MLB qualifying offers issued as free agency opens
The MLB announced that seven free agents have been offered the qualifying offer. The qualifying offer is a one year deal valued at $20.325 million.
Players who have already received a qualifying offer in their career or was traded this past season do not qualify. This would remove players such as Justin Turner and Jordan Montgomery.
The following players have until November 14th at 4 pm to either accept and stay with their team or decline and test the free agent market:
RHP/DH Shohei Ohtani
RHP Aaron Nola
LHP Blake Snell
OF/1B Cody Bellinger
LHP Josh Hader
RHP Sonny Gray
3B Matt Chapman
It is widely expected that all these players will decline their option and pursue a more lucrative multi-year contract. Declining the offer allows their previous team to get draft pick compensation if they sign elsewhere.
There are five notable, six including Adam Duvall, right handed power bats that did not receive the qualifying offer. They are Jorge Soler, JD Martinez, Teoscar Hernandez, Rhys Hoskins, and Mitch Garver.
Red Sox have a clear need for a right handed power bat. If the Red Sox do not bring back Turner or Duvall those other names could be a fit. I particularly would like to see Boston have interest in Solder and Hernandez.
During the Chaim Bloom era, the Boston Red Sox steered away from major signings, especially ones with the qualifying offer attached. If the Red Sox are serious about upgrading the roster, that approach will have to change this offseason.
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