Thirteen players have received qualifying offers this year, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. Here’s the list:
- Kyle Tucker, OF, Cubs
- Kyle Schwarber, OF/DH, Phillies
- Bo Bichette, SS/2B, Blue Jays
- Framber Valdez, LHP, Astros
- Dylan Cease, RHP, Padres
- Ranger Suarez, LHP, Phillies
- Edwin Diaz, RHP, Mets
- Zac Gallen, RHP, D-backs
- Shota Imanaga, LHP, Cubs
- Michael King, RHP, Padres
- Trent Grisham, OF, Yankees
- Gleyber Torres, 2B, Tigers
- Brandon Woodruff, RHP, Brewers
This year, the qualifying offer is set at $22.025 million. These players have until November 18 to decide whether to accept the offer or test free agency. If they accept, they won’t be able to be traded without their consent until June 15 of the next year. If they decline, teams that sign them will face draft pick and international bonus penalties based on their financial status.
Most players on the list were expected to receive offers. Torres and Imanaga were the exceptions. Torres had a solid season followed by a slump, while Imanaga recently opted out of a significant contract. He may be betting that a qualifying offer gives him a better opportunity for financial gain than the guaranteed money he turned down.
The qualifying offer amount is calculated based on the average salaries of MLB’s highest-paid players. This system impacts both players and teams, as teams that sign qualified free agents may lose draft picks.
Notably, some players did not receive qualifying offers. Lucas Giolito, for example, had elbow issues that cut his season short. Robert Suarez opted out but is moving into his mid-30s, making teams wary due to payroll considerations. Devin Williams had an inconsistent year, while Jorge Polanco faced injury challenges.
Most players will likely decline their qualifying offers in search of longer-term contracts, even at lower annual values. For instance, players may prefer a three- or four-year deal for $14 million-$16 million per year rather than accepting one year at a higher salary.
However, there’s a risk in declining. Some teams hesitate to sign free agents who might bring draft penalties. This can weigh down players’ market potential, particularly for those on the lower end of the qualifying offer spectrum. But for top-tier talents, the draft costs are often seen as part of the game.
It’ll be interesting to see how these players navigate their options as the offseason unfolds and what impact these decisions will have on the upcoming season. The landscape of MLB free agency is always changing, influenced by player performance, team needs, and market trends.
For more details on the qualifying offer system, visit MLB Trade Rumors.
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