This offseason, seven players received qualifying offers (a one-year, $20.325 million contract for 2024); however, none of them were accepted by Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET.
Accepting qualifying offers results in players signing season-long contracts with their teams at the agreed upon price. If a player declines, they stay free agents and their previous team will be compensated with a draft pick if they sign with another team.
Out of the 131 players who have received a QO since the system’s implementation in 2012, only 13 have accepted it.
This is a summary of the choices made this year, along with the compensation each club will get in the 2024 Draft for losing a QO free agent to a different team.
REJECTED QUALIFICATION OFFER
Shohei Ohtani, Angels DH/SP
In 2023, Ohtani’s unparalleled streak of two-way dominance persisted, until he sustained a right elbow injury that necessitated surgery. Even though Ohtani won’t take the field again until 2025, he remains one of the most eagerly awaited free agents in baseball history. After putting up an AL-high 44 home runs, 20 steals, and an MLB-best 1.066 OPS on offense and a 3.14 ERA with 167 strikeouts over 132 innings pitched on the mound, the 29-year-old is probably going to win the AL MVP Award for the second time. Ohtani has amassed 28.5 WAR since the start of 2021.
What the Angels Draft will pay if Ohtani signs with another team: Select following the conclusion of Round 4.
Matt Chapman, 3B (Blue Jays)
Despite his decline in 2023 following a scorching start to the season, Chapman was still an above-average bat (108 OPS+). Including his excellent hot corner defense, the 30-year-old was a 4.4-WAR player for the Jays (according to Baseball-Reference). Since Chapman’s debut full season in 2018, only three third basemen—José Ramírez, Alex Bregman, and Nolan Arenado—have amassed a higher WAR than Chapman (28).
Payment to the Blue Jays in the event that Chapman signs with another team: Select following the conclusion of Round 4.
Cody Bellinger, OF (Cubs)
The Dodgers non-tendered Bellinger, the 2019 NL MVP, during the previous offseason after he had slashed.193/.256/.355 in 2021–2022. The 28-year-old outfielder, who signed a one-year contract with the Cubs, will have another opportunity to test free agency after a breakout season in which he hit.307 over 130 games with 26 home runs, 97 RBIs, 20 steals, and a.881 OPS.
If Bellinger signs elsewhere, the Cubs will receive the following pick in the draft: Competitive Balance Round B.
Blake Snell, SP (Padres)
Snell, who has an MLB-high 2.25 ERA with 234 strikeouts in 180 innings, including a 1.20 ERA over his last 23 starts, will likely win the NL Cy Young Award when he hits free agency. Despite his occasional wildness (he walked 99 batters in 2023, an MLB record), the lefty has made 191 career starts with a 3.20 ERA.
Padres’ Draft payout in the event that Snell signs with another team: Select following the conclusion of Round 4.
Josh Hader, RP (Padres)
Hader had a career-high 5.22 ERA in 2022 after a difficult two months, but he finished 2023 with an incredible season. In 56 1/3 innings, the left-hander yielded a 1.28 ERA, 33 saves, and 85 strikeouts. After 349 appearances, Hader, 29, has a career 2.50 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, and 15.0 K/9.
Padres’ Draft payout in the event that Hader signs with another team: Select following the conclusion of Round 4.
Aaron Nola, SP (Phillies)
Nola struggled to put together consecutive strong performances in 2023, ending the regular season with an ERA of 4.46 (up from 3.25 in 2022), before turning things around in the postseason. He has made at least 32 starts and recorded 200 or more strikeouts in each of the last five complete seasons, so his durability and strikeout ability will make him a strong free agent.
Payment to the Phillies Draft if Nola signs with another team: Select following the conclusion of Round 4.
Sonny Gray, SP (Twins)
Gray has spent 11 years in the Major Leagues, playing for four different teams, but this will be his first opportunity to explore free agency. With a 2.79 ERA, an MLB-high 2.83 FIP, and 183 strikeouts in 184 innings, the right-hander is coming off of one of his best seasons since he threw 208 for the A’s in 2015.
Twins’ Draft payout in the event that Gray signs with another team: If he signs for at least $50 million, choose after Competitive Balance Round A; if he signs for less than $50 million, choose after Competitive Balance Round B.
NOTABLE PLAYERS WHO DID NOT RECEIVE QO
Astros: OF Michael Brantley
Blue Jays: OF Kevin Kiermaier, 2B/OF Whit Merrifield
Brewers: LHP Wade Miley
Dodgers: LHP Clayton Kershaw, DH J.D. Martinez
Phillies: 1B Rhys Hoskins
Mariners: OF Teoscar Hernández
Marlins: OF Jorge Soler
Orioles: RHP Kyle Gibson
Padres: RHP Seth Lugo, RHP Nick Martinez, RHP Michael Wacha
Rangers: C Mitch Garver
Red Sox: OF Adam Duvall
Twins: RHP Kenta Maeda
White Sox: RHP Mike Clevinger
Yankees: RHP Frankie Montas, RHP Luis Severino