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MLB qualifying offer tracker 2016

By Joshua Sadlock

Sep 30, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; Baltimore Orioles right fielder Mark Trumbo (45) hits a 2-run home run during the fifth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 30, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; Baltimore Orioles right fielder Mark Trumbo (45) hits a 2-run home run during the fifth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Major League Baseball teams have until 5 p.m. ET to make qualifying offers to their free agents; here is what we know so far.

Last year, a record-setting 20 MLB free agents received a qualifying offer. That number appears destined to be much lower this year due to an underwhelming free-agent class. The qualifying offer is part of the collective bargaining agreement between MLB and its player’s union. Under the system, teams have the right to make a “qualifying offer” to any free agents who spent the entire season on their roster. Teams can then receive draft-pick compensation if their player chooses to sign with another team. This year, the value of a qualifying offer is $17.2 million, up from $15.8 million in 2015.

Players who receive a qualifying offer then have one week to analyze the market with their agent and decide if they want to take the one-year deal or go out on the open market and seek a multi-year deal. Players who decline the qualifying offer are still able to re-sign with their original team. Last year, three players, Matt Wieters, Colby Rasmus and Brett Anderson, became the first to sign the offer since it was added to the CBA for the 2012-13 offseason.

As of this writing, nine players will receive the qualifying offer, with several other candidates still up in the air. By the 5:00 p.m. deadline, the list should crack double digits.

  • Jeremy Hellickson, SP  Philadelphia Phillies
  • Yoenis Cespedes, OF, New York Mets
  • Neil Walker, 2B, Mets (team reportedly “intends” to barring setback in injury rehab)
  • Edwin Encarnacion, 1B/DH, Toronto Blue Jays
  • Jose Bautista, RF/DH, Blue Jays
  • Ian Desmond, CF, Texas Rangers
  • Dexter Fowler, CF Chicago Cubs
  • Kenley Jansen, RP, Los Angeles Dodgers
  • Justin Turner, 3B, Dodgers

At first glance, Hellickson appears to be the player most likely to accept the one-year offer. The former AL Rookie of the Year resurrected his career in Philadelphia. Prior to 2016, the right-hander had gone 22-27 with a 4.86 ERA from 2013 to 2015. Teams may be reluctant to lose a draft pick and commit to a long-term deal to sign a pitcher with a checkered past like Hellickson.

The Baltimore Orioles have two free agents who are candidates to receive the offer — Mark Trumbo and Wieters. As of now, Trumbo is a lock to receive the QO after leading the AL in home runs. Wieters is unlikely to receive the offer for a second straight year.

Another interesting name to watch in the QO process is Mike Napoli of the Cleveland Indians. The first baseman signed with the team as a free agent last year for $7 million. The offer of $17.2 million would certainly represent a major salary upgrade for Napoli, who has never made more than $16 million as a major leaguer. The free-agent class drops off considerably after Napoli, and any other player receiving the offer would be a major gamble from a front office.

Check back throughout the day as the list is updated.

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