April showers bring … MLB contract extensions this year?

Just a few short days after the season began, several players earned lucrative contract extensions well in advance of their current ones expiring. Boston’s ace Garrett Crochet signed a six-year, $170 million early extension, followed up by rookie teammate Kristian Campbell, who prolonged his stay with the Red Sox through 2032. Most recently, Jackson Merrill committed to a nine-year, $135 million deal with the Padres and Ketel Marte agreed to a six-year, $116.5 million extension with the Diamondbacks.

Although these extensions have been viewed as a result of unfinished Spring Training business, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a few more extensions get inked before summer officially starts.

Here are three players who are most likely to receive an extension next.

Kyle Tucker

Tucker has been due for an extension the second the Cubs traded for him. He batted .289/.408/.585 with 23 home runs last year with the Astros. He has been one of the most consistent hitters in the game recently, earning him a Silver Slugger in 2022, and his Gold Glove-level defense at the hot corner attracted plenty of interest during Winter Meetings.

Although owner Tom Ricketts has been saving more than spending money outside of Dansby Swanson’s seven-year, $177 million deal, there’s no reason why the Cubs shouldn’t extend Tucker. The Cubs have 12 players coming off their books in the next two years, including Tucker, so securing a solid core is essential to not regress into another rebuild. And without a high-ranking farm system, sans Tucker the Cubs can kiss their contention chances goodbye for the foreseeable future.

Riley Greene

Greene is considered one of the most promising young outfielders in the league. He had a .262 batting average last year, and his .474 slugging percentage and 24 home runs point to his ability to swing with power. Greene was also named an All-Star in 2024 for his strong offensive performance.

Detroit shouldn’t hesitate to extend their fifth-overall draft pick. Between Greene, Tarik Skubal, and Jackson Jobe, the Tigers are becoming one of the best drafting franchises, and they must lean into it hard to compel star free agents to join the team and strengthen the core. Locking Greene up to a few more years in the Motor City will serve the Tigers well, as they’re on the cusp of dominating AL Central for the next few years.

Freddy Peralta

Peralta has been one of the most reliable pitchers in the league. He held a 3.68 ERA and 1.22 WHIP last year while tallying 200 strikeouts over 173.2 innings. While he has never earned votes for the Cy Young and only has one All-Star game on his resume, Peralta has quietly made himself a dependable starter for Milwaukee.

The Brewers don’t often extend players, even when they should, but Peralta should be one of their exceptions. As cheap as owner Mark Attanasio is, the Brewers have no pitchers signed beyond 2026 and don’t have anyone in the pipeline they can count on to fill the rotation. Peralta should stay in Milwaukee for at least two more years as the Brewers’ pitching prospects find their sea legs in the majors.