Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic writes that while Hamlin is in a contract year with Joe Gibbs Racing and is eligible for NASCAR free agency, there’s a ‘high probability’ that

Just as most in the NASCAR world expected, Denny Hamlin has been granted a playoff waiver for missing the Mexico City race this weekend. Hamlin chose to stay home with his family after his fiancée gave birth to the couple’s third child and first son.