targets from the organization is true or pure rumor, the extending of a QO has the potential to alter those plans.

On that list is Kyle Schwarber, Trent Grisham, Michael King, Framber Valdez and Ranger Suarez.

How does 13 non-Rangers getting QO's impact Rangers' winter plans?

Built into the Collective Bargaining Agreement, qualifying offers allow the player's current team to extend an agreed upon sum for a one-year deal. The player then has the decision to accept the QO or decline and explore free agency.

Not every impending free agent gets offered a QO, it is typically is extended to players that have never received one before and spent the entire season with that one organization.

If the player does decline the deal, that organization can still re-sign that player in free agency but it protects them by guaranteeing a compensatory pick in the next MLB Draft. On the flip side, the organization that does end up with the player is subject to loss loss of one or more draft picks.

That's why it could potentially harm the Texas Rangers. Not fully willing to open their wallets this offseason, the Rangers still need a revamped offense, a new bullpen and a starter or two to complete the rotation.

Which of these players are a potential fit for Texas?

Rumors and free agent connections have been swirling since the regular season ended in late-September, the Rangers have been listed as potential fits or other MLB insiders have shared predictions and expectations.

The top name is actually one of the top free agents in the 2025-26 class, lefty power hitter Kyle Schwarber. The 32-year-old spent the last four seasons with the Phillies and finished the final year of his contract hitting .240 with 56 home runs and 132 RBIs, .920 OPS and was recently named one of the top three finalist for the NL MVP Award.

Other names extended QOs that have been attached to Texas this fall are potentially revived outfielder Trent Grisham, long-time division rival southpaw Framber Valdez, two set of soon-to-be ex-Padre starting pitchers Michael King and Dylan Cease, and another Philly Ranger Suarez.