MLB offer qualification: Eight players tagged in one year, $23.15 million QO

Eight MLB free agents were offered a one-year, $23.15 million contract extension on Monday so that, if rejected, they could bring compensation to former teams. That group included Randy Arozarena and Seiya Suzuki.

This is one of the smallest groups that simply offers it ever. Only six players have one in 2020. There were 13 last offseason, and we saw as many as 20. From 2012 to 2025, 157 qualifying offers were made and only 18 were accepted, with a record four last year.

Each offseason, certain free agents are eligible for a qualifying offer (QO). Elected free agents have never received a QO before and have spent their previous season with only one team (that is, players cannot receive a QO during their season). QO is set to average the highest 125 salaries for a given year, and for the 2026-27 offseason a record $23.15 million.

Eligible players who will receive a QO during that 2027 season play under their 2026 salary, while those who drop it become free, albeit in conjunction with the QO compensation. That sentiment means that the former free agent is entitled to additional draft picks. The position of that draft pick depends on the state of the teams when it comes to the luxury tax and income tax credits.

On the other hand, a team signing a free agent attached to a QO will be penalized by the loss of a draft pick, again depending on the classification of the signing team when it comes to luxury tax and revenue sharing.

Most of QO’s judgments are clear. It is not a class of free agents that is much less coveted than free agents without much thought. It is in this middle that interesting decisions lie – first on the club’s side, then, if offered, on the player’s side. What happened more this year, with the CBA expiring and the new deal already included a discussion about the salary cap and restrictions on free agent contracts.

Players presented with a QO this offseason will have until 4pm ET on November 17th to accept or reject the offer.

Below you will find eight players who have received QO. Note that the players are listed in their order free agent ranking.

Adrian Morejón, P, Parents

One of the top relievers in baseball over the last three seasons, Morejón is gaining traction in the open market for having an effective four-pitch arsenal. In this way, it is possible to sign him and the team willing to convert him to a pitcher first. It could also remain in reserve, where it is likely to continue to dominate. The path must be chosen, but it is peculiar to this genius.

Trevor Rogers, SP, Orioles

Rogers was traded to the Orioles in 2024 and until then he was determined to have a path to work in the minors. After he returned in 2025, he was outstanding, posting a 1.81 ERA in 18 starts. He struggled to get a start last season, but made some adjustments and had a 2.90 ERA in his last 20 starts. The fallback option here is Tarik Skubal, who is not eligible for the qualifying offer.

Randy Arozarena, OF, Mariners

The power-hitting threat posted his sixth straight 20-20 season in 2026 with a career-best .381 on-base percentage and a career-best 5.7 WAR. He’s bringing free agency into his prime, despite his age 32 season’s durability issues, not to mention a few reasons to be concerned about his under-the-radar progression. However, the class is weak against big bats and will take its toll.

Seiya Suzuki, OF, Cubs

Thanks in large part to huge defensive improvements, Suzuki had a career high 5.1 WAR in 2026. Suzuki’s batting average and slugging percentage were in line with his career highs and he improved his walk rate to a higher rock OBP. The best way forward is probably to ignore the defensive gains and realize there’s a high board here with the bat for another several years.

Ryan Jeffers, C, Twins

There were rumors of a trade for Jeffers last August, but the Twins were suspended in the playoff race and buyers were made. An injury limited Jeffers to just 92 games, but he had a very good base rate as a catcher for four years, with quality backstop as well.

Jake Bauers, 1B, Brewers

The NLCS MVP and World Series champion is coming off a career year at the plate. He had a 140 OPS+ and 3.3 WAR in 144 games and 578 plate appearances as a two-hole pitcher for the Brewers on the roster. He takes an age that can comfortably be his life for one salary.

• will he accept? He never made more than $2.7 million in a season and retired from baseball relatively recently, as you may have heard in the playoffs. It would be very difficult to drop more than $20 million in just one season, but with the dearth of bats available on the open market, it’s possible to lower Bauers. Here I am on the fence.

Brandon Lowe, 2B, Pirates

Lowe just had a career high 5.4 WAR in 150 games in his first season with the Pirates, 30 home runs in his third career, and 35 home runs in 162 games. Are the defensive gains real or a one-year stay? Will his fight against the leftists be long-term?

• will he accept? It’s not likely, but this is double the previous career’s pay for the season. It should be a lot more expensive.

David Bednar, RP, Yankees

While there was some inconsistency (he was wild for some in 2024, for example), Bednar is coming off a great 2026 season. He was the best closer in baseball and with the Yankees he showed he could handle a high-profile closing job. He also has a good playoff track record. There’s not much in the way of a top-level closer on the free-agent market, so that certainly translates.