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MLB Free Agency: Who could accept the qualifying offer?

By Dave Stevenson

Dec 8, 2014; San Deigo, CA, USA; A general view of the podium at the MLB Winter Meetings at Manchester Grand Hyatt. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 8, 2014; San Deigo, CA, USA; A general view of the podium at the MLB Winter Meetings at Manchester Grand Hyatt. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 15, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles catcher Matt Wieters (32) runs the bases after hitting a three run home run during the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 15, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles catcher Matt Wieters (32) runs the bases after hitting a three run home run during the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

The “maybes”

These guys probably aren’t going to accept the qualifying offer. But they should at least consider it and have a higher than zero percent chance of accepting it.

  1. Dexter Fowler: Fowler doesn’t really do any one thing great, but he does a lot of things well. He can’t really sell himself on any one skill, meaning he could have a hard time finding a new deal. If Fowler really likes playing for the Cubs, he should at least consider accepting it. He’ll likely be like Nelson Cruz in the 2013 offseason who had to wait until February to sign. He’ll likely get enough guaranteed money that it will be more than the $15,800,00 he’d receive.
  2. Ian Desmond: Desmond is probably kicking himself for turning down a $104,000,000 extension with the Nationals. There’s no way a team is committing $104,000,000 to him after a down year. He’s going to get paid. It’s not a secret that the Nationals would hate it if he actually accepted the qualifying offer. It’s a weak shortstop market so Desmond will get paid reluctantly by someone.
  3. Matt Wieters: Here’s a guy where it wouldn’t be surprising if he accepted his qualifying offer. He’s coming off a down year after having Tommy John surgery. It would make sense for Wieters to gamble on himself for one year and get paid $15,800,000 as he tries to rebuild his value. His agent is Scott Boras, so let’s stop pretending he’ll do that. He’s declining the offer. But dang is that a tempting option for Wieters to weigh.

Now for the guys who should deeply consider accepting the qualifying offer.

Next: The Guys Who Could Easily Accept It

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