Eight MLB free agents received a one-year, $23.15 million contract offer on Monday that could bring draft-pick compensation to their former teams if turned down. This group of players includes standout names such as Randy Arozarena and Seiya Suzuki.
Qualifying Offer Rules and Context
This group ranks among the smallest totals for qualifying offers ever, following six players in 2020 and 13 last offseason, with historical highs reaching 20. Between 2012 and 2025, 157 qualifying offers were issued and only 18 were accepted, including a record four accepted last year.
Eligible free agents must have spent the previous season with a single team and never received a qualifying offer before. The value is calculated as the average of the top 125 salaries for the year, reaching a record $23.15 million for the 2026-27 offseason. Players who accept play the 2027 season at that salary, while those who decline enter free agency, allowing their former team to gain an extra draft pick based on luxury tax and revenue-sharing statuses. Conversely, signing teams face a draft-pick penalty depending on their own financial classification.
Decisions become particularly intriguing in the middle ground, especially with an expiring collective bargaining agreement and ongoing discussions regarding potential salary caps and free-agent restrictions. Affected players have until 4 p.m. ET on Nov. 17 to decide whether to accept or reject the offers.
The Eight Players Receiving Qualifying Offers
Adrián Morejón, P, Padres: Recognized as one of top relievers over the past three seasons, Morejón attracts interest due to an effective four-pitch arsenal that could prompt a team to transition him to a starting pitcher, though he could also remain dominant in relief.
Trevor Rogers, SP, Orioles: After struggling following a 2024 trade to the Orioles and spending time in the minors, Rogers excelled upon his return in 2025, posting a 1.81 ERA across 18 starts. He serves as a fallback option to Tarik Skubal.
Randy Arozarena, OF, Mariners: Arozarena recorded his sixth consecutive 20-20 season in 2026 alongside a .381 on-base percentage and a career-best 5.7 WAR. Despite entering his age-32 season with some sustainability questions, he enters a weak market for big bats.
Seiya Suzuki, OF, Cubs: Suzuki achieved a career-high 5.1 WAR in 2026, largely driven by significant defensive improvements, while maintaining consistent batting averages and slugging marks alongside an improved walk rate.
Ryan Jeffers, C, Twins: Limited to 92 games due to injuries last season, Jeffers has maintained a reputation over four years as a very strong hitting catcher and a quality backstop.
Jake Bauers, 1B, Brewers: The NLCS MVP and World Series champion is coming off a career year featuring a 140 OPS+ and 3.3 WAR across 578 plate appearances. Entering his age-31 season after previously earning a maximum of $2.7 million in a single year, he faces a tough choice between accepting the guaranteed money or testing a thin free-agent bat market.
Brandon Lowe, 2B, Pirates: In his first season with the Pirates, Lowe posted a career-high 5.4 WAR over 150 games, hitting over 30 home runs for the third time in his career. While the offer would double his previous career-high salary, questions remain regarding his defense and performance against left-handers.
David Bednar, RP, Yankees: Coming off a strong 2026 season following earlier inconsistencies, Bednar established himself as a top closer capable of handling high-profile pressure with the Yankees, backed by a solid playoff resume.
